How can you keep your dog’s brain stimulated when the temperatures outside are too cold for longer walks? Games that engage your dog’s mind! Free-shaping is a excellent “game” that both gives your dog a mental workout and improves your skill at training your dog (specifically, your observation skills and timing). Free-shaping can build confidence (when done correctly to avoid too much frustration) and improve your relationship with your dog. Here is a very good video that explains free-shaping and how to use it to play a game called “101 Things To Do with a Box.” The first half explains the concept and the second half demonstrates it.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer 