Classic Fetch

Classic fetch involves throwing a toy and having your dog retrieve it. Start by selecting a suitable toy, such as a ball or frisbee. Show the toy to your dog and throw it a short distance. Encourage your dog to retrieve it and bring it back to you. Reward your dog with praise or a treat when they successfully return the toy. American Kennel Club To keep fetch interesting, try variations like using different toys, throwing the toy in different directions or over obstacles, or playing fetch in water. The Spruce Pets For added engagement, hide the toy and let your dog search for it before retrieving it. You can also incorporate training commands like “stay” Mastering the Stay Command for Your Puppy or “leave it” into the game.

Hide-and-Seek

Hide-and-seek is a fantastic way to engage your dog’s natural instincts and provide mental stimulation. Start by hiding a treat or toy while your dog is watching. Use a verbal cue like “Find it!” and encourage them to search. As they get better, increase the difficulty by hiding the object in more challenging locations. You can even hide yourself and let your dog sniff you out! This game helps build problem-solving skills and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. American Kennel Club For more enriching games, check out our article on Dog Training Techniques. It’s a great way to keep your furry friend entertained and mentally sharp.

Tug-of-War

Tug-of-war can be a great way to bond with your dog and provide a healthy outlet for their energy. However, it’s crucial to play safely to avoid injuries. Choose a sturdy rope specifically designed for dogs. Avoid ropes with knots or loops that could catch your dog’s teeth or paws. Preventive Vet Begin by teaching your dog a “release” command, such as “drop it,” to ensure they let go of the rope when instructed. VCA Animal Hospitals During play, keep the game on the ground to prevent choking or spinal injuries. Avoid jerking the rope violently, which could damage your dog’s teeth or neck. AKC Finally, end the game if your dog becomes overly aggressive or possessive of the rope. For other engaging activities, explore our guide on Dog Training Techniques. Remember, tug-of-war should be fun for both you and your furry friend.

Indoor Games for Rainy Days

Hide-and-seek is a classic game that can be easily adapted for indoor play. Hide treats or toys around the house and let your dog sniff them out. This engages their natural scavenging instincts and provides mental stimulation. American Kennel Club For a more challenging puzzle game, try scattering kibble or small treats inside a muffin tin and covering each cup with a tennis ball. Your dog will have to figure out how to move the balls to get to the goodies. Preventive Vet Tug-of-war with a rope toy is a great way to burn off energy indoors, but always supervise play and use a sturdy rope designed for dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals Finally, don’t forget the simple joy of a good old-fashioned game of fetch down the hallway. The Humane Society of the United States Remember to adjust the games based on your dog’s age, breed, and energy levels. For puppies, focus on short bursts of play and positive reinforcement. Calming Your Hyper Puppy: Understanding and Managing Their Energy

Training as a Game

Training your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Turning training sessions into games can keep your dog engaged and motivated. Games add an element of fun, reducing stress and frustration, leading to quicker learning. American Kennel Club For example, “hide-and-seek” with treats or toys can reinforce the “stay” and “come” commands. VCA Animal Hospitals This game encourages your dog to follow your instructions while also providing mental stimulation. Fetch is another classic game that helps with recall training. The Humane Society of the United States Incorporating tug-of-war can be beneficial for teaching impulse control, but ensure the game ends on your terms. ASPCA Remember to keep the training sessions short and rewarding, always ending on a positive note. Mastering the Stay Command for Your Puppy Dog Training Techniques: Mastering the Art of Training

Sources

• American Kennel Club – How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch
• American Kennel Club – Teach Your Dog to Play Hide-and-Seek
• American Kennel Club – Tug-of-War With Your Dog: When to Play and When to Say No
• American Kennel Club – Using Games to Train Your Dog
• ASPCA – Mouthing, Nipping and Biting in Puppies
• DogsCare.life – Calming Your Hyper Puppy: Understanding and Managing Their Energy
• DogsCare.life – Dog Training Techniques: Mastering the Art of Training
• DogsCare.life – Mastering the Stay Command for Your Puppy
• The Humane Society of the United States – Indoor Activities for Dogs
• The Humane Society of the United States – Playing with Your Dog
• Preventive Vet – Safe Tug-of-War With Your Dog
• Preventive Vet – Fun Games to Play With Your Dog
• The Spruce Pets – How to Play Fetch With Your Dog
• VCA Animal Hospitals – Play and Exercise
• VCA Animal Hospitals – Playing Tug-of-War With Your Dog
• VCA Animal Hospitals – Dog Training Through Play