THE BUCKET GAME - CHIRAG PATEL

Trainer, Chirag Patel developed the Bucket Game as a way to give dogs a way to communicate with their owners that they are comfortable with something without having to ‘scream and shout.’ he describes the game as a game of choice for dogs.

In this Video Chirag Patel Explains but feel free to skip below for practical steps.

USE’S

  • A focusing game.

  • Your dog learns how to communicate when they are ready for a new behavior to you. E.g Touch. Nail clipping etc…

  • Work off excessive energy.

  • The brain has trouble processing two things at once so when your dog is in a state of worry, the idea is to trick the brain in to relaxing by asking it to do something else.

STEPS

The Game- Step 1

Place a bucket full of treats in front of your dog. When your dog looks at the bucket give your Reward Mark ‘good’ give treat.

  • At this point if your dog is sensitive to touch, anxious of you approaching, then please follow Donna’s advice and treat on the floor at their back hind quarters, thus showing them you are not planning on touching them, yet!

The Game - Step 2

Start to add some movement in and when your sure your dog understands they must look at the bucket you can start adding greater duration, that they must look before earning their RM and treat.

Application - Step 3a

Start working towards touch. For example you may raise your hand near your dog. If they stay looking at the bucket you can give RM and treat.

Now next time you can move a little closer and closer until they give permission for you to touch by staying looking at the bucket.

Only touch for a moment to begin with to help them get it right.

Think distance first, then duration.

  • Go at your dogs pace. Only continue when your dog keeps their focus on the bucket.

  • If building up to touch on a sensitive dog try using a feather or similar first.

  • You can start to use the bucket game for other situations you want them to relax in. E.g around children or cats.

Step 3B

some extra examples here on introducing various steps/touch/ examination of your dog.