Playing with your dog gives them entertainment, engagement, enrichment and builds a bond with you. It’s also really good for you – as often it requires you to move, switch off from devices and spend some quality time with your bestie.
Here is a list of quite a few different activities you can engage with. Whilst dogs enjoy consistency and routine, you can still ‘mix it up’ and add some different things to the ‘fun menu’.
Fun Games to Play with Your Dog
Walkies
Ok, it's pretty well known that walking with your dog is exercise, and you might wonder, how is that a fun game? Well, maybe not a game, but from your dog's perspective, it’s FUN with a capital F. They love getting outside, exercising, potentially meeting with other doggie friends and of course ‘reading’ all the ‘wee-mails’ along the way.
Running
If you’re a runner, and your dog is of a reasonable age and healthy, then this might be a great activity to do together. Remember though, middle of the day in our Aussie summer is not wise for them (or you) and build up a run gradually. If they are not used to running, start with a shorter run route for a while until they become physically fit themselves.
Training
Again, you might say this isn’t a fun game, but many big dogs (in fact, all dogs) enjoy the mental stimulation and time spent with you when training. In fact, some larger breeds like German Shepherds and Border Collies absolutely thrive on being stimulated, challenged and trained. Whether it’s fun training like roll over, or something more serious like stay or come, they love the activity of training.
Dog Sports
Dog sports, like scenting, flyball or agility, are just some of many dog sports out there. They get to compete, perform and train. Some breeds are more suited to some activities and some dogs take their sport (just like some humans) very seriously.
Throwing a Ball or Frisbee
Most dogs love the fun of the chase … or sometimes if there are a few, the fun of chasing the chaser. A bit of space (especially with a larger dog) is needed, but otherwise, it’s a case of having a ball or frisbee (or footy) that will keep them going for ages. Just ensure you monitor them and in the heat, don’t overdo it. Some very focussed dogs just don’t know when to stop, so be sure to monitor things and stop when you know they need a break. If you’re often out, there are also ball-throwing machines which do the job of a human. But really, they like it more when their human is there doing the throwing.
Hide & Seek
I’ve played this one with both Caesar and Theo and their sense of smell is incredible. They can smell footprints, and even if I double back, they smell the floor and follow my scent. Even hiding in a cupboard, I’ve seen Caesar smell on the door I put my hand to close it. When my children were littler, they would hide and then I’d ‘release the hounds’ to go searching. Usually didn’t take long. Great fun all up.
Tug from the Couch
Even if you’re sitting at night to watch TV, you can play a bit of tug of war from the couch and keep the engagement up. You might even decide that the TV isn’t so interesting and playing with your dog is much more fun.
Waterplay
In summer, sprinklers and hoses (or trips to the beach) can often be a fabulous source of fun and entertainment.
Trips & Adventures
Don’t forget, games can include trips and adventures. It might be you love hiking and I’ll bet your dog does too. Into kayaking (in safe waters), then I’ll bet your fur baby would love that also. How about boating or going camping? Any outdoor activity that you enjoy, there is a great chance that your best friends will also enjoy it. Just ensure you prepare as much for the activity for yourself as you do for them. If you have a pup, then introduce them gradually to anything which might initially be overwhelming or a bit scary. Remember, pups can’t walk anywhere near as long as an older dog, and even an older dog needs to build up its stamina and endurance. If it’s camping, for example, taking their food, bedding, leads, favourite toy, treats and ensuring their needs are met – then it’s sure to be a great experience for both you and them.
Food-Oriented Play
Kongs and such can provide quite a bit of entertainment in manoeuvring on how to get the food or treats out of the Kong. Snuffle mats do a similar thing.
Having said the above, a few things to reiterate and remember:
- Play dates with other dogs are ideally done with dogs they know and get on with
- Avoid overcrowded dog parks – particularly for a large dog; they need their space
- Don’t tease your dog. Holding something out of their reach, or making the game unattainable, isn’t fair and it isn’t fun.
- Consider safe environments. Eg, having your dog run down steps which are wooden and slippery isn’t sensible; all sorts of injuries and accidents can occur, including legs, hips and even colliding with furniture.
- If using food games, watch you’re not overfeeding your pooch. Ensure the treats are healthy and adjust their meal size accordingly. An obese dog is not a happy dog.
- Read the room, as the expression goes. If your dog is becoming aggressive, toy possessive, or overheating, then it’s time to quickly put an end to that activity.
Dog play and games are a fabulous part of every dog's life (just like children), it teaches them how to interact, how to expand their skills, how to improve their abilities and stimulate their mind, whilst often giving them some valuable exercise. In today’s world, where we are often living in apartments, or have yards which are very small, or are working long hours, we need to think about our dogs' lives and enrichment and what we can do to enhance their lives and give them the best life possible. Even something as minor as sitting down to brush them, or as I said earlier, going for an afternoon walk … that all adds up to their life enrichment. Speaking of walkies, it’s that time of the day for us – so signing off and heading out now for a nice late afternoon walk. 🐾