Fun Games to Enjoy with Your Canine Companion

With their boundless energy and love of play, dogs make for incredibly entertaining companions. Fido is absolutely adorable when he brings you his favorite toy! Indulge these adorable requests for playtime! Making sure your beloved pet receives both mental and physical stimulation is crucial to his or her overall well-being and contentment. There are many ways to have fun with your furry friend beyond just throwing a ball or stick. Keep reading to discover some fun activities you can do with your adorable pet, as shared by a local Easley, SC veterinarian.

Hide And Go Seek

Our furry friends can enjoy this timeless children’s game just as much as we do. It’s quite simple: Find a spot where you can conceal yourself from your canine buddy. Consider seeking refuge in a closet, under a bed, or behind a curtain. Then, call Fido to you. After your dog finds you, be sure to offer him praise, kisses, and perhaps a few treats as a reward.

As you progress, you can test your furry friend’s skills by finding more challenging hiding spots.

Tug Of War

Many of our canine friends absolutely love this one. It’s great for fostering strong connections. However, there are a few factors that should be taken into account.

This game may not be suitable for a dog with a lot of energy and an assertive personality. Playing games like this can sometimes cause certain dogs to become overly enthusiastic. If your pet exhibits any aggressive tendencies, they might become excessively excited.

This also isn’t a good option for brachys or any pooch with dental issues.

Fetch

It’s no wonder that numerous dogs excel at this particular skill. Many breeds were originally bred to help their owners retrieve fowl and other small game. The Lab, Golden, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known for their innate ability to chase and retrieve objects. (Of course, there are also plenty of pooches that just don’t understand and will respond by tilting their heads in an adorable yet puzzled manner when you attempt to throw something for them. That’s still adorable!)

Just put safety first: avoid potentially hazardous areas, such as pools, stairways, and fireplaces.

Doggy Obstacle Course

Obstacle courses can be a lot of fun for your dog, but they also help him get (and stay) fit. You can buy professional equipment, but you can also probably make do with a lot of things you have at home. For example, you can use boxes, storage totes, old tires, and cones.

Just keep in mind that obstacle courses can be quite challenging. Although they can be an excellent form of exercise for a German Shepherd, they might be overwhelming for a Chihuahua. (Unless, of course, you’re making an obstacle course out of matchbox cars and tissue boxes.) If you’re not sure if this might be too much for Fido, speak with your Easley, SC veterinarian.

Stop/Go Signal (Red Light/Green Light)

This schoolyard classic has a fascinating history that extends far beyond what you may expect. It started in ancient Greece and was first known as “statues.” Players would remain completely still when instructed, as if they were frozen in place, like statues. This game has numerous benefits for children, helping them develop important social skills, coordination, and listening skills. Dogs can also enjoy those same benefits! To more effectively communicate with Fido, use the commands ‘Stay’ and ‘Come’ instead. (This is also a very cute and entertaining way to train your canine companion.)

Treasure Hunts

This is a great option for pups who love following scents. This one is sure to be a hit with scent hounds like Bloodhounds, Beagles, Foxhounds, and Dachshunds. Just hide tiny treats and/or toys for Fido to discover with his cute little nose. For Beagle enthusiasts, you might find it fascinating to learn about some of the unique traits and stories of this beloved breed. Check out our article on Celebrating Everyone’s Favorite Beagle to dive deeper into what makes these dogs so special. Make sure to collect any items your furry friend may have missed when you’re done.

Simon Says Stay

Is your furry friend familiar with basic commands like Lay Down, Sit, Stay, Come, and Heel? Let Fido showcase his most impressive moves!

Tag!

It’s very easy to give this kids’ game a ‘pupgrade’ and make it more pet-friendly. Just rotate between chasing Fido and having him chase you. Only participate in this activity in a secure enclosure and with a well-trained pup. You don’t want to accidentally make Fido think that being chased is a fun game!

Charming Tricks

After Fido has successfully learned the fundamentals of doggy obedience, you can proceed with furthering his petucation. If you’re looking for a more serious approach, feel free to delve into more advanced commands. However, it wouldn’t hurt to inject a bit of fun into your dog’s repertoire by showing him some cute tricks. Shake Paw and Roll Over will forever be adorable.

Hide a dog treat beneath one of three cups. (Tip: Carefully rub the treat around each cup to discreetly mask the scent and make it more challenging for your furry participant.) Then, just let Fido select the cup that holds the treat.

How Much Playtime Does Fido Require?

Regular playtime is going to be good for the majority of puppies. Even older dogs enjoy letting loose and embracing their youthful spirit, even if it’s only for a short while.

As far as how much playtime Fido needs, well, it will vary from pup to pup and will change as Fido ages. Young dogs are known for their high energy levels and playful nature, and they often need several hours of playtime each day. An older pooch may become exhausted or fatigued after only a short period of time. Ask your veterinarian for more information.

Fido Doesn’t Seem To Be Very Interested… What Should I Do Now?

Some of our canine pals are couch potatoes who choose to nap instead of playing with balls, sticks, or Frisbees. That’s fine! If your canine companion suddenly stops playing, it could indicate a medical issue. Contact your veterinarian and schedule a comprehensive checkup for your pet right away.

How Do You Play With An Older Dog?

Fido will continue to find joy and reap the rewards of play as he ages. However, you may need to make a few adjustments to his playtime itinerary. Take care to ensure that Fido doesn’t overexert himself. You’ll also need to gradually redirect your focus towards activities that provide mental stimulation, such as the Cups game, instead of solely relying on high-energy games like Fetch or Frisbee. Senior dogs also often prefer soft toys, and those that are easy to track. If your pet is showing signs of discomfort or reluctance to engage in previously enjoyed activities, it might be time to consider veterinary behavior counseling. These services can help address changes in your pet’s behavior and ensure they remain happy and engaged.

Always put your pet’s health and safety first. One thing to be aware of is the fact that having a senior dog jump or stand on his hind legs is not safe or suitable. This also isn’t recommended for dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia. Ask your Easley, SC veterinarian for further information.

Ultimately, playing not only brings joy to Fido, but it also greatly contributes to his overall well-being. Playing is essential for your pet’s overall health and well-being as it offers mental stimulation. Furthermore, it enables your beloved pet to release any extra energy. Last but not least, it’s good for bonding!

Book an Appointment at Our Easley, SC Pet Clinic

Is it time for your dog to come in for a check-up? Does Fido require vaccinations or parasite control? Feel free to reach out to us anytime. As your Easley, SC pet clinic, we are dedicated to offering top-notch care!