Blog Post Five

Tug-o-war: let the games begin!!

Welcome back, Bernie enthusiasts! Picture this: Bernie, our ever-energetic 9-month-old, standing proudly on the lawn, a big, chunky tug rope hanging from his mouth. If you've seen the photo, you already know what I'm talking about.

Tug-of-war, or as we affectionately call it, 'Tug', is Bernie's all-time favorite game. His enthusiasm for the game is boundless, whether his tug partner is human or canine. In the human category, the bigger, the better, because for Bernie, a more formidable opponent means a more exhilarating game of tug. My husband, standing a foot taller than me, provides the perfect challenge for our big boy.

When I'm alone with Bernie, we still indulge in some fun tug games. It may not be the epic showdown that he enjoys with my husband, but we have our fun, nonetheless. We've discovered that tug makes for an excellent reward during our training sessions. The promise of a good game motivates Bernie to learn new skills with even more enthusiasm.

Just this morning, we were working on 'Bow' - a command that involves Bernie lowering his head and keeping his gaze fixed on me while his bum is still in the air. After a lively round of tug, Bernie will dutifully drop the rope when asked, and give me a grand 'Bow'. It's an adorable sight - one that makes our play and training sessions even more rewarding.

Playing with Bernie isn't just training and discipline, it's a blast! It's watching him grow, learn, and express his boundless joy through simple games. It's about the twinkle in his eye when he sees the tug rope, the eager wagging of his tail, the adorable bow he gives after a game well played.

Our next adventure involves a particular boxwood hedge and an elusive ball, with Bernie and Tango at the heart of it all. Who's ready for some hide-and-seek?

Stay tuned for Life with Bernie: "The Boxwood Hedge Chronicles: A Peek into Bernie's Playful World"