Dog games are an excellent way to keep your four-legged friends happy and healthy while also having fun. But are you stuck for new, creative ways to engage your dog with games? We asked the Kennel Club to suggest some ideas for the best dog games to try at home.
"As well as providing fun exercise, playing games with your dog is a great way to build your bond," the Kennel Club tells Country Living.
"Dogs that train in activities and play regular games are less likely to become bored and disruptive. Remember though, it’s important to know your dog’s limits, factoring in how much exercise they should be having as well as recognising their signs of tiredness or stress."
Take a look at the range of easy dog game ideas below. Your dog is sure to love them...
1. Dog Agility
"Agility is fun, friendly and keeps both you and your dog in tip-top shape. Made up of various obstacles for your dog to run through, jump over, and weave in and out of (all against the clock!), agility is a great canine activity," the Kennel Club tells Country Living.
"Open to all dogs whether they are pedigree or crossbreed, large or small, it is fast, furious and a great favourite with competitors and spectators alike. It’s really fun for both dogs and owners, and provides serious amounts of both mental and physical stimulation for your four-legged friend."
Which dogs are suitable?
"Ensure that your dog has a basic level of obedience. A club will then help you teach your dog how to negotiate the different obstacles and prepare you and your dog for your first run."
2. Flyball for dogs
"Flyball is an energetic and competitive team sport that both you and your dog will love. Similar to a relay race, the sport involves two teams (each team needs one human and one dog) racing against each other. The dogs take it in turns to jump over four hurdles in quick succession before collecting a tennis ball at the end. The dog must bring the ball back to the owner by jumping over the hurdles on their way back," explains the Kennel Club.
"Flyball is fast, fun and furious and the team element provides a social and friendly environment for both you and your dog."
Which dogs are suitable?
"As long as your dog is over the age of 18 months, all Kennel Club-registered dogs can get involved with the sport. No previous experience is necessary."
3. Rally game for dogs
"Rally involves navigating your dog through a course of different exercises, varying in style and increasing in difficulty along the way. There are six levels in all to complete, with up to 15 stations. Each round takes approximately four minutes per dog to complete at levels one and two, increasing to five minutes for levels three and above."
"The exercises involved in Rally are varied and fast-paced, including anything from heel work to recall and more."
Which dogs are suitable?
"Rally is easy to get involved with, regardless of level, breed and size of dog, as long as they are registered with the Kennel Club."
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4. Scent games for dogs
"A dog’s nose is 1,000 to 10,000 times more powerful than a human's so any scent-based games are a great way to challenge your dog and have fun."
"The easiest way to engage your dog's sense of smell is to hide a treat, then encourage them to find it but by saying ‘find it!’. Start by hiding the treats in your dog’s view, then begin placing the treats in less obvious places; under a sofa, behind a door or even hidden in your dog’s bed. This can be done with toys too," the Kennel Club says.
Which dogs are suitable?
This can be played easily at home with all kinds of dogs.
5. Hide and seek for dogs
"Playing hide and seek with your dog is great training, although of course it’s always you who is hiding. It’s best to try this first with two people. One person ensures the dog sits and stays while the other person hides, then gives the release cue for the dog to start looking."
"By having your dog stay while you hide, their recall will improve even if they can’t see you, and they will get better at staying and sitting. You can teach this with treats, but your dog will probably also enjoy the excitement of finding you and the praise."
Which dogs are suitable?
All dogs are suitable for this fun, easy game.
6. Brain games for dogs
"There are hundreds of games which will mentally engage your dog; you can get creative and make a puzzle for your dog yourself – like a treasure hunt – or hide treats in different cups and change the order to see if your dog can sniff out the treat."
"There are various dog puzzle toys too, which usually involve your dog using their canine dexterity to get a treat-based reward inside."
Which dogs are suitable?
Most dogs are suitable for this game, although it may be easier if your dog is older.
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