There is no shortage of fun dog games to play with Fido! However, not all games are safe, and it’s important to find the right one for you and your pooch. to help you narrow down your search, the Hounds Lounge pack offers fun activities to play with your little one in a variety of categories, including DIY games, dog games, house games, play for the dog to play, and smell the play. , and play for older dogs.
Start reading now, and find the best dog games to play with your furry family.
5 Creative DIY Activities for Canines
No need to splurge on toys—your household is full of items just waiting to be repurposed into entertaining dog games.
1. Muffin Tin Puzzle
You’ll need a muffin tin, tennis balls, and a few dog treats for this brain teaser. Place treats in each cup, cover them with tennis balls and hand them to your pup. Once they master uncovering the treats, challenge them by filling only select cups, keeping all of them covered. This game not only stimulates their problem-solving abilities but also engages their powerful sniffer!
2. Treat Burrito
Prepare a fun “burrito” using a simple towel and small treats. Lay the towel flat, sprinkle treats across its surface, and then roll it up, keeping the goodies tucked inside. Watch as your dog excitedly unrolls the towel to uncover the treats. It’s a tail-wagging delight!
3. Cardboard Tube Treats
Cardboard toilet paper and paper towel rolls can be repurposed into dog toys! A game option is to fill a cardboard tube with peanut butter, and then give it to your pup to lick. You can freeze the tube if you want to keep Fido occupied for a long time!
Another way to use cardboard tubes to play fun games with your dog is to arrange several tubes in a shoebox so that they all support each other and stand up straight. (The tubes should all be roughly the same height.) Drop treats and/or kibble into the tubes, and present the puzzle to Fido! Your woof will thoroughly enjoy hunting down every bite.
4. Snack Track Down
This game can involve elements of any size, from a man to a shoe to a yogurt cup (clean, of course). If your woof is bigger, you will use bigger guys, and vice versa.
You’ll want to set up the game when your dog isn’t around. Put a few goals on the ground, at least one hides the smell! Then, bring Fido to kiss the gift!
When you are the first to play this game, you may think that the women’s food is easier to smell. As your pooch becomes the publisher of this game, you can make his job by adding more grants and money out, just someone hides pain!
5. Ball Pit-Palooza
If you want to encourage your dog’s brain and nose, you will need a small pool and lots of balls! Fill the pool with the stuff, then sprinkle the little stuff on top. When your dog enters the pool to get their paws on the food, the balls will be good, and the food will move! This is one of those games that says there’s more to playing, but it’s rewarding for Fido.
This game – and most of the dog games above – is also a good choice for fast feeding. You can enjoy all the dog food in the pool, and your pooch won’t be able to wolf it down as fast as usual.
5 Games to Make Dogs Smarter
Playing with dogs isn’t just fun – it can be educational too! Below are dog games that can increase Fido’s IQ.
1. Hide-and-Seek
Have your dog sit and stay while you hide somewhere in the house. Call for them to come find you, rewarding them with treats or affection when they succeed. This game sharpens your dog’s listening and problem-solving skills.
2. Treasure Hunt
Hide a smelly treat or toy in your home or yard, have your dog wait while you conceal it, and then give them the command to search. Their reward comes when they find the treasure—a perfect way to engage their brain and instincts.
3. Teach New Tricks
Learning new tricks keeps your dog mentally stimulated. Try teaching advanced commands such as spin, and roll over, or even more complex actions like putting toys away. Each new skill strengthens your dog’s cognitive abilities.
4. Stop-and-Go
This game reinforces impulse control and obedience. Rile up your dog, then call them to come. Before they reach you, tell them to “stay.” If they succeed in halting mid-run, reward them. It’s an exercise in control and listening skills.
5. The Name Game
Dogs can learn up to 165 words! Start naming their toys—perhaps “Bunny” for a favorite stuffed rabbit—and test their memory by asking them to fetch specific items. This language-learning game boosts their vocabulary and cognitive function.
5 Indoor Games for Rainy Days or Limited Space
Stuck inside? No problem! These games will keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated, even without outdoor space.
