Mr. Sock-Face Game

I've been playing this game with Romeo for nearly 2 years now. I've since heard other versions of it, all with their own twist. I'll share with you my version ... or rather, Romeo's version.

It's called the Mr Sock-Face game, and all you need is your dog and a sock! I play this with Romeo nearly every morning as I get dressed to start the day. I sit on the edge of the bed to put my socks on, and Romeo hops up to get the game started. As I stretch open one sock in both hands, I start the usual dialogue (all in a silly accent to add to the fun):

"Hello Mr. Sock-Face."

To which, I (Romeo) replies,

"Why you callin' me Mr. Sock-Face?"

The answer to that is, drawn out,

"Because you have a SOCK ON YOUR FACE!"

I then quickly move to slip the sock over the end of his nose. Much hilarity ensues as he pulls the sock off his face, gives it a good growl and shake, then brings it back to me for another round. We usually play 3 or 4 rounds, and then I call it quits so that I can actually put the sock on my foot where it belongs.

This is a really fun game for those dogs that enjoy it. (Gio really does not find the game amusing.) Not only does it let them get all rowdy and barky, but it also helps teach a "game over" concept. When playing with your dog, you get to set the rules. So when you say "game on", the game starts. Likewise, when you call "game over", the game ends. Since the object of play (the sock) is soon to be on your foot as a piece of clothing, you can't have the dog wanting to continue the game and keep grabbing at your sock. So "game over" means game over, no more play time until you start it up again with a new sock the next morning. This concept should pass to all aspects of the dog's life. They will eventually learn that nothing is "theirs" for the taking. Everything is yours, and just because it is within reach, it does not mean that they can take it and do with it what they want.