Games To Play With Your Dog 

Our canine friends are highly inquisitive and active. Fido requires entertainment to stay happy and healthy. After all, Man’s Best Friend is very active and playful. While throwing a ball or stick to your pet is a wonderful activity, it’s by no means your only choice. Continue reading for a list of enjoyable activities you can do with your canine friend from a local Mapleton, UT vet.

Hide And Go Seek

Fido may enjoy this beloved kid’s game just as much as humans do. It’s very easy: just locate a place where you can hide from your pet. You can stand behind a curtain, crawl under a bed, or enter a closet. After that, call your canine friend. When your pooch locates you, make sure to give him hugs, kisses, and maybe some treats in return.

As you continue to play, gradually improve the hiding places you choose to use so as to make it increasingly difficult for your dog.

Tug Of War

This one is a huge favorite among many of our furry friends. It’s also great for bonding. 

There are a few restrictions, though. For instance, this might not be the ideal game for a boisterous, energetic dog. With games like these, some dogs may get a little too carried away. Your pet may become a little too fired up, especially if he has any aggressive inclinations. It’s also preferable to move side to side and not tug too hard.

Fetch It!

Many dogs naturally excel at this one. That’s really no surprise: Fetch comes naturally to many of our canine pals. The original purpose of many breeds was to help their humans catch small game. These puppies, which include Lab, Golden, and Retriever breeds, have an innate desire to chase after objects and return them to their owners. (Of course, some dogs simply don’t comprehend this ‘job’ and may react by tilting their heads in an adorable but perplexed way.)

As long as you have enough space, Fetch may be played indoors as well as outdoors. Just keep out of play areas near staircases, fires, and swimming pools.

Obstacle Course

In addition to being a lot of fun for Fido, obstacle courses are excellent for improving canine fitness. You don’t have to break the bank getting equipment: you can use things like cones, storage bags, and boxes.

Remember that obstacle courses can be extremely taxing, and may be too much for some dogs. They would be far too tiring for a Pug or Pomeranian, but they may be a terrific way for a feisty Border Collie to get some exercise. Always take the precautionary route. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure if this would be too much for Fido.

Red/Green

This game has been around for quite a while! Originally referred to as “statues,” it originated in ancient Greece. Players would freeze in place, like statues. The Greeks thought the game helped kids improve their listening, coordination, and social skills. They may well have been right! Dogs also enjoy many of those same advantages. (You would want to change it to “Come” and “Stay” for Fido.) 

Treasure Seeking

For dogs who enjoy following scent trails, this is an excellent option. This one might be quite appealing to scent hounds, including Bloodhounds, Beagles, Foxhounds, and Daschunds. It’s rather simple: just bury toys and/or tiny goodies for Fido to find. Make sure you collect anything your dog friend misses, though.

Tag: You’re It

Take turns running after your furry best friend and letting him follow you. We would only advise doing this with a dog that is well-trained and in a fenced area. You also want to make sure your pet doesn’t start thinking that being chased by you is always a fun game.

Simon Says

Does your dog understand simple commands? Allow Fido to perform his repertoire. All dogs should be able to perform the following basic commands: Lay Down, Sit, Stay, Come. Other key ones include Down, Drop It, and Leave It, but the latter two would need you to have something for your dog to drop or go.

Stupid Tricks

Prior to teaching your pet any adorable tricks, make sure he understands the fundamental obedience commands for dogs. That includes things like Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. (Leave It and Drop It are also helpful.) You can let Fido continue his petucation once he masters those. Once he has those down, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy yourself and have fun with teaching your cute pet some adorable pranks. Roll Over and Shake Paw will always be hilarious.

Some of the other things you can teach your pet include the following:

• Wave
• Stand On Back Leg
• Balance A Cookie On His Nose
• Spin  
• Take A Bow
• Smile
• Play Dead
• Bow
• Shame (Cover Nose With Paws)
• Jump Through A Hoop

Fido may also have a lot of fun with that vintage carnival game. One of the three cups should have a dog goodie underneath it. (Tip: To help hide the aroma and make things a little harder, rub the candy around each cup.) Moreover, you can use your hands. Let Fido choose the cup containing the treat.

How Often Should My Dog and I Play?

This will change as Fido gets older and will also differ slightly from pup to pup. Young puppies may desire to play for several hours every day due to their high level of energy and activity. An elderly dog may become fatigued After a few minutes. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure. 

All things considered, most puppies will gain from regular play. try to play with your pet at the same time every day: Fido tends to thrive most on a steady routine.

What Happens If My Dog Doesn’t Play?

Some puppies seem more interested in taking naps than in chasing Frisbees, balls, or sticks. That’s alright! But if your canine buddy stops playing all of a sudden, there may be a medical problem with him. Get in touch with your veterinarian and schedule an exam right away.

How Can An Older Dog Play?

As Fido gets into his golden years, he will still benefit from and enjoy playing. But as your dog gets older, you’ll need to adjust his schedule. Make sure Fido doesn’t exhaust himself. Additionally, you’ll need to gradually shift your attention away from games like fetch and frisbee and toward activities that stimulate the mind, like the Cups game. 

One more item to exercise caution with? Having your dog stand or jump on his hind legs. This can be very bad for pups that have or are at risk of developing bone/joint issues, such as hip dysplasia. For more details, ask your veterinarian.

In conclusion, Fido both enjoys and benefits from playing. Playing not only helps keep your dog fit, but it also offers your pet cerebral stimulation, which is beneficial to their overall health and well-being. It also allows your dog to expel excess energy. It’s also a fantastic way to bond.

Set Up An Appointment In Our Mapleton, UT Veterinary Clinic

Is it time your dog saw a veterinarian? Is Fido due for parasite control products or vaccination? Please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time. We would be pleased to assist, as your Mapleton, UT pet clinic!