Australian Labradoodles are intelligent and quick learners, making them ideal for fun, interactive challenges. One great way to test and expand your dog’s problem-solving skills is by using everyday objects to hide treats. This not only keeps training sessions fresh but also encourages your dog to think critically and engage with their environment in new ways.
What You’ll Need
- A few small treats.
- Everyday household items like cups, boxes, or containers, aluminum pan.
- A quiet space for focus.
Step-by-Step Training Process
Step 1: Set Up the Challenge
Place a treat under or inside a common household object, like a cup, box, or bowl. Using different objects will expose them to new textures, shapes, and sounds as well. Keep changing things up! Make sure your dog can clearly see the object but not the treat. Watch here to see Duchess master this game using cups.
Step 2: Encourage Exploration
Allow your Australian Labradoodle to investigate the object. They may need to nudge, sniff, or paw at it to find the treat. Give them praise when they successfully access the treat. They also may need assistance in getting the object turned over to get to the treat.
Step 3: Increase the Difficulty
Once your dog gets the hang of it, increase the challenge by hiding the treat more securely inside the object, or by using more complex items, like a small puzzle feeder or multiple containers stacked together. You can use a cupcake pan with a ball on top that they have to move the ball to find the treat.
Step 4: Add More Objects
To make it even more engaging, add several objects in a row and hide treats in different places. Your Labradoodle will need to search carefully to find the right one, which stimulates their problem-solving skills and keeps the training session fun and dynamic.
Why This Works
This exercise taps into your Labradoodle’s natural curiosity and intelligence. It challenges them to think outside the box (literally!) and engage with their environment in a way that’s both stimulating and rewarding. Plus, it’s a great way to enhance their ability to focus and problem-solve.Final Thoughts
Using everyday objects to hide treats is a simple but effective way to challenge your Australian Labradoodle’s mind and reinforce positive behavior. It’s a fun, low-cost way to boost their mental agility while strengthening your bond through engaging, rewarding activities.
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