Every dog likes to play with its owner. There are many different games you can play with your dog. It varies a lot per dog what he likes or dislikes. Certain dogs will love fetch while other dogs will prefer to play a tug game. It’s a matter of finding out what your dog likes!
Frisbee
One of the games you can play with your dog is Frisbee. A frisbee is a plastic throwing disc. It is a kind of flying saucer that can be thrown very far away due to its design. Because a Frisbee is flat, it can be easily taken in the mouth by your dog. Many dogs love to run after a Frisbee and try to catch it. It is a game where retrieving can easily be learned. Have the dog return the Frisbee to you without running away or chewing it first.
Please note that this game is quite intensive physically! Never play the game for long and never with very high temperatures. Also be careful with dogs that are older and dogs that suffer from joint problems, the many jumping can be too stressful for these dogs.
Swimming
A large part of the dogs love water and therefore also swim. Yet there are always dogs who are afraid of water and dogs who cannot swim. Never force these dogs into the water anyway, they will most likely have a very negative experience.
Swimming has a positive effect on the blood circulation, is very good for cooling off at high temperatures and improves the condition. A very nice thing to do is fetch while swimming. You throw a ball or a twig in the water and let your dog pick it up. There are also special dummies for sale, these are floating bags weighing approximately 500 grams. They are for sale at almost all pet stores.
There are a number of points that you should pay attention to when swimming with your dog. First, make sure you let your dog swim in a place where he can get out of the water on his own. In some places there is too steep a wall or the surface along the waterfront is too slippery to have sufficient grip. It is also the case that a wet coat of a dog does not insulate well. It is therefore wise not to let your dog swim when it is colder than ten degrees. If he does, it is advisable to rub him dry very well with a towel. Also, don’t let your dog swim in extremely polluted water or in water with a strong current.
Tug of war
For a large part of the dogs, tug of war is the favorite game. Even puppies will often enjoy having a competition with a blanket. Many adult dogs also love to be able to show their strength. Special ropes are available in the shop to participate in this game. These ropes are very nice because they do not break easily and do not rub on your hands. Some dogs also like to pull a rope among themselves. Always stay around to make sure that none of the dogs becomes too possessive.
A very important thing in tug of war is that you have to be sure that you can win your dog’s competition. Over time, when your dog wins, he will realize that he is stronger than you. He may then start to use his power against you in other ways. Always make sure that you stay in control of the game. When you say loose, the dog must immediately listen.
Slalom
Slalom is a very fun game in which good cooperation between the dog and its owner is necessary. Look for a straight row of trees somewhere in the forest. Go left along one tree and then right along the other tree. In the beginning you will have to guide your dog very well on a leash. Eventually most dogs will get the game and you will be able to let them go and you only have to give a command. It is also an option to play this game with pylons that you can buy in almost any sports or toy store. When the dog has fully mastered the exercise, you can start recording the time. This way you can see if you are getting faster.
Always reward your dog exuberantly when he performs the exercise (partially) well. It’s a very difficult exercise for the dog so don’t be impatient! Never go on too long with this game in the beginning because your dog will soon get bored.