Free time, or “play time,” is good for everyone. It helps reduce stress, reduce depression, keep your brain stimulated, and generally make you feel good. All this applies to your dog too. In fact, incorporating various forms of toys and games into your dog’s daily routine is essential in helping him develop a healthy, loving personality.
THE BENEFITS OF GAME FOR THE DOG
Play and fun are important for your dog for many reasons, from enjoyment to cognitive stimulation. Here are some aspects why it is important to play with your dog:
- Physical health. Active play with your dog keeps his heart healthy, muscles active, joints lubricated, improves balance and overall coordination.
- Mental health. Games with rules force your dog to use his brain. This will help him maintain concentration.
- Social skills. Playing with other dogs and people helps improve your dog’s overall social skills. Your dog also learns basic rules and behaviors.
- Beam. No matter how long you play with your dog, you strengthen your bond with your furry friend.
- Your health. Playing with your dog reduces stress and also gives you a chance to get some exercise!
GAMES FOR TRAINING
There are many fun games you can play with your dog that will keep him excited, engaged, and stimulated. Some of the best games offer several forms of training at once. Here are some games that offer specific training benefits.
THE HOT AND COLD GAME
This game helps increase your dog’s listening skills and also helps your dog be more attentive and respond to the sound of your voice. Hide a treat when your dog looks away.
Use a calm tone for “cool” if your dog moves away from the hidden reward and a more excited tone for “warm” when your dog approaches the reward. Your verbal communication and tone of voice will help him find the hidden reward.
PROBLEM SOLVING GAMES
Successfully solving problems greatly increases your puppy’s confidence. Developing logical skills is also essential, and with a game like this, your dog can gain a bit of both by trying to figure out how to pull a string to get a reward.
Tie a ribbon or short piece of string to a treat and hide it under a piece of furniture, far enough away that your mouth or paw can’t reach the treat. Encourage your dog to reach out and observe how long it takes him to grab the rope to pull the reward. Be careful not to swallow the wire.
AGILITY CIRCUIT YOU BUILD
This is not only mental stimulation for the dog, but also physical. You can easily create an obstacle course using common household items. Set out kitchen chairs and encourage the dog to slalom across them, or place a broom for the dog to jump over. Your dog will follow the cues as he walks the circuit, while being trained to listen.

LEARN EYE CONTACT
Teach your dog to give you eye contact. This basic behavior will help you get your dog’s attention when he is distracted. To play this game, hold a treat to your forehead or near your eye and tell your dog to look at you. Gradually remove the reward and use a hand signal and verbal command to ask the dog to look at you.
CHASE THE PREY
This game gives your dog the opportunity to practice impulse control and obedience by releasing an object on command. It also allows your dog to use his natural hunting instincts in a non-destructive way.
Use a long stick or stick and tie a rope to one end. Tie a toy to the other end of the string and gently pull on it, stopping occasionally to adopt a slow chase. Let the dog catch the “prey” often enough so that he does not become discouraged.
CONTRIBUTION
A great toy for energetic dogs, fetch provides physical activity by responding to your dog’s natural running instincts. For a more advanced variation, try using a Frisbee, which is a little harder to catch than a ball. You can also vary the height, distance and direction of the throws to keep the dog mentally and physically engaged.
THE FIGHT WITH THE ODGON
Dogs love the shooting and fighting that dog fighting game offers them. Not only does it give them good exercise, but your dog will also find it fun and engaging. Make sure to let the dog win sometimes and don’t forget to practice commands like “put him down.”
KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO STOP
Playing with your furry friend is beneficial for many reasons, but anything that is too aggressive or lasts too long can lead to overstimulation. Make sure you complete play sessions while you and your dog are having fun. This will keep him eager for the next gaming session rather than apathetic or frustrated.
Games like these will keep your dog active and mentally challenged, and most importantly, they will keep your furry friend happy.
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