Things to do for your dog: 19 Fun Things to Do With Your Dog

19 Fun Things to Do With Your Dog

For many of us, our pets are an integral part of our family. History has shown that our unique relationship with these furry little critters is due to their ability to manipulate us with their puppy dog eyes. Anyone who has spent more than a few minutes with most dogs knows this to be very, very true. So it probably comes as no surprise to anyone that, as humans, we tend to really, really love our dogs. 

No matter how naughty they may be sometimes, they endlessly amuse us and, often, unconditionally love us. As such, people love spending time with their pets. Here at Let’s Roam, we’re big fans of enjoying quality time with your special someone, no matter how furry they may be. We’ve come up with a list of fun things to do with your dog, whether you’re on the road or at home. 

Activities to Share With Your Four-Legged Friends

Below, you will find a list of fun activities that you can do with your dog. From huge hounds to pint-sized perros, we have something for dogs (and people!) of all shapes and sizes!

1. Go on a scavenger hunt.

Not only do app-based scavenger hunts offer an amazing way to explore a new city, but they are also very dog-friendly! This means that your pooch can come along with you as you see some of the top attractions and hidden gems of a city. You’ll make memories every step of the way. 

With more than 400 scavenger hunts, ghost walks, and art walks to choose from, we’re sure there’s going to be something perfect for all the dog owners out there! These hunts serve as a great introduction to a new location but also work well for anyone who wants to see their hometown from a whole new perspective.

GET DETAILS

2. Go to the dog park.

Dog parks abound across the US, which is great news for dog owners. These doggy-safe havens are perfect for pooches who love to explore and play with their friends without the confines of a leash. 

The best dog parks are the ones that are clean (obviously) and offer lots of space for dogs to run around in. If you have a friendly little pup on your hands, you may want to take them at times when there are lots of other dogs around so they can socialize. If you don’t have a dog park around you, don’t worry. There are plenty of parks that have dog-friendly areas where you can let pets roam off the leash. Perhaps can you even organize some puppy play dates with friends! 

If you’re not sure about the best dog park to go to, you can always ask your local dog walkers. They’re likely to be able to tell you which dog parks to go to, including the pros and cons of each, as well as what dog parks to avoid. 

3. Go on a road trip. 

Road trips are one of the most pet-friendly ways to travel. They’re even more friendly when you plan on spending a lot of time hiking or camping. Dogs can make excellent road trip companions, keeping you company while you’re driving and potentially even keeping you safe at night. 

Road trips are particularly good for pet owners since having your own set of wheels means you can skip the hassle of carrying pets on flights. Since you’re traveling on your own schedule, it also means you can stop as often as necessary to stretch your legs.

If you’re thinking about staying in hotels along the way, make sure to plan ahead and see what pet-friendly accommodation options are available close to your route. You don’t want to end up with the unpleasant surprise that there are no places for you and your pup to stay at or that the ones that are available are way out of your price range. If you need some inspiration or guidance on this, make sure to check out the Let’s Roam Explorer blog. We have lists of some of the most unique accommodation options in states all across the country. Many of them are dog-friendly, so these could end up being a great resource!

4. Schedule a photo shoot.

Yes, we know this is a bit cheesy, but think about how many gazillions of photos you have of your pets on your phone. Why not kick it up a notch and get some photos professionally done? This is a great way to honor the unconditional love and happiness your furry friend gives you. You can either do a shoot of just your pup or one with you and your family in it. The choice is yours!

5. Build an obstacle course.

Like a lot of people, many dogs love the mental and physical challenge of an obstacle course. All you need to do is take a quick stroll through Instagram or TikTok, and you can find videos of even the most unathletic dogs trying their best to get up, over, and through barriers, tunnels, and so on. This is a good way to help active dogs wear off some energy!

6. Cool down with a sprinkler.

Summer means that many parts of the country are going to be cooking! While it would be awesome if we all had access to a pool or beach, this isn’t always the case. Instead, we may just have to make do with a good old-fashioned sprinkler! Adored by kids and dogs alike, sprinklers give everyone a chance to cool down a bit. Just a warning, it’s always so adorable to see a dog frolicking through the water that it may just make your heart melt a bit!

