Stimulating Games to Play With Your Dog

Dogs like to have a job. Bored dogs with excess energy often exhibit destructive behavior, such as chewing, scratching and jumping, causing considerable damage to property. The key to providing dogs with games that engage them mentally and physically is to tailor games to the individual dog. Be consistent and set aside specific times of the day for play. Dogs will learn to save their energy if they know they will have an opportunity for play every day.

  1. Indoor Games

    • Play hide and seek by hiding in a room and calling the dog. The dog will run from room to room to find you. Combine obedience training with exercise by telling your dog to "stay" while you place three buckets upside down in another room, leaving a dog treat under one of the buckets. Return to the dog, point him toward the buckets and encourage him to sniff the buckets. Ask, "Where's the treat?" When the dog gets excited about the bucket with the treat, kick the bucket over and reward the dog with the treat.

    Outdoor Games

    • Most dogs love chase games. With high-energy dogs such as retrievers and border collies, use a tennis racket and tennis ball to allow you to throw the ball further. The bouncing action of the ball is an added challenge for the dog. Teach your dog to play soccer by kicking the ball toward her and encouraging her to get the ball. When the dog realizes the soccer ball is too large to get in her mouth, she will push it toward you.

    Agility Games

    • Jumping and pole weaving are agility and obedience skills that expand on the concept of "recall." Start by teaching your dog to recall, or come to you, by having a helper hold the dog's collar and release the dog when you call. Teach your dog to weave poles by placing a desired object, such as a ball, behind a set of poles. Use a helper to guide the dog to retrieve the object, move through the poles and return to you. Jumping is taught in much the same way. Call the dog while the helper encourages him to go over obstacles placed in a direct line from you.

    Considerations

    • Consider breed type when planning games. Spaniels are suited for hunting over short distances; pointers often run long distances for more than an hour; and coonhounds can withstand rough terrain requiring a lot of physical resilience. Consider also your dog's background. If the dog has been poorly socialized, she may not know how to play. Start by teaching your dog to play by kneeling at her level and wiggling your body. If you don't feel too foolish, bark at the dog. When she barks back at you, run away and then come back and start the game over.