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PET TIP: The Trade Game

In response to COVID-19, the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) Door County Campus has temporarily suspended adoption services, and all adoptable animals have been moved to the Green Bay and Milwaukee campuses. To learn about WHS’s response to COVID-19, visit wihumane.org/coronavirus. Until adoption services resume, WHS will provide tips to help pets stay healthy and happy. 

The Trade Game

When your dog has a high-value item such as a special treat, favorite toy or chew, it’s important to help him feel relaxed and comfortable when you approach because taking items away from a dog can cause stress, anxiety and expressions of aggression. To help you both feel more at ease, try a process we call the “trade game.” 

You can play it with toys and household items that your dog often picks up, but don’t play it during mealtime. To teach your dog the trade game, first let her know that good things happen when you approach. Keep a few treats in your pocket, and when your dog is lying down, drop a treat and walk away. Do this for a few days; then begin our process below.

1. While your dog is playing with a toy or bone, throw a few treats in his direction. Keep your distance, and do not approach. If he readily eats the pieces that you toss, move to step two.

2. Always watching her body language for signs of discomfort, approach your dog. Drop a few treats next to her; then walk away. Once again, if she readily eats the treats, progress to step three.

3. Toss a couple of treats a few feet away from your dog. If he gets up, walks to the treats and eats them at a slower pace before casually walking back to his toy, you’re ready for the next step. If, instead, he races back to his toy or does not leave it at all, continue practicing the first three steps until he eats the treats and then casually returns to his toy.

4. Toss a few treats a few feet away from your dog, and while she’s eating the treats, pick up her toy. When she returns to you, give her back her toy.

5. By now, your dog should be readily trading items for treats. Add a verbal cue to the behavior, such as “Drop it” or “Out.” Say your verbal cue, toss your treats and pick up the item. Soon, the verbal cue will predict food for your dog, and he will happily let go of the item!