It was a bit cooler this afternoon, so I took the opportunity to try some food play. I need to rewatch the video lessons, but after spending some time in the pool with Shine and feeling energized, I decided to dive right in. I’m really enjoying this, Alex! I did feel a bit awkward while engaging in some of the play, but we definitely had a great time. @Alex Lato https://youtu.be/ukvsy1WRuPU?si=UZXRjRrX-wuiI5fz

@Alex Lato your thoughts, observations and advice would be appreciated! A few insights gained with this session. 1. I talk too much - trying to initiate engagement instead of waiting for the dog to engage with me. 2. Active disengagement while I'm talking - no eye contact, moving away, peeing and searching. 3. Searching for a toy to hold. I'm not sure whether having a (non-tug) toy in his mouth is for him to show me how to play, or whether it's for him to modify his arousal. Or both!! 4. Watch, observe and copy your dog. 5. Interestingly, I noticed later there was a toy lying in the bottom of the garden that could have been used as a tug toy. I did notice him looking in that direction, it was easily visible, and he seemed to visibly turn away from that toy and find another more "suitable" toy. Maybe he was trying to teach the silly old human something! Video - a little over the 2 mins I'm sorry. I sped up and edited out a lot of the first minute which was me "nagging" and Rufus wandering around the yard. He at least didn't leave the yard and find something else to do. I thought I had put all the toys away but he found this one, which is not one you can tug with. Once he brought that out, it was like, if you want to play do it this way. He has a very good prolonged play bow as an ask for engagement. I tried to copy some of his movement, tried to entice movement too. I physically cannot move fast due to past injuries and age. He's not a dog that likes in close rough and tumble play, even with other dogs. He will drop a toy if another dog comes near him and move away from them.

It’s very hot here, and now very smoky with fires north of us sending smoke our way so outside is not ideal at this moment. Because we were inside it hampered some of our play. Lots of noise so be prepared for barking! I thought this room was safe, but he found something to use as a toy (not for the first time) 😂

Hey guys have you got questions for tomorrows' Q&A? post them here in the comments so we have them in one place :) Ps. vast majority of you voted that 6pm is fine. Couple of you however preferred slightly later. Will 6.30 be ok so more of us can make it? Thanks and I will see you tomorrow.

Kairo absolutely loves social play! We’ve built it up since the first edition, and I’m now able to use social play to reward known behaviours. This video was filmed in the garden, but we used social play in our obedience class yesterday too. Any tips would be appreciated, as I’m keen to master this game! @Alex Lato