Many public parks have sprinklers hooked up for public use. If there isn’t one near you, you can always attach one to a simple garden hose and let the watery fun begin! Make sure to finish off the cooldown with an ice cream cone for both you and Rover as a special treat!

7. Play catch with a tennis ball or frisbee.

Playing catch or frisbee is an excellent outdoor activity that encourages your dog to exercise, which serves a ton of benefits. It can help improve coordination, and it allows the dog to be the center of attention (for once… haha). 

If you don’t have a tennis ball handy (we know they seem to magically disappear) or your frisbees have seen better days, just grab a dog toy from their kennel or your living room floor and use that instead. 

8. Make your own dog treats.

Today, it seems like much of the mass-produced dog food is full of chemicals, and pet owners either have to feed their fur babies unhealthy food or spend a fortune on high-quality pet food. 

However, why not look into making your own dog treats or meals? 

There are many different recipes available online that you can use as a base and then tweak the recipe as you go to match your dog’s unique preferences. Not only will this save you a ton of money on dog food. But you can also rest assured that your dog is getting all of the vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber that it needs to live as long and healthy of a life as possible! Best of all, your dog can be your very own taste tester and quality-control specialist!

One of the cool things about this is if they turn out okay, you may even be able to create your own little business and sell them online on Amazon, Etsy, or Facebook or at farmers markets. This means you and your dog could end up being housemates, best friends, and business partners!

9. Go for a bike ride.

Just imagine you’re pedaling along a beautiful boardwalk or through the streets of a charming town. Your dog is right by your side with the breeze going through his fur and his ears bouncing up and down as you go over speed bumps or cobblestones. Pretty cute image, right? Going on a bike ride with your dog is a great way for you to get some exercise and for your dog to get to explore the surroundings around them.  

Bike rides can work for big dogs and even for smaller dogs. You simply need to tie their leash to the bike handle and pedal slowly enough for them to keep up with you. For small dogs, this may be a little bit more difficult but certainly still possible, especially if you have a basket that’s big enough for your dog to sit in. 

Before you start going, always make sure they’re securely in their basket so they can’t jump out and run away. They’ll also be safe if you happen to topple over by any chance. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water for you and your dog. If it’s hot outside, you may want to consider waiting until it cools down a bit as asphalt can get really hot on sensitive paws. 

10. Compete in dog shows.

Dog shows aren’t just for pedigrees, and every canine deserves the chance to compete for the best dog award! Nearly every dog owner thinks their dog is the best, and dog shows are a fun way to show off your competitive side. If this is your first rodeo on the dog show scene, you can start by searching for dog shows happening in your local community. There are often fun ones held around public holidays.

11. Treat yourself to a delicious meal.

Any animal lover can attest that it has gotten much, much easier to bring your dog with you when you’re out and about on the town. From dog-friendly restaurants to craft breweries featuring enormous beer gardens, the list is seemingly endless of where you can go. You may find it hard to choose a place to spend the afternoon or evening with your four-legged friend. We particularly love beer gardens since they are usually also human-baby friendly. There’s usually plenty of room for Fido or Rover to spread out without bothering other patrons. You and your pup may even end up making some new friends!

12. Teach an old dog new tricks.

There is an old saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, and we say it’s time to prove those critics wrong! Just like with humans, learning new tricks and the mental stimulation that comes along with it can help keep a dog physically and mentally healthy longer, so it’s definitely worth a try! Some of the tricks you can try to teach your dog include shaking paws, speaking, rolling over, sitting, taking a bow, and playing hide and seek.

13. Include your pups in family fun.

Whether we like it or not, dogs play an incredibly important role in many families. From providing emotional support when we need it, being the first friend of many children, and making us laugh at their hijinks, our lives simply wouldn’t be the same without them in it. That’s why it’s important to include them in all the family fun, even if that just means going for a car ride or walking in the park. 

If you need some inspiration for some fun things you can do, you may want to pick up a copy of Adventures From Scratch: Family Edition. Designed with families or couples in mind, our books offer over 50 unique challenges, and you won’t know what they are until you scratch them off! The books can help you turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and best of all, most of the activities are completed at home, which means Fido can join in on the fun!

