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Dogs need physical activity just like humans do, and playing outdoors is a great way to provide it. Check out these 9 fun outdoor games to play with your pet!
- Cognitive games
- Ball or Frisbee
- Tracking game
- Obedience games
- Treasure hunt
- Fetch
- Hide and seek
- Running
- Rhythmic obedience
Is your dog getting a little restless indoors? When the weather is nice, why not take your pooch outside for some fun? There are plenty of games you can play with your furry friend to get some exercise and fresh air. Keep reading for our top picks!
1. Cognitive Games
If you’re looking for a fun way to engage your dog’s mind, puzzle games are a great option! Specially designed for dogs, these games come in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering a range of difficulty levels.
Most puzzle games are made from wood, and require the dog to perform a series of movements – such as pushing buttons or platforms – in order to retrieve a hidden treat. This is a great way to keep your dog’s brain active, and can be tailored to his or her individual skills and abilities. Puzzle games are a fun and stimulating activity for dogs of all ages.
2. Ball Or Frisbee
Dogs love to play, and there are plenty of games out there to keep them entertained. From fetching balls to chasing sticks, there’s something for every pup. Not only are these games fun for dogs, but they can also help to develop obedience. For example, working on commands such as “sit” or “fetch” can be helpful. And for the more active pups, games like Frisbee can provide some much-needed exercise.
3. Tracking Game
There’s nothing stopping you from exercising your dog solo! If you find yourself at the park with your pup and no one else around to join in on the fun, don’t fret. You can easily train your dog to track all by yourself. Simply grab a long leash and bring along a toy or treat. Have your furry friend sit still while you back up about 10 meters, holding the object close to the ground. Then, leave it clearly on the ground and retrace your steps.
After that, it’s time for your pup to earn his reward! Give the command of your choice and watch as he goes back up the trail to retrieve what you’ve left behind.
Encourage your dog to sniff the ground to find an object, and praise them when they manage to locate it. Once they’ve grasped the concept, you can gradually increase the distance between you and the object, and even start mixing up the directions and routes. To really challenge your dog’s senses, try using different baits – this will keep them guessing and ensure that they’re always engaged in the task at hand.
4. Obedience Games
Training your dog to perform tricks is a great way to have fun while encouraging obedience. Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals, and with the right training, they can learn all sorts of tricks. The most basic tricks, such as sit and down, are easy to teach and provide a great foundation for more complex tricks.
As your dog masters the basics, you can move on to more adventurous tricks, such as play dead or give the paw. Not only is this a fun way to bond with your dog, but it’s also an excellent way to exercise his mind and keep him mentally sharp. With a little patience and some delicious treats, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog picks up new tricks.
5. Treasure Hunt
Hiding things from your dog can be a fun way to engage their natural scavenging instincts, and it can also be a great way to teach them patience and perseverance. Start with a stimulating object, like their favorite toy or blanket, and then gradually increase the difficulty by hiding more and more challenging objects. You can also use this game as an opportunity to teach your dog the names of different objects by pointing them out as they discover them. With a little practice, your dog will be an expert at finding hidden treasures!
6. Fetch
Teaching your dog to fetch is a great way to bond with your furry friend while also giving them some much-needed exercise. This variation of the game is played by showing your dog a favorite toy and saying “fetch” when they touch it. You’ll then repeat the exercise until your dog understands the objective: to grab the toy each time. Once they’ve mastered this, you can start dropping the toy or sliding it further along the floor. Always say “fetch” and reward your dog when they bring the toy back to you.
7. Hide And Seek
Dogs are always up for a game – and hide-and-seek is no exception! This classic childhood game can also be enjoyed by your furry friend. To get started, arm yourself with a treat or his favorite toy. Then, choose a hiding spot and let your dog watch you for a few moments before you begin to hide. Once he understands the game, encourage him to find you by calling out in a happy voice.
And once he’s found you, resist the urge to pat him on the head – remember, the object of the game is for him to find you, not the other way around!
8. Running
You love spending time outdoors, and so does your dog. Going for a run is a great way to get some exercise for both of you, and it can also be a fun game for your furry friend. If you’re a jogger or cyclist, you can try running with your dog by your side. Of course, you’ll need to start with short distances and gradually increase the length of your runs.
You can also set up some rules, such as commanding your dog to stay behind you, stop on cue, change directions, and more. With regular practice, endurance running with your dog will improve his obedience and physical condition.
9. Rhythmic Obedience
This demanding practice consists in elaborating choreographies with your dog! More generally practiced as a real dog sport, you can also consider training at home. As it requires a lot of work and discipline. This relatively new sport is based on obedience training, but also on tricks and behaviors that the dog must learn to execute in time and in harmony with music. Like any good dance, a routine must be rehearsed and perfected before being able to amaze an audience!
Make sure to have a look at our articles “Which Bone Is The Right One For My Dog?“, “5 Activities Your Dog Loves” as well as “7 Tips To Make Your Pet Happy When He’s Feeling Low“.