Activities for Dogs
Games
to Play with Your DogPeople who regularly play with their dog develop understanding, respect and communication with their dog. Games are activities you do with your dog that require the two of you to communicate and work together in some way. While some would argue with me I also distinguish games from sports. Games may have a goal but they have no titles, no placements, no ribbons. Games might even involve competition - but it is competition of the moment. Playing games with your dog is really good for your relationship. Remember that while dogs are not humans in fur suits they are social creatures and playing is an important element in developing social relationships. Playing games is a fundamental way of "modeling" real life. You can teach a dog to obey by playing games that make following your instructions fun. Don't believe me? Think about kids and how much they enjoy "Follow the leader" and "Simon Says" Think about all the games kids play that involve following (or failing to follow) directions. Kids learn from this and so do dogs. And handled properly the learning is a very positive experience.
These are games and ideas submitted from a variety of sources. For the most part I've posted them without editing.
A really fun game I play with my dogs and my puppy classes is follow the leader.
I set up lots of puppy obstacles and traffic cones in no particular order
and give each handler the opportunity the chance to be leader. All you need
are three dogs and handlers. In the summer (actually most of the year here
in Florida) I include a shallow wading pool, also some piles of balls or Frisbees.
Well, you get the idea.
Kim
I put my dogs on a "down" stay then I put treats in a variety of hiding places. They have to wait until I'm all done hiding them. When I say "GO!" the dog run around trying to each get the most treats. Carol
I play hide and seek with my dog. I put him on a sit or down wait. Then I hide. When I am ready I call him. Watch out they sometimes peek. This is good for teaching the dog to wait until called as well as fun for you and your dog. Judy
This is a game published with training tips written by Dr. Ian Dunbar & Terry Ryan. It has cards with tricks or performances of varying levels of difficulty. The more difficult the performance the more points for correctly performing it. The game is sold through a wide variety of dog books and dog supply retailers. See the review by Lynn Richards
Tricks (Performance Art) - most dogs think that doing tricks if a kind of game. And if you use clicker training often the dog thinks he's training you. "Let's see ..... if I do this .... I can make her give me a treat!"
Clicker training is great for teaching tricks as well as agility, obedience and much more
An explanation of the bonding good games encourage plus some fun but simple games for you and your dog.
A wonderful and quite long list of interesting games.
Teach your dog musical chars, or the tail wagging games. This page maintained by DogScouts.com
The linked books take you to Dogwise.com. You can get most of the books in lots of places but purchasing through these links helps support DogPlay - and I like the folks at Dogwise.
This book by Betty Fisher is slim and not at all intimidating but filled with a variety of activities for you and your dog.
This book is one for kids to enjoy with their dog.
Fun And Games With Dogs by Roy Hunter
Fun And Games With Your Dog by Gerd Ludwig
Life Beyond Block Heeling by Terry Ryan
Popular Dogs: Tricks & Games by Dog Fancy Magazine, Editors
Beyond
Fetch - Fun, Interactive Activities For You And Your Dog by D. Caroline
Coile
Dogs of the World Playing Card
Draw 50 Dogs
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Copyright © 1997-2003,
Diane Blackman
Created: January 5, 1997
Updated January 1, 2008
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