This game has many benefits – teaching a puppy or dog to release a toy, your dog will learn to disengage from something they’re enjoying, it’s also a first step in teaching a retrieve. You can begin using toy play as a reward. NOTE:  Did you notice there was a bait bag on the floor beside where we were playing? That’s a perfect example of disengagement – Paisley chose to disengage from the food because there was more value in playing with me.

TOP TIP:  After playing an arousal up game, finish with an arousal down game. Get your dog out of those disco pants and into their PJs.