People and animals alike need stimulation both mentally and physically. As they say, if you don’t use it, you lose it. This applies to your mental state and your physical state. Animals need to flex their muscles just as much as we do, but for younger dogs, it especially important.
If you’re looking for puppy games to play with your little one, look no further than this list. Here are some fun games you can play with your puppy.
Why Is It Important to Play Puppy Games?
No matter what kind of puppy you have, they all will need at least some exercise. You’ve certainly seen those viral videos online of someone coming home to find their home has been torn up by an energetic pup. This is why all dogs need exercise.
Physical exercise allows a dog to get their pent-up energy out, and mental exercise helps satisfy the need to be stimulated. Without both, your pup will not thrive and will likely turn to destructive behaviors.
Puppy games like the ones listed below are wonderful ways for you to keep your puppy entertained, healthy and best of all not destructive.
Pass the Puppy
Pass the Puppy is a great puppy game because teaching your pup to come when called can sometimes be difficult. If you can enlist the help of some friends, pass the pup can be a fun game for all, and help teach your pup a new trick while also getting much needed socialization.
How does it work? Have three or more people sit across the room or yard from each other. They all have either treats or toys with them. One person at a time calls for the dog and when the dog comes to them, the person rewards them with lots of praise and a treat. Then it’s the next person’s turn. Continue until you’re out of treats or your pup is too tired.
This game is a great way to socialize your puppy and will help them learn their name very quickly.
Which Hand
This game is great at working your puppy’s nose. It stimulates them mentally and of course gives a nice treat in the end.
All you need to start is a couple treats. You can even give your dog some fruit or a homemade dog treat, just make sure that if you use something other than a dog treat that you double check that it’s dog safe.
Place a treat in one of your hands. Close your hands and place both fists at dog level. Ask your dog to choose which hand it’s in. This can be done just by sniffing or your dog can paw at your hand. Just make sure you’re not reinforcing clawing behavior.
Once your dog picks the right hand, open it up and give them the treat followed by lots of praise.
Find the Treats
This game is another mental simulation game, and it also helps work your pet’s sense of smell.
The game is simple enough. You have your dog sit while you hide treats around your home. Once you’re done hiding them, tell your dog to “find the treats.” Your pup will be able to use their nose to find the treats you’ve hidden around the home.
Start easy at first. Hide treats in plain sight or in otherwise very easy to find spots. This will help your dog practice following their nose and can help boost their confidence. And as their confidence builds, you can start hiding treats is more difficult locations. Try under the rug, behind pillows or higher up on furniture.
This game lets your dog’s natural sniffing ability shine. As they get batter at the game, you can even move it somewhere more challenging like the backyard.
Hide and Seek
This is a very easy puppy game. Have your dog sit down. You go into another room to hide. Call your dog and praise them when they find you. That’s how easy it is.
This game helps stimulate your dog and is great for exercising recall. Just like with “Find the Treats,” keep it simple at first and you can move to more challenging hiding spots once your pup gets the hang of it.
Tug of War
Probably one game that any dog owner is familiar with, Tug of War is a classic.
All you need to play this game is a bit of thick rope or you can even take an old rag or shirt. Tie a knot at each end of the rag and you’re good to go. Let your dog tug on the rope while you hold the other end in your hand. The point is to tug and pull at the rope to see who lets go first.
This game provides great physical exercise and has been shown to improve obedience between you and your pup. Just remember that you want to keep your dog interested, so try to let them win occasionally.
Also, it’s a good idea to implement a “no biting” rule. Once teeth touch your hand, the game goes away for a short period. It could be a half to a full minute, but your dog should be discouraged from biting.
This game can get very exciting, especially as your pup grows and gains some size. Just remember that the training you do as a small puppy will stick with them as they grow.
Hopefully you’ve gotten some ideas for some puppy games you can play with your little one. These games can help forge a long-lasting relationship built on respect and trust.