It is great fun to play games with your dog. Both you and your dog will enjoy it. Take a look at this great dog game - and have some fun!

Have two toys, a favourite and a less preferred toy. You will also need either another person to help or your dog on a long line. Stand in the middle of the room, garden or field. Throw the less preferred toy for the dog to fetch. Repeat this a few times.

Then, throw the less preferred toy in such a way that your dog will run after it, even though you are not saying 'fetch'. Stop your dog from getting the toy - either your helper catches the toy and holds it so the dog cannot get it, or you hold the line yourself to prevent the dog from reaching the toy.

Call your dog to you. Most dogs will not respond immediately, but once they realise they cannot have the toy, they will turn to look at you. As he looks at you, praise him and produce the favourite toy. Throw this toy behind you, allow the dog to fetch it, and repeat the exercise.

The idea is to teach the dog that if he is chasing something and you call him, he should come to you as you have something even better for him and you are more interesting than the thing is he chasing.

Other games you can play with your dog:

o Encourage your dog to work for part of his daily portion of food. If he is fed on a dried food, scatter it around the house or garden. If you feed a wet food, divide it into portions and place in small bowls or margarine lids. Then ask your dog to find the food. Ensure that you remove uneaten food afterwards.

o Even when your dog is on a lead, you can get him to catch appropriate toys or treats, or look for treats you drop, or you can run with him or play controlled tug games. All of these help to make life more interesting.