Educational Dog Games for Kids

Dog training is a necessary for teaching obedience. A well-trained dog becomes accustomed to behaving in a clean and compliant manner. Teaching a dog to sit, roll over and to go to the bathroom outside or in designated indoor spots are just several benefits. Educational dog games for kids build bonds between human and animal and teach a child valuable lessons in emotional and physical development.

  1. Fetch

    • Fetch involves pitching a stick, ball, Frisbee or toy out into an open stretch of land and having your dog retrieve it. Fetch teaches children patience with training dogs in the multiple skills necessary to play fetch. Dogs must learn to pick up and let go and to chase an object and bring it back to the starting position. Teaching a dog to play fetch is easier for some dogs than for others, depending on their natural temperaments.

    Tug of War

    • Tug of war is a way for kids to interact very directly with a dog. Using a rope, toy or stick, the dog clasps the object in its mouth and pulls on one end while the child pulls on the other. This exercise builds physical strength and endurance in a child. Additionally, teaching a dog to "tug" and "release" challenges a child to keep a dog subservient while not encouraging excessively aggressive behavior in the animal.

    Chase and Stop

    • Chase and stop helps a child continue training a dog in impulse-control. The game involves having a child run toward a dog saying something like "I'm going to get you!" After several steps, the child stops and gives the dog a command, such as to sit or heel. The game repeats until the child deems it over. Chase and stop also teaches a child to maintain coherent body language and master verbal commands.

    Flash Cards

    • Children may also benefit from flash card games. Showing kids flash cards with various types of dogs builds the mind and memory. Ask children to identify what type of dog they see and describe the physical features of the breed. Flash card games also help children with learning disabilities to learn different animals. Flash card games can be played with parents, siblings, friends or school mates.