10 doggy games for pawsome playtime

Looking for some fun new ways to bond with your furry friend? We’ve got just the thing for you! Here, we’re talking about all things doggy games, from indoor entertainment to outdoor adventures, these zoomie-inducing activities will have tails wagging left, right, and center! 

10 fun dog games to play with your pooch

• Fetch
• Puppy parkour
• Treibball
• Bobbing for toys
• Simon says
• Tug of war
• Musical sit
• Hide and seek
• The cup game
• Puzzle toys 

Fetch 

When it comes to dog games, this one’s always a crowd-pleaser, and anyone who’s spent time around dogs will know how to play a game of fetch. It’s one of those games dogs play without even thinking - throw a ball, and most pooch pals will instinctively chase after it, pick it up, and hopefully bring it back. A classic game of fetch can be jazzed up by replacing that much-loved tennis ball with a frisbee or a dummy, and if your pup’s a water baby, take your game of fetch to a dog-friendly beach, a lake, or splish-splashing through a stream. 

Puppy parkour

Setting up an obstacle course for your fur baby is fun and easy, and you can either buy the equipment or use what you’ve got at home. Low tables and benches work well for jumping over, boxes can be used to run through, and pups can be taught to weave between obstacles like plant pots, bottles of water, and laundry baskets. Introduce your four-pawed pal to the obstacle course by using treats to guide them through it, praising them every time they get something right - before long, they’ll be a pro! 

Treibball 

As this fun game involves herding large balls into a goal area, it works particularly well with breeds like Border Collies that have herding in their blood. As four-legged friends get the hang of the game, extra balls can be added and a time limit can be set. The game can be played competitively but it’s also a great way for pooch pals to let off steam at home (if you’ve got the space!). 

Bobbing for toys

This is the perfect game for dogs on a hot summer day - simply fill a shallow paddling pool with water and toss in some water-safe toys or treats. Encourage your fur baby to bob for the toys and pick them out one by one (you may have to do a bit of show and tell for this one - sorry in advance!). 

Puppy games for training

Games are an excellent way of teaching your dog how to behave, so take a look at these puppy dog games. 

Simon says

Teach your young pup essential commands such as “sit”, “down” and “stay” by rewarding them with a treat each time they follow your order. Spend no longer than ten minutes on this activity as any longer and your pup’s mind may start to wander! 

Tug of war

As you hold onto the other end, offer a rope or a large, robust toy to your pooch pal. Gently pull on the toy and your pup should automatically pull back - this is a great opportunity to teach puppies to “release” the toy in exchange for a treat, but it’s not a good idea to play tug of war if your fur baby is territorial over toys or shows any signs of aggression. 

Musical sit

Play some music for your furry friend and move around the room casually. Every time you stop the music, say the command “sit” and take a seat on the floor. Once your four-legged friend begins to copy you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.

Games to play with your dog inside

Whether it’s raining cats and dogs or it’s too hot or cold outside, these indoor dog games can be real boredom busters. 

Hide and seek

Start by hiding treats or your pup’s favorite toy in obvious places around a room, then invite them in and say “seek”. You may need to guide them near the treats at first, but be sure to give them lots of praise each time they snout one out and let them enjoy their tasty reward. Make the game harder by opening it up to the rest of the house, and better yet, get involved in the game yourself! 

The cup game

Show your dog as you hide a treat under one of three cups. Slowly shuffle the cups around then say “find it”. Your pup will have to use their sniffing skills to uncover the hidden treasure, but you may need to give them a helping paw by nudging the winning cup. When they find the treat, let them enjoy their reward and some fuss.  

Puzzle toys

Puzzle toys are a great way to pass the time, especially when pet parents aren’t around to play with their pooch pals. Pups have to nuzzle and paw at the problem-solving toys to dig out the tasty reward, making them a challenging and stimulating way of keeping pups occupied. 

What are the benefits of doggy games? 

Aside from causing happy tippy toes, doggy games are a fun way for pooch pals and their pet parents to let off some steam. They’re mentally and physically stimulating, and help to reduce anxiety and boredom, improve obedience and training, and promote overall physical help. Our four-legged friends love learning new tricks and practicing their skills, and playing games can help strengthen the bond between the pet parent or dog sitter and their furry friends, building up confidence and trust between you.  

Which of these funny dog games should I play?

When deciding which of these fun games for dogs to play, consider which ones are best suited to your dog’s personality, breed, and age. Some pups are naturally playful and energetic, and certain breeds are smarter and therefore more likely to pick up complex rules. Working breeds like Springer Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers may require more energetic doggy games to help tire them out, while toy breeds might need to take some time out after the first round. Herding breeds like Border Collies will probably be naturals at agility-style games and Treibball, but that doesn’t mean your Husky can’t also be a pro! The best thing to do is just give one of these dog games a go, you’ll know pretty quickly whether or not your furry friend’s interested!