There are so many fun games kids can play with dogs that will keep them entertained as well as intellectually stirred.
However, if you’re a bit overwhelmed with the options and can’t decide which one you should pick, don’t worry because we’ve got your back.
In this article, we have compiled the 8 best games that your children can play with your dogs.
Contents
Games Children Can Play With Dogs
1. Hide & Seek
With this game, you can begin by hiding a treat or toy under the chair, bed, blanket, or pillow, then record how long it takes your pet to find.
Once your dog found out the thing, make the game more challenging by wrapping the stuff or changing the hiding place.
If you have several kids that can play, then make it a hunt for every kid the hunt. One of the advantages of having more than one player is that there is someone who will hold the dog while the other kids hide.
2. Follow Me
This game is pretty easy to play. All you need to do is allow your dog to follow your child. But you can make this more fun and thrilling by adding obstacles along the way.
However, before you start, make sure that your dog feels comfortable. That said, you need to put your pet on a leash and the moment it gets familiar with the ways on how to surpass the obstacle, then take off its leash.
3. Tug of War
Tug of war is not only a fun game but it is also a good exercise for your pooch. However, keep in mind that it is not suitable for younger children. Meaning it is for older kids who know to carefully behave animals.
Nevertheless, this game will let your pet show off some of its inner predator instincts. It will also teach your dog to let of something using a command.
If you want to make it more educational, allow your child to train the dog not to pick up the treat or toy until it is asked to. After that, tell to pick the toy and start playing the tug of war.
Your child, on the other hand, can teach your dog the famous “drop it” verbal cue. Keep in mind that every dog loves its toys and it may not take it too friendly when you take it. Thus, in this game, supervision is very important.
As a piece of advice, don’t let your child play this game with an aggressive and a stranger dog.
4. Shell Game
For this game, you will need a hard surface, three to five heavy cups, and treats. Sit down on the surface, and then command your dog to sit as well.
After that, show the treat to your dog and put one cup through it. Place the remaining cups on either side of the cup that has the treat and start rotating all the cups.
After you move all the cups, line them up and ask your dog to find it. If your dog guesses the correct answer, make sure to give it the treat and you can play again if you want.
5. Frisbee Toss
Not all dogs can play this game. Only those that weight between 30-50 pounds, have retrieval and basic chasing instincts, and have sound hips. If you think your dog meets all these requirements, then you can allow your child and dog to play Frisbee toss.
The only drawback of this game is that it is not easy to master. However, with a little hard work and patience your kid as well as your pet will understand the game in no time.
6. Catch the Soap Suds
In case you didn’t know, your dog possesses a sense that will make it hunt anything even soap suds. Let your child blow some bubbles and ask the pet to catch them. This game is suitable for kids ages three to eight years.
7. Give Pet Tricks
Training your dog to kiss, howl, rollover, shake, or dance is another great way for children to spend time with your pet.
If you want your four-legged friend to learn as well as remember the tricks your child has taught, consider giving rewards or praise them.
8. Clean Up
If you are wise enough, you can turn a usual chore into a fun game for your children and dog. For instance, you can tell them to place their toys in the box and even other stuff at their proper place.
Tips to Keep Your Child and Dog Safe While Playing
1. Guide Them
Kids, most especially the younger ones should be guided even if they are playing with family dogs. Accidental tumbles and rough plays may lead to biting, defensive growling, and snapping.
Your dog, on the other hand, must also be supervised in order to prevent unnecessary accidents to your kids.
2. Show Respect to Your Dog
Keep in mind that not all pooches will appreciate the company of kids. Thus, if your dog doesn’t like this kind of interaction, then do not force it or else it may result in negative consequences like bites.
When your pet reacts undesirably especially if your child is near to it, consider seeking help from a behaviorist or trainer.
3. Bring Your Dog to Local Parks
One of the best ways to ensure that your pet and child will have a great and safe playtime is to make your dog comfortable with your child. What better way to do this is to bring your furry friend to a local park. However, make sure to put your dog on a leash and stay from a fair distance in the beginning.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned fun games kids can play with dogs are only a few of the countless options where you can choose from. Nevertheless, to ensure safety at all times, make sure that you follow the tips above.
Thank you for reading this content and hopefully, it has helped you a lot.