14. Go to obedience training classes.

Okay, we know that, at first glance, this may not seem like a fun activity to do with your dog, but hear us out here. Dog training may be a good way to socialize your canine companion with other dogs, which will really help you in the future when it comes to taking your dog to fun places with you. Your dog may also really respond well to the challenges and tasks they are expected to perform. 

15. Go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.

If your dog isn’t afraid of water, another fun activity to do together is go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. They can either sit with you in the kayak or stand on the SUP below you as you paddle along. This is a fun way for your dog to see a new place, and it gives you something soft and furry to pet when you need a little snuggle time while floating along!

If this is your first time trying this, the best place to do it is on a calm lake or river. Use a large board that will help make them feel a bit more stable. This will cut down on a mid-paddle panic that could end up either capsizing your kayak or knocking you off your paddle board.  

Also, don’t forget to get a life jacket for your dog, even if you’re planning on staying close to shore. You never know what can happen when you’re out on the water, and this can be a lifesaver in case of an emergency! 

16. Go to a dog-friendly yoga class.

More and more yoga studios are allowing dogs to come to classes with their moms and dads. If you happen to go to a studio that does, this could be a really fun activity to do together. Your dog gets to meet other people, sprawl out on a coffee mat, and become very confused as to why exactly you have decided to steal his downward dog dance move!

17. Love them with all your heart.

One of the most fun things about having a dog is getting to love them with all your heart! It’s important to remember that, to our dogs, we are their world, and we owe it to them to give them our hearts fully, even when they poop on the floor or chew up your favorite shoes. They are very likely to be there when we need them most, offering us the comfort and love to get through tough times, so give them a big snuggle, laugh at their naughtiness, incorporate playtime into your busy schedule, and remember that you don’t get to have them forever, so you need to cherish your time with them.  

Hundreds, if not thousands, of people around the world have hit it big as Instagram or TikTok content creators simply by posting the wonderful attributes of their furry friends. This can provide a great medium for you to show off just how stinking cool/cute/smart/funny/loving/special or unintelligent your dog is. Plus, it will serve as a digital memory board that you can look back at later on. 

19. Create a bucket list.

One day, all of our furry friends will have to cross over the Rainbow Bridge, and it’s important to appreciate all the time you get to spend with your fur baby. Consider creating a bucket list of all of the fun things you want to do and start ticking them off one by one. Life is short, so the best time to start creating new memories is now!

Ready to Roam?

We hope all of the dog lovers out there have gotten some great new ideas for fun things to do with your four-legged friends!

If you would like to find more information on activity ideas and travel destinations around the world, stick around, and check out other inspirational articles on the Let’s Roam Explorer blog. Then, download the Let’s Roam app for guided adventures, local landmark info, and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fun game to play with my dog?

Fetch, hide and seek, and tug of war are all fun games to play with your dog. But there are plenty of other ways to have fun, too. Play in the sprinklers if it’s hot out or teach your dog new tricks!

How can I be friends with my dog?

Like humans, dogs need social interaction to function their best. If you want to be friends with your dog, how about trying some fun activities you can do together? Show your furry friend some love!

What do dogs like doing for fun?

Dogs like playing fetch, going for bike and kayak rides, and going on scavenger hunts. Most of all, they like being loved by their human parents. Just spending quality time with them is perfect.

Do pets get bored?

Absolutely! When they’re bored, they may chew up the furniture or your shoes. This is why it’s so important to allow your dog to get physically active by playing in the park or exploring the city!

43 Small, Fun Things to Do With Your Dog Just Because

Life

Even with dogs, it’s the little things that count.

Updated: Oct. 11, 2021

Originally Published: Dec. 11, 2020

Joy Velasco for Fatherly

At the beginning of the pandemic, amidst the waves of worry that cascaded over all of us, there was a refrain called out by those searching for some lockdown silver linings: Hey, dogs must be psyched that their owners are home all the time! While, yes, many dogs certainly enjoy families are home with them because, oh boy! oh boy! their humans are here! which means more time for walks, for good scratches, for treats. But they also feel the stress and anxiety that humans feel. What’s more, altered routines also affect a dog behaviorally. Seeing as how this year has, oh, been nothing but a seemingly unending onslaught of stress, anxiety, and altered routines, dogs haven’t exactly had it that easy.

