Helping your dog stay fit, healthy, and happy requires a few games to spice things up. The right games don’t just burn off a few pounds, but they also keep your dog mentally stimulated, reduce boredom, and strengthen your bond through positive interaction.
The best part is that you don’t need a huge yard or some fancy equipment to provide a few games for dogs. While they are a plus, they’re not entirely mandatory. Simple classics like fetch and tug are already fun and effective options.
In this blog, we’ll share the best games for dogs, plus quick tips on how to choose the ones that fit your dog’s age, energy level, and size.
How to Choose the Right Game for Your Dog?
Before talking about the best games for dogs, let’s discuss how to choose the right one for your best friend.
Generally, the best one will depend on your dog’s breed. High-energy dogs and breeds will love fast and action-packed games, while smaller breeds will most likely prefer calmer games.
For example, Golden Retrievers love playing fetch and carrying games. Border Collies, a high-energy breed, love agility and training games. Brachycephalic breeds, such as Pugs, will need lighter games because of their facial structure.
Plus, it’s also important to take note of your dog’s age. Puppies and seniors will benefit from lighter activities and games, while adults can handle more strenuous ones.
The next factor is their personality. Confident dogs can benefit a lot from games that bring out their skills and talents. Shy or anxious dogs usually do best with predictable and confidence-building games.
Lastly, it’s essential to consider your dog’s health when providing games for them. Dogs with diabetes, arthritis, or breathing issues will require low-impact games.
10 Best Games for Dogs
Now that you know how to choose the right one for your dog, let’s talk about the best games you can try out.
Fetch
Fetch is one of the best games for dogs because it’s simple, physical, and mentally engaging. It’s like an all-in-one game that lets them track, think, grab, and return. Start with short throws, reward the return, and keep sessions upbeat so your dog doesn’t get bored or overstimulated.
You can use a lot of different types of objects in this game, including balls, toys, and frisbees.
Tug-of-War
Another great game for dogs is tug-of-war. It’s a great interactive game as you’ll be directly playing with your dog. Plus, you can also teach your dog some important skills here, such as taking, dropping, and waiting.
Use a sturdy tug toy and avoid pulling the rope upward, as this might strain your dog’s neck. If things get too far, be sure to stop playing the game.
Flirt Pole
A flirt pole is a popular tool used to train and play with dogs. It consists of a long rod with a string or rope and a lure toy attached to it. This can engage a dog’s natural prey drive for exercise, and it can easily tire them out.
This is a great option for outdoor play, as high-energy dogs will benefit a lot from this. Plus, it helps build confidence when you let your dog catch the toy, essentially letting them win.
Recall Game
This is another great game for dogs, as it also allows you to get a bit of exercise in. It works by tossing a toy or treat over onto one side and then running over to the opposite side while calling your dog in a playful way. When they reach you, reward them by giving a treat and repeating the game.
Hide and Seek
Hide and seek is a popular brain game for dogs as it builds focus and recall. Have your dog stay at a certain spot and hide somewhere nearby. Next, call them once and praise them when they find you. You can also reward them with a treat.
Find It
This is one of the simplest enrichment games, and it taps into your dog’s natural sniffing instincts. It works by giving your dog a treat on the floor and saying, “Find it.” After a couple of tries, start hiding the treats in easy-to-find spots. Make the game a bit harder as it goes on.
Soccer
Soccer is another game you can play with your dog, but you will need to teach them how to do it at the beginning. Start by getting a ball and slowly rolling it on the floor using your hands. This will help get your dog’s attention and interest. Once you have it, start giving the ball to them.
You can use cue words such as “push” or “kick” to help with the process. Repeat this until your dog gets the hang of it. After this, you can now play soccer with your dog.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys make your dog work and play for their food, which keeps them busy and mentally engaged. Start with an easy puzzle to avoid frustration, but not so much that it won’t be interesting. Rotate the puzzle to avoid boredom, and be sure to wash the puzzles after.
The Cup Game
Another game you can play with your dog is the cup game. It works by using three cups upside down and placing a treat inside one of them. Move the cups around and shuffle them slowly.
Now let your dog sniff around and once they have fixated on one cup of their choice, open it and give them the treat. Give them lots of praise and positive reinforcement once they pick the right cup.
Snuffle Mats
Snuffle mats encourage slow sniffing and foraging, which many dogs find calming. These toys are meant to hide treats, letting dogs use their keen sense of smell to find them. If you don’t have one, you can use a towel and roll some treats inside.
Let your dog sniff and work on it. If they find the treats, give them lots of praise. Also, be sure to supervise them so they don’t chew on the fabric.
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