Dog game guide
Follow Me for Dogs
A happy starter game for attention, loose movement, and staying close without pressure.
Make it cheerful, gentle, and easy enough for everyone to get right.
Follow Me should feel like a small shared joke between you and your dog. Keep the mood light, reward the little tries, and stop before anyone gets frustrated.
The goal is not a perfect trick in one session. It is helping your dog understand the game and want to play it again tomorrow.
Great for
- Puppies and new dogs learning how family games work.
- Kids who can follow simple, gentle rules.
- Dogs who need confidence without pressure.
Wait a bit if
- Your dog is too tired, worried, or wound up to enjoy learning.
- The game stops feeling playful and starts feeling like pressure.
Teach it in little wins
Set the rules first
Before Follow Me gets exciting, decide what starts the game, what pauses it, and what earns the next turn.
Begin with one easy rep
Make the first round so simple your dog can win right away. That keeps the mood playful.
Reward coming back to you
The best games do not send your dog away forever. Pay attention, check-ins, and returns generously.
Keep turns short
Short bursts beat long, sloppy play. Pause before your dog gets frantic.
Add the cue
Once your dog understands the pattern, name the game or the key action. Say it right before Follow Me starts.
Finish with calm
End with a scatter, a mat, a drink of water, or a quiet sniff so your dog learns how to come down too.
Little things that help
If your dog gets stuck
Make the next try easier. A quick win teaches more than repeating the same confusing setup.
If excitement takes over
Use smaller rewards, slower hands, and fewer reps. You can always make it more exciting later.
If kids are helping
Let an adult manage treats and timing first. Kids can join once the dog knows the game.
Helpful little extras
Soft training treats
Small soft treats keep the rhythm easy. Your dog can nibble, think, and try again without losing the thread.
Treat pouch
A pouch keeps rewards ready so you can catch the exact moment your dog gets it right.
Non-slip mat
A grippy mat helps your dog feel steady while they learn, especially on slick floors.
Training clicker
A clicker can help mark the exact moment your dog makes the right choice.
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Questions people ask
How long does follow me take to teach?
Many dogs understand the first version in a few short sessions. A polished follow me may take several days, especially if you are building calm manners into it.
What if my dog does not get it?
Make the next rep easier and reward a smaller try. Dogs learn faster when they feel successful instead of corrected.
How often should we practice?
One or two tiny sessions a day is plenty. Stop while your dog still looks happy to play.