This is to say that while there’s never a bad time to do something nice for your dog, now’s a pretty great time to make sure you are being extra attentive to some small, nice things to do with your dog. Like making sure they get a lot of exercise. Or providing more mental stimulation. Or just being extremely conscious of sticking to their routines. Because spending time with your dog is also good for yourself. So, to offer some help, here are 44 small, fun things to do with your dog.

1. Take the dog for long, long, long walks. It’s good for the dog. It’s even better for you. Wear a mask, be respectful of personal space, and enjoy the cold air and solitude.
2. Stick. to. a. routine. It’s the smallest, nicest thing you can do, but it will greatly help both you and your dog’s mental health. Food. Exercise. Water. Walks. Grooming.
3. Buy them some feeding toys or puzzles. Dogs naturally love to root around for their food, so giving them the opportunity to put some effort into their meal provides some mental stimulation, too.
4. Play with them. Seriously. Just play with them. Play is hardwired into a dog’s DNA. They need it. Run around with them. Throw sticks. Throw balls. Play tug of war. Wrestle with them.
5. Take your dog on a “sniffari,” which is a walk where you allow them to safely follow their nose to whatever odors they pick up. This demands a different “walk” mindset, as it’s less rigid and more free-flowing. But if you can do it, your dog will likely be psyched.
6. Or make a scent trail. If you have a yard, you can make a small scent trail with new and interesting smells for your dog to keep them intellectually stimulated. Bury socks, spray animal scents (available in sporting goods stores), and put other stinky items in dog-proof boxes along the edge of your yard.
7. Is your apartment loud? Play some calming sounds for them, which can do a lot to ease a stressed pet.
8. Same with calming scents. Depending on your dog’s disposition and allergies, scents are often a great way to help a dog chill out. Chamomile is a noted pet stress reducer, as are vanilla, ginger, and lavender.
9. Take them on snow hikes! Not all dogs like snow, but those that do really like snow.
10. Set up a weekly playdate with another dog buddy. If you can (safely and with a mind for social distance) meet a friend with a dog in a park or backyard, it’s a good way for you to get some much-needed socialization while letting your dog blow off some steam.
11. Send them to the groomer. Yes, they will hate it in the moment. But if their hair is matted or they have fur on their paw pads that need to be clipped, that can be uncomfortable and they’ll feel better afterward.
12. Give them vitamins. Look up their breed and common issues that develop and whether any vitamins or other medications can help keep them healthy for the long run. Serve in cheese or natural peanut butter (make sure there’s no xylitol in the PB).
13. Get a treat subscription box. Because the treats aren’t for us humans, sometimes we forget to pick them up, leaving the pup treat-less. Subscriptions make sure this doesn’t happen.
14. Play outside until they refuse to play anymore. Like, exhaust them with fun just once or twice a month.
15. Take them for a walk in the woods someplace they’ve never been before.
16. Bake them a homemade, dog-safe treat. Here’s a great list of options from the American Kennel Club.
17. Keep an eye out for signs of stress (Avoidance. Yawning. Scratching that isn’t related to an itch. Panting that isn’t related to exhaustion, etc.) when your dog is playing with your kids.
18. In general, always continue to teach your kid good dog behavior — what to do and not do around a dog.
19. Wrap an old t-shirt around a water bottle. If your pet enjoys crunchy noises, this is a dream toy for them.
20. Or knot a bunch of old t-shirts into a sturdy tug toy.
21. Get your dog a heated dog bed for the winter. Especially if your dog is on the older side. Their bones ache, too.
22. Bored dogs are destructive dogs. Get him or her the ultimate tug-of-war chew toy, like this one.
23. Build them an obstacle course. Lay down some tunnels. Add some PVC pipes to weave through and jump over. Whatever. Just make it fun.
24. Put their favorite treats in a muffin tin, fill with water and freeze. They’ll have fun licking their way to the center.
25. Occasionally let them lick up your leftover natural peanut butter or plain Greek yogurt, or have some bites of your apple if they’re not a picky eater.
26. Focus your attention on them. Dogs love being the center of attention. So when you are playing with them, focus on them as much as you can.
27. Live near a body of water? Spend a day swimming.
28. Buy them a G.I dog bone. They’re full of protein and a joy for most dogs to chew.
29. Fill a plastic kiddie pool with a ton of balls and let your dog go wild. As always, make sure the balls won’t cause a choking hazard.
30. Get them a snuffle mat — or make your own. A snuffle mat is basically a rubber mat with a bunch of fabric strips knotted through holes at the bottom. It sort of looks like an above-water kelp forest. But it’s a great place for them to find hidden treats.
31. Rotate their toys. Dogs get bored of the same-old, too. Put some old toys away for a few months so when they’re brought back out they’re new and exciting again.
32. Give your dog a massage! The American Kennel Club has excellent instructions for how to do give a stress-reducing rub down.
33. Make them be of use. Dogs like tasks. Teaching them to, say, fetch the paper or slipper — and rewarding them for the correct behavior — helps keep them happy and satisfied with themselves.
34. Or just teach them new tricks. There are a ton of videos on YouTube to help give you interesting ideas and guide you through the process. If anything, your dog will love the one-on-one time.
35. Grab a pup-a-cino at Starbucks. Yeah, the off-the-menu item is a bit cheesy, but chances are your dog will love it. If they are able to ingest dairy — it is just whipped cream in a cup, after all — it’s a nice treat.
36. Blow bubbles outside. Let your dog pop them.
37. One word, two syllables: Frisbee. Playing catch with a ball is one thing, the flying discs up the ante and offer a new fun challenge.
38. Stay. Lay down. Sit. Keep them fresh by running through the commands they know.
39. Make a fort for them to play in.
40. Cuddle or nap together. Just be there for them when they want to relax.
41. Have your child read aloud to the dog, as dogs are excellent, non-judgmental ears for first-time readers. This also calms dogs. If your child isn’t ready, read aloud to both of them.
42. If possible, remove your dog’s collar at night. Just as we like taking off our restrictive clothing, so do dogs.
43. Do what you can to make sure they know they are safe, loved, and appreciated as much as possible.
44. Just tell them they are a good dog.

