Games to Play With Your Dog

Dogs need regular physical and mental workouts to keep them healthy and happy. Depriving your dog of these activities can result in health problems or destructive behaviors due to boredom, according to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Jogging or swimming fulfills your dog's daily physical exercise requirements. Interactive games challenge her mind and strengthen your bond with her.

  1. Hide-and-Seek

    • Hide-and-seek can reinforce the recall, or "come," command or provide your dog with an entertaining way to get to a treat or toy. Grab some treats and go hide, then call your dog using the "come" command. When he finds you, praise him and give him a treat. Rewarding your dog's behavior makes the game more enjoyable for him and encourages him to respond promptly to your command.

      Hiding treats or small portions of your dog's food in several places will provide extra stimulation for his senses, says dog trainer Victoria Stilwell. This game mimics the behavior of dogs in the wild that have to work to find food.

      You can also place three bowls or cups upside down on the floor and hide a toy or treat under one of them. Move the bowls or cups around and let your dog sniff out the correct hiding place. When hiding treats, food or toys, the hidden item serves as your dog's reward.

    Tug-of-War

    • Tug-of-war provides a safe way for your dog to indulge her urge to pull items with her mouth, if it's played correctly. The game also helps your dog learn to obey commands when she's distracted or wound up. Choose a tug toy that's comfortable for you to hold, and long enough that you won't be nipped accidentally if your dog shifts her hold on the toy.

      Your rules keep the tug-of-war game under control. Have your dog sit until you offer her the tug toy with a command such as "take it." Teach your dog to let go of the toy when you use a command such as "drop." Issue the command, stop tugging while still holding the toy and bring a treat close to your dog's nose. When she drops the toy, praise her and give her the treat. Repeat this sequence until she lets go on command, and use another tug session as a reward instead of treats. End tug-of-war sessions immediately if your dog's teeth touch your skin or clothes, so that she'll learn that this behavior is not allowed.

      Limit tug sessions to 10 to 20 seconds each and end them with the "drop it" command. Put the toy out of your dog's reach until the next game. Your dog might play growl while tugging, which is a normal behavior. If she exhibits any signs of aggression, including a stiff body and tail, a direct and prolonged stare, snarling and raised fur along her neck and back, let go of the toy and walk away. Consult a professional trainer or animal behaviorist for help with aggressive behavior. Do not play tug-of-war with an aggressive dog.