Sometimes the good ole’ game of fetch gets a little old. If you’re looking to try some new games to play with your pup to spice up playtime, this is the place to be. We have picked out our favorite games to play with our fluffy friends to teach them new skills and have fun!
Backward Walking
This is one of our favorite games to strengthen your pup’s legs and improve their balance! It’s a goofy game, but one worth playing.
How to Play: Hold a treat in front of your dog and say “back” as you slowly walk toward them. When you get close enough, they should take a step back! If they do so, reward that step. Keep this game short to avoid pushing their limits, but it’s a fun, quick game.
Snuffle Mat
Here is a calm, mess-free indoor activity that taps into your dog’s powerful sense of smell and keeps them occupied.
How to Play: Hide treats in the mat’s pockets and folds and see if your pup can sniff them out!
Treat Burrito
This game is a great nose-driven game that tests your canine’s nose skills!
How to Play: Lay a towel out flat and scatter treats all over the surface of it. Roll the towel up slowly, keeping each treat in place, then present the burrito to your dog; they’ll have a great time unrolling it to get to each treat.
Chase Bubbles
A high-energy, laugh-out-loud game that gets puppies jumping, running, and popping to their heart’s content.
How to Play: Get a bottle of nontoxic bubbles and blow a few at a time in front of your pup. Point to the bubbles and pop some yourself to show them how it’s done — they’ll quickly catch on and start romping around, bursting bubbles on their own! When you’re done, wipe any soapy suds off their face.
Tug-of-War
Now we know we called some of the classics boring earlier, but this classic never gets old!
How to Play:Using a rope toy, let your pup grab one end while you hold the other and pull. Challenge them but also let them win on occasion, it’s no fun if you win every time! If their teeth get close to your hand, stop playing immediately so they learn that nipping ends the fun. It’s also important to train your pup to drop the rope on command.
At the end of the day, the best game is the one that makes both you and your pup’s tails wag. Doesn’t matter what type of game you play as long as you’re both having fun! Try a new game a week to shake up the routine.