This article was originally published on Dec. 11, 2020

Playing with a dog on the street and at home – 7 ways to diversify life

We all sometimes need variety in our usual way of life. Here are six great dog exercises.

1. Walk!

This command is a great way to use the limitless energy and enthusiasm that the dog has accumulated, but did not have a chance to splash out.

If you ask dog owners where they usually walk, they will usually tell you the same route, on the same footpaths, in the same park, where they walk several times a day for long period of time. There is certainly nothing wrong with a monotonous route, but from time to time it is worth making some changes to the walks. Not only will your dog love this, but you will too when you see how curious he is in a new place.

Here are some tips on how to innovate your dog walks.

2.

Jogging

Why not combine walking the dog with a run? This is beneficial for both of you and really gives you the opportunity to use the accumulated energy. In large cities, there are often various events that you can bring your dog to, for example, mass races in parks on weekends.

But keep in mind that not all breeds are shown running, for example, bulldogs. It is very difficult for them to breathe, and it is also not very convenient to run due to the special structure of the limbs, so such a dog is unlikely to want to keep company for a long distance. In addition, long runs are not exactly suitable for puppies, they have many other options for where to put energy, for example, joint walks on the playground with other dogs and their owners or playing in the park.

If you decide to run with your dog, then keep an eye on him, because he will want to greet other four-legged people on the way, or may want to go to the toilet. And do not forget to clean up after the dog’s feces, for this, save a special bag in advance!

3.

Communication with other dog owners

As you know, dogs love to play with their own kind. If they get along well, they can play together and, accordingly, spend a lot of energy on it.

Why not organize regular meetings with other dog owners and let your pets play together while you sit on the bench and chat.

4. Outdoor games with the dog in the dacha or in the park

If you have a dacha or a park nearby, you can come up with games that you can play with your dog.

On those days when the weather makes it impossible to play with your dog outside, you can do it at home, even on the couch!

