Are you cooped up indoors and looking for ways to keep your dog active? Making sure your dog gets exercise and playtime doesn’t have to be complicated. Below are three simple dog games to play at home that will keep your dog happy, healthy and active.
FIND
Place a treat on the floor and point to the treat while saying “Find it”. When your dog has eaten the treat, place another treat on the floor, but a little further away and out of sight (e.g. behind a chair leg), and say “Find it” again. Praise your dog vigorously when he finds the treat. What comes next? Repeat it! Once your dog has understood the game, put him in his crate or in sit and down in another room. Hide three to five treats. Release your puppy and cheer him on as he searches for, finds and enjoys the hidden treats.
UNDERSTAND AND SEARCH
This game is fun for the whole family! It also trains your puppy and teaches him to respond to his name. Put your dog in “sit/stay” or have a family member hold him. Find a place to hide. Set your puppy up for success by first hiding him in a place where he can easily find you. Call your puppy excitedly in a happy and positive tone. Keep calling until your puppy finds you. When he has found you, celebrate with lots of treats and praise and hide him again. The better your puppy gets at the game, the more challenging it becomes. Hide in a cupboard, under a bed, in a completely different part of the house or even in the garden. The whole family can take turns playing hide and seek!
NOTE: If at any point your dog starts to panic or get stressed because he can’t find you, come out of hiding and make the game easier next time.
DOGTOPIA DANCE (AKA SPIN)
“Dancing!” is a great trick for pet parents and dogs alike. It burns off energy while increasing your dog’s responsiveness to your commands. It’s also a fun trick to show off to friends and family during your next Facetime or Zoom session. Practice “Dance!” when your dog is excited and has some energy. It’s easy to get started! Take a tasty treat or a favorite toy. Show your dog the treat or toy and then hold it a few centimeters above his nose. Move your hand slowly in a circle. Praise your dog calmly when he turns to follow the toy or treat. If you are too excited, your dog will stop following your hand and focus on you. Once your dog has completed a turn, give him the treat or toy. Practice several times until your dog understands what you want. At this point, start saying “Dance!” before you move the treat or toy. As your dog gets better, let him make several turns before you give him the treat. How many circles will your dog make?
We want to see your dancing dogs! Share a video of your dog at the Dogtopia Dance on social media by tagging your Dogtopia location and using the hashtag #dogsofdogtopia!
