8 Fun Dog Games to Play

Dogs love to play. Not only is it fun, play is also essential for doggie wellbeing - which means you don't need an excuse to break out the games and have a ball with your pet!

Here are eight fun dog games to try with your canine pal.

Tug of war

Tussling over a tug toy is a fantastic way to bond with your dog – as long as you let them win sometimes! Tug of war uses lots of energy and is mentally challenging. Teach your dog the game begins with a command such as “take it” and ends with “stop” or “drop it”. If your pet becomes over-stimulated or begins biting, then signal an immediate end to play. If you're looking for a tug toy check out our Fresheeze Fresh Mint Rope, Infused with minty flavour to help combat smelly breath while the rope fibers act like a dental floss. A great tug toy that cleans their teeth as they play.

Frisbee Chase

Frisbee games allow dogs to follow their natural drive to chase. Start by tossing a soft dog-friendly frisbee a short distance along the ground. Encourage them to retrieve it and praise their efforts. Once they’ve mastered that, gradually increase the distance. Before long they’ll be bounding across the park! A good frisbee we recommend is the Chuckit Zipflight Flyer, can be played on both land and water and is made of soft material that is gentle on your dogs teeth & mouth.

Bubble Chase

Whip out the bubble wand and show your companion how to chase and catch bubbles before they hit the ground. Look for a non-toxic bubble mix, and wipe their face at the end of the game.

Hide & Seek

Revive your childhood memories with a game of hide and seek. Put your dog in a stay position, hide, then call them. This is fun, and allows your dog to exercise their natural scent tracking abilities.

Find the treat

Tap into your dog’s foraging instinct by having them sniff out food from a hiding place. Offer a puzzle ball or make a large doggy ice block with treats and toys frozen inside. Place boxes in a row and hide a treat under one. Let your dog sniff out the treat then challenge their scent tracking abilities by adding more boxes. A little imagination can result in a lot of fun! A good treat to use is the Kong Snacks, delicously healthy & highly appetising so your dog will never say no! They also fit in Kong Classics if you want your dog to hunt for the treat inside this toy instead.

Water Play

Water games are a great way for you and your buddy to keep cool in summer. Visit local beaches and rivers for a swim or game of fetch with floating toys. Play water games in your back yard with the sprinkler or hose. Set up a small Splash Pool and teach your dog to bob for toys. Not all dogs like water though, so if your pet isn’t comfortable, stick to dry land! Some good toys for the doggos to play in the water are the Chuckit Zipflight Flyer as mentioned previously and the Aussie Dog Mitch Ball Dog Toy which floats on water so you can have endless fun with your buddy at the beach or pool!

Flirt Pole

A flirt pole is a long pole that has a rope attachment with a lure or tug toy at the end. Many dogs love chasing anything that moves fast! This game allows them to engage their natural prey instincts as they race to catch the lure. Your pet will use lots of energy in a relatively small area and develop self-control. If you are not at home and don't want to end the fun with your dog, you can consider a Flirt Pole called Aussie Dog Home Alone that's designed to be hung somewhere high for your dog to chase & tug, it even dispenses treats so you know your dog will never be bored.

Agility Course

An agility course stretches your dog’s physical and mental skills as they learn to negotiate jumps, tunnels and weave poles. Buy a ready-made course or make your own from PVC pipes, tyres, hoops, poles and boxes. Try searching the web for some creative course plans.

Keeping your dog physically and mentally fit can be fun when you play fun dog games together. But some games aren’t suitable for dogs with limited mobility or conditions like arthritis. Be sure to ask your vet which activities are best for your pet.