Dog Games-Part One

10 Games You Can Play With Your Dog

Playing dog games with your pet can be a great way to give them the exercise and the mental stimulation they need.

Dogs need lots of exercise so they are happy and healthy and not bored.

Here are 10 fun games you can play with your dog.

Before introducing these fun dog games, it is important to review and remind a few important considerations that you absolutely need to be aware of: 

• As you play games with your dog make sure you keep it fun and praise them when they do what you want correctly. If you are having fun they will too. You want them to look forward to the game and there is no better way than by making it fun and having them know they will be receiving praise.
• Never play a game that might put your dog into a dangerous situation.
  Keep in mind they may tire of the game sooner than you will.
• When you see their attention span drifting, bring the game to an end so it does not become a chore.
• Make sure your dog has plenty of water available. Dogs drink a lot of water all throughout the day. If they are running and playing they will need more than normal.
  

Agility Course

Using all sorts of things you can find around the house you can make an agility course that your dog will love. You will want to make sure this course offers the opportunity for your dog to walk, run crawl and jump over and under all sorts of obstacles you have set up. Be creative and use your imagination and be careful—you may have as much fun putting together this agility course as your dog will have playing in it.

Fetch

Fetch is a classic game that every dog loves to play. Find a toy they are familiar with at first throw it a short distance and say “fetch.” Instinctively, they will generally go right after it. The trick is getting them to bring it back. Extend out an open hand and have them place the item in your open hand. You will have to work at this with them. Be sure to offer praise every time they do it correct.

Frisbee

Frisbee is a version of fetch where you toss a Frisbee like disc out a much further distance and as it floats to the ground they will learn to catch it in the air and retrieve it.

When learning this game practice tossing it to your dog from a short distance. Every time they catch it in their mouth give them lots of positive reinforcement.

Running Alongside a Bike

Dogs love to run. This game may take some work, but if your dog handles the leash well you can have them run alongside you while you are biking and they will get plenty of exercise. You just want to make sure they are not easily distracted and pull you in the wrong direction or run into the bike.

This completes part one of 10 Fun Games You Can Play with Your Dog. Part two continues here.