With the weather heating up, we’re all itching to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, including our dogs! It’s time to ditch the indoor games and get back to nature!
Dogs LOVE playing outside as much as you do, especially since it gives them plenty of room to stretch their legs and run.
What sort of games can you play outside with your canine companion? Check out a few of our favorites to get you started!
5 Fun Outdoor Games to Play with Your Dog
Hurdles
This may sound like a lot of work, but it can be so much fun! All you need to do is go to the hardware store and grab a bunch of PVC pipes (you can google how to construct them.)
Run around the yard with your dog and teach him jump over the hurdles! This is a mental game for him as well, so he will be more tired than if you just took him running.
Hide and seek
Who doesn’t love a good game of hide and seek?! You can do this with treats. Take a couple of his favorite treats and hide them around the yard.
Make him wait (even maybe inside) while you hide them. You can even do this with yourself! Once you hide, call your dog and see how quickly he can find you!
Frisbee
This is different than just playing ball. I know I would prefer to play Frisbee over just playing catch! A Frisbee takes a lot longer to fall to the ground than a ball, and your dog will tend to jump for it (agility!)
Red Light Green Light
This is so fun to do with the kids! Picture your whole family outside playing and laughing while teaching your dog to stop and go.
It might take a few times while your dog is learning his new commands and manners (stopping when you say). You are not only having fun with your dog, but he is learning too!
Carrot on the stick
Well, not really, but the same idea. Grab his favorite toy (or a new one) and tie it to a long stick (about 6 feet or so long) you can use a broom stick.
Dangle it for him, raise it up, when he gets it, give him a treat! Move all around the yard, let him chase you. This is sure to tire him out.
No matter what you choose to do, just get outdoors! Everyone benefits from fresh air and vitamin D.
Your dog will thank you for the expanse of space to run and jump. Other than tossing a ball, what have you done with your dog outside to get him active in the warm weather again?
Share with us the activities and games you do as a family with your dog!
About the author:
Olfa is the founder of DogVills: a blog about dogs and sharing delicious hypoallergenic dog treats.
Linda Szymoniak
Tuesday 9th of June 2015
I'm always looking for fun ways to help my pack get more exercise. I'll have to try these out.
Fee Roberts
Monday 25th of May 2015
I don't have a dog, but I have a cat. I taught her to fetch when she was six weeks old. Now she's almost four and if I don't play fetch with her every night before bed, she'll aggravate me until I do.
Jennifer
Monday 25th of May 2015
That has to be so cute to watch!!! I love cats. I would have a couple if I wasn't allergic.
M.Clark
Sunday 24th of May 2015
This is a great list of games. I personally like Red Light Green Light. It's great to play a game where you teach your dog to follow your commands.
Nicole Dziedzic
Friday 22nd of May 2015
Always could use some new games for the animals! Frisbee is always fun for the the dogs. Love going to the park and doing this.
Nicole Dziedzic
Friday 22nd of May 2015
We just got a new puppy a few weeks ago, his name is Ming and he is a chow. He is so fluffy and just so ready to play all the time, awesome games, some he may not be ready for, by I have been doing something similar to the carrot on the stick.