1. Clean-Up Duty
Teach your dog to help around the house by picking up their toys and placing them in a designated bin. Use commands like “drop it” and “put it away” to teach them this practical skill in a fun way.
2. Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat is a great way to keep your dog occupied. Hide treats within the fabric folds and let them sniff out each hidden reward. It’s a quiet, mess-free activity perfect for indoor play.
3. DIY Obstacle Course
Use household items to create an indoor obstacle course. Have your dog weave through chairs, crawl under tables, and jump over cushions. This will provide both mental and physical stimulation without the need for much space.
4. Staircase Fetch
If you have stairs, use them for a high-energy game. Either race your dog up and down or play fetch by tossing a toy to the top and having them retrieve it. Be mindful of your dog’s age and joints when playing this game on stairs.
5. Obedience Refresher
Take some time to work on essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” Practice in short bursts and reward your dog for following instructions—turning obedience training into a fun game.
5 Activities to Keep Your Dog Fit
For dogs who need to burn off energy, these games offer a great mix of fun and exercise.
1. Tug-of-War
Tug-of-war is both fun and a great workout for your dog’s muscles. Let your dog win occasionally to keep the game exciting. Just be sure to stop if they get too nippy, teaching them boundaries while playing.
2. Fetch with a Twist
Combine fetch with your workout by adding burpees, pushups, or lunges while your dog chases after the toy. Both of you will get a serious workout!
3. Sprinkler Fun
Set up a sprinkler and let your dog chase the water spray, providing both a cool-down and cardio workout on hot days.
4. Soccer Doggo Style
Teach your dog to nudge a soccer ball with their nose. Play a game of passing and reward them for good “footwork.”
5. Bubble Chasing
Blow non-toxic bubbles and let your dog chase and pop them. It’s a simple, delightful game that provides mental stimulation and physical activity.
5 Nose Work Games to Engage Your Dog’s Sense of Smell
Dogs experience the world through their noses, and these games put that powerful sense to work.
1. The “Which Hand” Game
Hold a treat in one of your hands and present both fists to your dog. Let them use their nose to determine which hand holds the treat, rewarding them when they guess correctly.
2. Where’s Dinner?
Hide your dog’s food somewhere in the house, and let them search for it. This enriches mealtime and allows them to use their natural hunting instincts.
3. Sniffing Walks
During walks, drop treats in hidden spots along the path and let your dog sniff them out. This adds a game element to your everyday strolls.
4. Trail of Treats
Create a treat trail in your home, starting with small snacks and leading to a bigger reward. Let your dog follow the scent and earn their prize.
5. Find the Right Toy
Play with a specific toy, then toss it into a pile with others. Ask your dog to find the one you played with based on its scent—a challenge for their memory and sense of smell.
5 Gentle Games for Senior Dogs
Contrary to popular belief, it’s good to teach an older dog new tricks and new games! Folding dog toys are suitable for older dogs, as well as good options for dogs with joint issues, arthritis, or other health issues. Shhh, don’t tell Fido, in between these games is physical therapy… which you can treat as you find it!
1. Swimming
Whether your senior dog – or young dog – loves water, water is one of the best toys to play with your dog. Swimming is a low-impact sport that is one on the joints and muscles, in between it is still a fun way to get Fido moving. Before you go swimming with your pet, make sure they know how to swim – if they don’t, how about getting them a life vest?
2. Easy Fetch
For dogs with joint pain, roll the ball instead of throwing it. This allows them to enjoy fetch without overexerting themselves.
3. Backwards Walking
Encourage your dog to walk backward with treats, strengthening their rear legs and improving balance. Keep sessions short and gentle.
4. Cavaletti Walk
Create a simple cavaletti course using broomsticks or poles laid low to the ground. Slowly guide your dog over them, providing both mental and physical stimulation.
5. Puzzle Games
Mental games like treat puzzles are great for keeping senior dogs engaged without overworking their bodies. Keep their minds sharp with challenges like the Muffin Tray Puzzle or Treat Burrito.
With these diverse games, you can create lasting memories and maintain your dog’s mental and physical well-being at any age. Enjoy the adventure!