In addition, why not create springboards from improvised means in the country house or local park? For example, at the dacha in the barn there are always things that can be used as obstacles, or you can buy special folding tunnels and other props. All this is sold in pet stores. It will diversify the walks, and it will definitely be a lot of fun!

5.

Teaching the dog tricks

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so why not use it for play purposes, like letting the dog look for hidden treats around the house or in the country house garden? Your dog will expend a lot of energy and also get excited because he will get a treat at the end. It is also a great way to teach your pet simple tricks.

If you use the same word or phrase each time before starting the search (for example, “Find!” or “Search!”), And at the end, when the dog finds a treat, praise, then the dog will have a relationship between the word or phrase and the fact that she will receive a treat or just praise based on the results of the task. This is the essence of teaching a dog tricks.

6. Playing with the ball

Perhaps most dogs like to bring the ball. Use this game for a walk. By the way, today you can buy a special launcher that makes it easier for the owner and throws the ball instead of him.

7. Using the treadmill

If you have a treadmill and a very active dog at home, you can warm up your dog right on it! It certainly won’t replace your dog’s outdoor activities and the smells he encounters, but it will definitely add variety to his time at home. Perhaps the use of a treadmill can be especially relevant for those dogs whose energy is in full swing, and there is no opportunity to walk with the owner for hours on the street.

Important! Never tie your dog’s leash to the treadmill. And don’t rush her. Let’s get familiar with the treadmill first. And when your dog steps on it for the first time, reward him with treats and praise. To begin, set the speed to the lowest setting and continue to give the treat until your dog is relaxed and comfortable. Only after that gradually increase the speed.

What to do with a dog at home? 12 ideas for games and exercises for your pet. Photo – Botanichka

It happens that a long walk with a dog in a park or somewhere in nature is not always possible. This is especially true in autumn, when prolonged rains do not contribute to walks. What entertainment can be offered to the dog at home so that the pet is active and happy? Since we are almost the main source of leisure for them, if we do not come up with activities for them, then they will come up with them themselves. And sometimes it ends up in torn shoes or curtains… Also, by playing with your pet several times a day, you can reduce the likelihood of him developing destructive habits, such as excessive barking or chewing on household items. How to take a dog at home, I will tell in my article.

What to do with a dog at home? 12 Ideas for Pet Games and Exercises

1. Tug of War

Tug of war is one of the best ways to spend time with our pets. It’s also a great way to train your dog mentally and physically. Since it does not require too much space, you can play even in a small room. And it’s a great game for big dogs in small spaces.

There is an opinion that such play can make the animal aggressive. However, this is misleading. When your pet wins, it will only make the game more fun for him and make him want to play again and again. Practice shows that dogs that play tug of war with their owners are more obedient and self-confident.

In addition, it is not only a great way to help your pet release energy, but also an opportunity to teach the animal self-control to prevent or redirect the use of teeth in an inappropriate situation. For this game, you can find special toys for dogs at the pet store, or use improvised materials.

2. Find the Treats Game

Smell games are one of the easiest ways to have a productive time with your dog. Thus, you stimulate the work of her intellect and help to hone the skills of animals, laid down by nature itself. To start the game, grab some treats and have your dog watch you distribute them around the room. Give your dog the command: “Find the treat!” Don’t forget to praise her every time she successfully finds a slice.

If you are sure that your dog understands the meaning of the game and the command “find a treat”, then you can make the task more difficult. Let the animal stay in another room while you hide the treats. Start hiding the slices in more difficult places, such as under a rug, to encourage the use of flair.

In an apartment, this game is best played with small to medium-sized dogs who don’t need too much room to move around. Make sure you use enough flavorful treats. But it doesn’t have to be dog food or meat. For example, some dogs enjoy looking for carrot slices.

Thimble game with dog

3. Thimble game

The famous game for fooling gullible citizens can be very useful for dogs. To do this, you will need three bowls or cups and a small ball or a small treat. To play thimbles with your pet, let your dog watch you hide a treat under one of the three cups. Then you slowly stir the cups and command the dog to “look for the treat!”, allowing you to sniff and flip the bowls.

Playing “thimble” will give your dog a lot of mental stimulation and help him develop problem-solving skills. And, of course, it is a lot of fun for both the pet and their owners.

