Some dogs have a lot of energy to expel throughout the day. So it’s important to make sure you have some fun games to play with your dog if you can’t get out for whatever reason.
Playing games with your dog is also a great way to bond with your dog. If you have been at work all day it’s also a nice way to relax and wind down after a hard day’s work. Dogs are very good at bringing a smile to your face when you are playing with them.
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Fun Games To Play With Your Dog
#1. Tug Of War Games
I don’t know about your dog but my 2 dogs love to play tug of war. Whether it’s a sock they like to play with or a rope toy, it’s definitely a firm favourite.
It’s also fun if you can get your two dogs to play tug of war with each other. A bit of friendly competition to see who wins is great.
#2. Hide And Seek
Just like kids love to play hide and seek it can also be fun to do with your dog. It really depends on their personality and whether they enjoy taking part – but lots of dogs do like it.
#3. Interactive Puzzles
There are so many interactive puzzles on the market now for dogs. Some are more complex than others requiring dogs to search out treats within the puzzle. Others are balls that house treats that your dog just rolls around the floor until the treats come out.
Many of these toys you do need to supervise their use. I find one of my dogs gets very frustrated when there are no treats left in the ball and tries to eat it.
#4. Training / Teach New Tricks
If can be a fun thing to spend time with your training them or teaching them new tricks. If you have a young dog it’s especially important to keep up with dog training. Spending 20 minutes each day will keep things on track and it’s a chance for you and your dog to bond.
If your dog is older it can always be fun to spend time teaching them new tricks. Maybe to pick up their toys, bring things to do, roll over etc.
#5. Obstacle Course
This could be an indoor or outdoor game and it doesn’t need to involve expensive equipment to set it up. You could just have a brush that you prop up or you might have an old tunnel that your kids used to play with. Or could use a bit of wood and prop it up as a ramp.
Lots of dog’s love agility training and this can be a fun way to get your dog into this – perhaps with the plan to take them to agility classes in the future.
#6. Which Hand Is It In
I know when I have a treat in my hand my dogs are very focussed on where it is and more importantly which hand it is in. If I show my hands to them they will tap the hand they think it is in.
Most of the time, after a little bit of sniffing, they get it right – and what I love about it is that it means we spend more time together rather than them grabbing the treat and running.
#7. The 3 Cup Game
If you have 3 plastic cups you can hide a treat under one of them and move the cups around and get your dog to tap or nudge with their nose the cup that the treat is hidden under.
It’s such a fun way to engage your dog – rather than just giving them a treat with no effort required on their part.
#8. Fetch
This is another indoor or outdoor activity that can be great fun and actually give your dog quite a bit of exercise.
I usually roll up a pair of socks for this one rather than use a ball if we are doing it inside. And of course remove any antique valuables that you might have before you start!
You could throw it down the hallway, across the lounge or maybe in the kitchen – whatever works for your house. I’ve even seen people do it up and down the stairs – just make sure your dog doesn’t hurt themselves running up and down.
Other Activities To Do With Your Dog
Whilst these are not strictly games – they are fun things that you can do together with your dog.
#1. Stuffed Kongs
Stuffing a kong or any interactive toy can be great to keep your dog occupied. If you add peanut butter and then freeze it – it lasts much longer. You can also add a few of their biscuits into the peanut butter mix which means you will use less peanut butter.
#2. Bake Treats
I love baking for my dog – the reason being that they LOVE my cooking. There is no such thing as a disaster in the kitchen when you are baking for dog – they are very forgiving taste testers.
You might like to try some of these recipes
#3. Watch a Movie
One of the nicest things to do with your dog is cuddle up on the sofa and watch a movie. Get the blankets, treats and the fire lit and put a movie on.
And the best bit – your dog always lets you choose the movie!
These are just some of things you can do when hanging out with your dog. We’d love to hear in the comments what you like to do with your dog.
