Dog Dock Jumping: Fun Dry Land Games to Build Drive and Motivation

Keep your dog active and focused with exciting dry land games. Build motivation, toy drive, and confidence before hitting the dock.

Learn how preference testing helps you choose the best rewards. Discover if your dog prefers new or familiar treats. Understand how novelty can boost motivation during training sessions.

Create strong toy drive with fun, structured play. Use a special toy that your dog only gets during training. Encourage chasing, grabbing, and tugging behaviors safely. Avoid high jumps that could cause injury.

Try the race game to build excitement and drive. Compete playfully with your dog to reach the toy first. Add laughter and fun for extra engagement.

Teach your dog to tug confidently using food-stuffable toys. These toys make play rewarding and help dogs associate toys with fun. Remember, tug games build teamwork, not aggression.

Introduce fetch games using treats or toys. Toss a cookie or toy in one direction, then another. This teaches your dog to chase and return.

Practice foundation games for focus and control. Use restrained recalls, sit-to-stand exercises, and tuck sits for better launch power. Strengthen muscles and self-control through repetition.

End each session with praise and rewards. Keep training fun, short, and positive. Avoid overworking your dog during new drills.

At Courteous Canine, Inc., we believe learning should always be fun. These dry land dock jumping games help dogs build strength, motivation, and joy.

Learn more about the class curriculum by reading the accompanying handout for the class.