Dog Related Games for Humans to Play in Real Life

Obedience training and doggy games allow humans to get better in touch with their dogs as well as teach them good behaviors. These games can be played indoors or outside, and they are fun for many breeds. In addition to games, you can also try buying brain teaser doggy toys, such as a cube that feeds a treat after the dog rolls it over three times. Your local pet supply store also has plenty of toys and game ideas if you just take a look around.

  1. Hide and Seek

    • Go out of sight from your dog, then call her or him to you by using the dog's name. When the dog comes to find you, be very animated. Pet and reward her or him. Increase the difficulty to find you each time you hide. You could hide behind a door, couch, outside, behind a tree or turn on the radio real loud. This helps your dog use its nose as well as ears to find you.

    Treat Hunt

    • Command your dog to a "down" and "stay" position, then place a treat within three feet in its sight. Return to your dog and release her with the command, "Get the treat." Encourage your dog to get the treat, either eating it or playing with it. Repeat the game by varying where you put the treat. Next time, hide the treat where the dog cannot see it but knows the location where you put it, such as behind the couch or underneath a low table. Release her from the "down-stay" position and let her find the treat. Increase the distance of the treat and number of treats to teach your dog how to "stay" and resist the urge to jump on the treat without release.

    Go Fetch

    • Some doggy breeds enjoy a game of fetch. This game is mostly for outdoors and bigger dogs, but you can try it before deciding if your dog is ready. Take a ball or Frisbee and stand about three feet from your dog. Wave the ball up so the dog can see the ball. Toss the ball up lightly between you and your dog for it to catch in its mouth. Practice the "drop it" command, showing your dog how to give the ball and bring it to you. Now, practice "fetch" by tossing the ball farther and farther away, allowing the dog to chase and bring it back to you.

    Tug of War

    • Buy a tug rope from a pet store to play this game. When playing tug of war with a dog, it is important to establish control. Only use the tug rope for the game and not other items like socks or food. Start the game by picking up the tug rope on one end and pointing the other at your tug, encouraging him to "get it" and pick it up. Shout a cue that the game started, like, "Tug away!" This is an instinctive game for dogs since it is like packmate feeding, so your dog should start playing with you. Tug with your dog a few times, then tell the dog to "drop it," then reward him or her with a toy or treat.