Games for Dog Breeds

People who play with dogs have a level of communication with their animals that is respectful and understanding. Part of that understanding involves knowing which activities the dogs enjoy and which they don't. When playing a game like fetch with your dog, the two of you are communicating. One is giving directions and the other is taking directions. In human communication, we call this exchange talking and listening. Some dog games are best suited to different breeds. Fetch brings out the golden retriever's A game, for example.

  1. Basset Hound

    • The basset hound is extremely teachable.

      A basset hound is a gentle, loyal well-mannered dog. Basset hounds are playful and not moody or vicious as long as their owner are the pack leaders. In the game of hide and seek with a basset hound, the dog finds you after you hide. Since the basset hound is obedient it will sit and wait for you to hide if trained to do so. Other breeds struggle to sit and wait for you to hide, but not the basset hound. When you have found your hiding spot, give the command for the hound to find you. This game of hide and seek teaches the basset hound to wait until called. Teaching an animal discipline is fun especially when playing a game.

    Collie

    • A collie loves to follow and obey.

      The collie is an intelligent animal. This breed of dog is very trainable and has the ability to develop strong relationships with its owner. The collie bonds quickly and aims to please. Collies are affectionate and can adapt to rural or urban life well. Collies are herders, making the game of follow the leader a good choice for this breed. Create an obstacle course for the collie with traffic cones, ramps and things to jump over and then be the leader for the dog to follow through the course. Collies aren't afraid of water so adding a wading pool to the obstacle course is fun for the dog.

    German Shepherd

    • German shepherds are playful dogs.

      The German shepherd is a protective and loyal animal. These dogs are alert and love to learn new tricks and games. They are dogs that need attention. They are obedient and loving and are not barkers. Find the treat is a game the German shepherd enjoys. This game teaches the German shepherd self-control. The game begins with a simple game of fetch then slows to teach the dog discipline. The dog stays no matter the circumstance. The owner gives a reward only when retrieval of the ball occurs on command. Once the German shepherd is able to repeatedly fetch only on command then a treat is hidden and the dog is commanded to go fetch the treat.

    Golden Retriever

    • The golden retriever is a hunting dog used to fetching.

      The golden retriever is great with children. Golden retrievers are watchdogs and hunters. They love the water and will take a dip wherever they can find it. Fetch is a great game to play with the retriever. Throw a ball or a stick as far as you can and the golden retriever will have no problem getting wet or muddy to fetch it. Rewarding the dog for fetching encourages the dog to play longer. If the game of fetch lasts too long the golden retriever will lose its attention and become bored.