Dog Games to Play With Your Four Footed Friend

Playing games with your dog is essential, both from a health point of view, and from a relationship view. Any animal that feels neglected, is sure to become bored, and develop unwanted habits - pretty much like a child not getting enough attention would turn to mischief. Here are some ideas for dog games to play:

The “flirt pole”. The name is actually not very descriptive: An attention-grabbing toy is hung from the end of a short pole. It can be a ball, or a piece of tail from a wild animal (real or fake, depending on whether you want the dog to be aggressive or not). The length of the pole is used for extra reach, “teasing” the dog with the toy, so it chases it, eventually being allowed to catch it.

A similar game can be played using your garden hose - have the stream hit the ground just in front of the dog, moving it away as soon as you have its attention. Depending on the water pressure, you can cover quite some distance, and give your dog some much needed exercise in the process.

Another newcomer amongst the dog games to play, is brain-teaser toys. One such example is a cube that releases a small treat after being flipped a few times. Once the dog figures out it must repeat the action to get the treat, it becomes great fun.

Another addition is a combination of a board game, and an “action-for-reward” game. Depending on the roll of the dice, an activity is selected. Using a treat if need be, you have to get the dog to perform the desired action to advance in the game.

There is, of course, still the “traditional” option of “hide and find”. You stash a treat or a favorite toy away where the scent will still be noticed, and encourage your dog to find it. If it is a treat, you will obviously let it be eaten. If it is a toy, it might be a good idea to reward the dog for having found it, to keep it motivated.

There are many more options, and many more variations of each. The only limitation in finding more dog games to play, is your imagination.