4. Obstacle Course

The Obstacle Course is great even for people who have a small apartment but want to train their dogs indoors. To create such an attraction, you need imagination and almost any household items. You can use pillows, furniture, laundry baskets, blanket-covered boxes to create barriers and tunnels for your dog to explore.

Ask your pet to jump over some towels, find toys in the tunnel, and then, for example, lie down on a blanket. Using your imagination, you can come up with many obstacles for your dog. In this game, you will have to train the animal with treats or other positive reinforcement to keep the process interesting for him and for you.

5. Which Hand Game

If you’ve been thinking about teaching your dog to play scent games, this is a great game for beginners. The only thing you need is a dog treat. You can also use chopped fruits and vegetables that the animal likes.

Principle of the game:

• hide the treat in your hand;
• clench your fists and hold them in front of the dog;
• Let the dog choose which hand the treat is in.

When the pet sniffs or touches the right hand with its paw, the hand opens and is allowed to take the treat. If the animal chooses incorrectly, do not dissuade him, it may take several attempts for the dog to understand the rules of the game. You can also use the command “in which hand?” and teach your pet to choose exactly the touch of a paw.

We can teach our dogs the names of their favorite toys

6. Learn the names of toys

Border Collie Chaser is famous for knowing more than 1000 words and can choose any toy out of 800 by hearing its name. Of course, our pets are unlikely to be able to beat Chaser’s record, but we can teach our dogs the names of their favorite toys so that they can find and bring them at our request.

First, start playing with one particular toy and give it a name so that the dog understands that this is the designation of this object. With some practice and praise, your dog will match this verbal designation to the toy of choice. Once the animal has learned the name of a particular toy, you can test its skills by seeing if it can pick it from other toys. After that, you can start learning new names.

Read also our article Why Alabai is an ideal dog for country life?

7.

Help around the house

Dogs love to do any job for their owner, even just to bring slippers. You can make your pet feel even more useful by teaching him the names of some items that you need from time to time in your life.

If you want to impress your friends and are not afraid of possible unpleasant consequences, teach your dog to bring you something from the refrigerator. That being said, when you teach your pet to open the refrigerator, wrap a towel around the handle to make it easy for the dog to open the door. In the same way, you can teach your pet to help you with your daily chores, so that the dog will bring on demand the items that you will need in various situations. For example, many large dogs like to hold the hose when the owner is washing the car.

8. Putting away toys

If your dog’s toys are stored in a container, you can teach him to put them away. It may sound strange that dogs can be taught to clean up after themselves, but it’s actually a lot of fun for a pet. Teaching new skills increases the animal’s confidence and is also a great way to give them more intellectual stimulation.

If your dog already knows the command “drop!”, ask him to take the toy and take him to the container. Tap the box with your fingers and when the animal tilts its head over the container, give the command to drop. Once the toy is in the container, praise your dog or give him a treat, then repeat. With regular training, you will have a dog that can clean up after itself.

Dog massage is good for you and your pet. © wikipet

9. Dog massage

Learning how to do dog massage will benefit both you and your pet. A good massage will help calm and relax almost any dog. Massage is especially beneficial for older dogs or for animals that suffer from arthritis, as it helps reduce sore and sore joints. For any dog, massage reduces anxiety, relieves stress, improves blood circulation and improves the relationship between the owner and the pet. There are dozens of instructional videos on the Internet that will help you master the technique of doggy massage. As they say, it is better to see once.

10. Interactive bowl

Dogs need intellectual stimulation just as much as they need exercise. Interactive bowls, or “maze feeders” as they are sometimes called, stimulate a dog’s natural drive to hunt and forage for its own food. They are also great for teething, and for dogs that eat too fast or are very compulsive. Using such a bowl gives the owner the opportunity to go about their business while the dog eats.

Inside this puzzle feeder, there is a labyrinth, between the walls of which there are pieces of food. It takes time for the animal to get them out of there. These bowls come in a variety of shapes and colors and are usually made of plastic or metal.

Read also our article What should you think about before getting a puppy?

11. Treadmill

If you have a treadmill at home and it is not yet possible to organize long walks, veterinarians recommend that you train your dog for 20-30 minutes on this machine instead.