Five Fun games for dogs
Whether you're looking for ways to entertain your own dog or you're looking for ideas to help out at a dog shelter, games are a wonderful way to engage with dogs. And the best part is, they're usually pretty easy to set up and don't require a lot of equipment. Here are some fun games you can play with your dog (or dogs) today!
Fetch - the classic game that never gets old
Fetch will always be a classic game, beloved by parents and children alike. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of watching a dog retrieve the ball with its tail wagging and a glorious expression on his or her face! Even beyond bringing joy and entertainment to its players, Fetch is an absolute must for promoting physical health. It requires both your dog and you to exercise in order to play effectively - it’s an activity that everybody can benefit from! So be sure to make such an important game of retrieving part of your regular routine.
Tug of war - great for getting your pup's energy out
Tug of war is a great way to get your pup's energy out and have a little fun in the process. Not only does it encourage interaction between you and your pup, but it also helps to keep them physically and mentally active. Whether you use a rope or an old favorite toy, tug of war is always a good time for both you and your pup. Plus, since dogs love to play by nature, they love waging a friendly competition against their owners too! So if you're looking for an easy way to help your pup let off some steam, grab the rope (or toy) and see who can tug the longest!
Hide and seek with dogs - perfect for indoor days
Hide and seek with dogs make the perfect indoor activity when it's raining or too hot to go outside! It never gets old, as both you and your dog get a lot out of it. Not only does your pup get some much-needed exercise, but they also learn important skills like problem-solving and tracking. Plus, dogs love it just as much as people do - what could be better than that? To start playing, all you need is for someone to hide while their dog waits in the middle of the room. Once hidden, call their name and watch as your furry friend sets off on an exciting mission to find you!
Sniffing game - use your dog's natural sense of smell to have them find treats or toys
A fun way to spend time with your dog is to play the sniffing game! Instead of a regular game of fetch, old-fashioned hide and seek, or other simple activities, this game will give your pup's natural sense of smell a workout. All you need is some treats or toys to hide and your faithful doggy companion. Your dog will use their keen sniffing skills to search around for said items--which you can make more challenging by hiding them in increasingly difficult places if they seem bored. It's a great way to give your four-legged bestie engaging activity which revs up their nose power and makes for tons of fun bonding time.
Obstacle course - create an obstacle course in your backyard or living room using things like hula hoops, cones, and tunnels
Dogs love a challenge, so why not make their day with an obstacle course? Create an obstacle course in your backyard or living room using everyday items such as hula hoops, cones, and kids' tunnels. Dogs enjoy going over jumps and weaving between the hula hoops, running under the tunnel, and going around the cones. Have some extra fun by hiding treats around the course for them to find! Is your pup up to the challenge? Try setting up a few different courses to switch things up. Obstacle courses are great fun for dogs of all sizes and ages – give it a go today!
These are just a few games that you and your pup can enjoy together - there are endless possibilities. Get creative and have fun! If you have any other favorite games to play with your dog, we would love to hear about them in the comments below.