Games to Play With Pit Bulls

Pit bulls need lots of play. Their sturdy, athletic build makes them exceptionally fit for hours of exercise every day. Playing games is more than simply beneficial to pit bulls' health too. Playing games with your pit bull will help forge a bond of trust and love between the two of you. By playing a variety of games with your pit bull, you will not only improve its overall health but also be showing it the respect it deserves.

  1. Tug of War

    • Use a long rope to prevent accidental bites.

      Tug of war will help develop strength in your pit bull's jaws as well as build its leg muscles. You can use rope toys specifically made for dogs or you can use an actual rope. You can even tie old clothing together with knotted increments, but make sure the clothing is sturdy enough to withstand the powerful bite of your pit bull. To play the game, dangle the rope in front of your pit bull's mouth. Most pit bulls find this irresistible and will promptly engage you. When your pit bull starts tugging on the rope, tug it back with force equal to or just greater than your dog. You may be surprised at how stubborn a pit bull can be once it gets something in its mouth that it wants.

    Find the Ball

    • Find the ball is a thinking game that will help develop your pit bull's ability to follow commands and improve its cognitive thinking skills through sounds and smells recognition. While your dog is inside, rub your scent or a scent you want it to recognize on a ball. Then, hide the ball outside in a location that is challenging but not too difficult for your dog to find. Place another ball next to that ball, making sure that you can somehow distinguish between the two balls. Instruct your pit bull to "find the ball." The purpose of this game is for your pit bull to find the ball that you put a scent on. As a variation you can simply use one ball.

    Fetch and Hide

    • Fetch and hide is a combination of hide-and-seek and the classic canine game fetch. You can use a ball or some kind of toy that your pit bull likes. It helps to play this game outdoors where there are a lot of things to hide behind, such as trees and bushes. Begin by throwing the ball or toy as far as you can. As the dog is chasing after the ball or toy, quickly run to your hiding spot. Once your pit bull finds you, repeat the game. This game helps test your dog's sense of sight and smell.

    Snag the Stick

    • This is a jumping game for your pit bull that will help develop its leg strength, leaping ability and timing. Hold a stick or some other long, straight and narrow object out to your side. Only you can determine how high to hold the stick, but gradually increase the height of the stick as your pit bull succeeds at each previous height. You can let your pit bull have a running start or a standing start, but a running start will allow the dog to snag the stick at higher heights.