Fun Dog Games

Playing dog games keep our pets from getting bored; and it's a fun way to spend some quality time with them. Use dog tug toys for tug of war and a kong dog toy for a good game of fetch. Use dog biscuit recipes to make homemade dog treats for training and playing.

Your dog is a loyal companion, and a friend, that will always love you. However, if you find some interactive toys and dog games you can build an even stronger bond with your pet; and both of you will have lots of fun.

Finding ways to keep your dog entertained can sometimes by challenging. Every dog is different. They have different likes and dislikes, but they can't tell us what those are.

So, as a dog owner, it is our responsibility to find what gets our dog's interest and how to keep our pet active and engaged (even more so if our dog is left alone during long periods of time while you're at work).

There are several different things you can do to entertain your dog, and playing dog games is both fun for your dog as well as you: games also teaches different commands and helps your dog's behavior skills and even attitude!

One such game is hide and seek. With this game, start by waiting to be out of your dog's sight. For example, if you're on a walk in the park with your dog off-leash, step behind a tree. Then call your dog's name in an excited and encouraging tone of voice.

When your dog finds you, be absolutely thrilled that you were found, reward your dog (with praise or with treats). Then make it more difficult to be found again.

If you're playing indoors, try hiding behind a couch or a door. When your pet finds you, reward and be happy, once again, that you were found.

A game that can be used to train for 'come' and 'drop it' is the all-American favorite, fetch.

It is a simple game where you throw a specific toy, the dog runs to get it, and brings it back to you.

This game sounds simple, but getting your pet to actually bring the toy or ball back to you may be a challenge at first.

It is easier to start small. First, pick a toy that the dog loves. Make sure that it is one that they will want to chase again and again.

Next, get the dog really excited to play with the toy. Then, throw it: a short distance at first, and work up to further distances.

When your dog picks up the toy, show a treat (use one of your favorite dog biscuit recipes to make the treat!). You are letting your dog know that you have a treat for a reward. When he or she sees the treat, make sure that he brings the toy back to you. If your dog drops the toy and runs to you for the treat, make sure you send him back to get the toy before you give the treat.

When he puts the toy in your hand, give him the treat. Gradually, you can work up to the point that your companion will enjoy playing fetch just to play fetch and will not need a treat to bring it back, just the desire to have it thrown again.

Our dog loves dog tug toys and games: we usually use kong dog toys that are meant for large dogs and are considered the toughest (will withstand a lot of chewing and tugging) ultra-strong black rubber toys.

It is a great game, but should only be played with designated tug-of-war toys like denta-rope or kong tug toys. Socks and other items that are not designated for tug-of-war can harm the dogs teeth.

After you choose a toy, get the dog to grab one end of the toy while you have the other, and pull, commencing the tug-of-war. If your dog starts getting too excited stop tugging; the fun is gone and your dog will soon drop the toy.

Always make sure that you are in control of all of the games. You choose when they start, you choose when they end. This keeps you head of the pack and where your dog will listen to you. There are several other games that you can play with your dog, and some that you can make up as you go along. Just find what interests your dog and make it into fun dog games that both you, and your dog, will enjoy. Games are fun, creative, and allow your dog to burn off energy that could, otherwise, be used to destroy your house.

If you have a favorite game or toy that your dog loves to play, please share it with us.

We'd like to hear about your favorite games and best dog toys and whatever else you and your dog would like to recommend!

It's your turn to share your favorite recommendation with us!

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