10 Best Fun Games For Dogs To Keep Them Healthy

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We all want our dogs to be healthy and active, don't we? But, how do we keep them healthy? Recently, a study revealed the importance of play for dogs. We need some form of physical activity to keep ourselves fit and healthy. Similarly, dogs need them too. Bristol University has released a new study which states that play is the key to our dogs well being. The dogs who don't engage in a lot of play suffer from behavioural issues such as anxiety and aggression. Therefore, it's important to engage our dogs in play.

What kind of games do dogs like? Here, your regular 'fetch the ball' game wouldn't work. It may lead to boredom. But, the games which provide physical exercise and also offers mental stimulation are the best games for your fur-baby.

In order to keep your fur-buddy healthy and active, I'm here with the 10 best games your dog would love to play.

Without any further delay, let's make a start…

Obstacle Game

How to play

Create your own obstacle items or you can buy plenty of obstacle course items at any pet stores. You can use some hoops to jump through or some other kinds of barrier like using chairs to weave through. It's a fun way to teach your dog new tricks.

Benefits

This obstacle course is a fun way to give them some mental and physical exercise. It’s a great source of mental stimulation for dogs. It can be really exhausting and therefore, a good way to keep your dogs busy as well as healthy.

Fetch the Frisbee

How to play

Instead of a regular ball, grab a frisbee. Train your dog to catch the frisbee or fetch it. Initially, you can use soft frisbee disc to play so that it may not hurt them. This game will give your dog a chance to chase the frisbee over long distances.

Benefits

Frisbee is a fun game. This game not only excites the dog but also gives them enough physical exercise. Through this game, you can train your dog to focus. Frisbee game also trains the dog to be alert at all times.

Hide and Seek

How to play

We all have played this game as a kid and now, it's time to pass on this game to our furry friends. It's a simple game. Simply tell your dog to stay while you're hiding. When you're ready, just yell out "Come baby!" This would be enough for your dog to start the search.

Benefits

This is basically a fun game. Hide and seek game will train your dog to develop it's sniffing and hearing abilities. This game won't give your dog physical exercise but you can play this game with a combination of games.

Chase the Prey

How to play

Chase the prey is one of the most interesting games for dogs as well as us to see our dogs chase the prey madly. Tie your dog's favourite toy to any of your remote-controlled object and then, command your dog to chase it. That's it!

Benefits

Your dog will love this game as they love chasing. Chase the prey provides enough physical exercise as well as helps the dog to develop its chasing abilities. It also develops the concentration power of your dog enabling them to focus on its prey.

The Cup Game

How to play

We have seen this game earlier in the movies and some of you might even have played this game. This is a simple game where you have to use 3-4 plastic cups of the same colour and size. Instead of keeping the ball or toy under it, you can place the favourite treat of your dog under one of the cups. Let your dog watch as you move the cups around. Give him the treat when he picks the right cup.

Benefits

This game needs the dog to be attentive and focused. It also helps the dog to develop its sniffing abilities.

Food Dispensing Toys Game

How to play

This a simple and fun game for your furry friends. All you have to do is stuff the food dispensing toy with healthy treats. And then, your dog has to knock it around to get the treat out. I'm sure your dog will love it. Try it out.

Benefits

It is purely a mental stimulation game. It is easy to play as well as it encourages them to use some of their natural scavenging ability. This will keep your dog busy especially when you're out.

Treasure Hunt

How to play

This is the simple version of a treasure hunt game. Here, you can use a smelly, favorite treat or toy of your dog and show him/her this treasure. Tell your dog to sit as you go to hide it and then, simply command your dog to go and find it.

Benefits

In order to complete this game, dogs have to completely rely on their noses more than any other senses to find the treasure. Playing this game will in turn develop the sniffing abilities of your dog.

Bubble Game

How to play

This is a fun game as well as simple. All you have to do is train your fur-baby to touch or chase the bubbles before the touch the ground.

Benefits

Bubble game excites the dog and keeps them busy effortlessly. It gives them some amount of physical exercise as they might hop to touch or chase the bubble.

Soccer

How to play

What's better than playing soccer with your fur-companion? It's a game for just the two of you. All you have to do is kick the ball and your dog has to obstruct the ball from touching the net and vice-versa. Lure him with a treat to make it interesting. Initially, you'll have to train your dog. Dogs are fast learners so they'll do it.

Benefits

It's a fun game. It requires a coordination of mind and body. It also gives a good physical exercise for your dog.

New Trick Game

How to play

New trick game is a customizable game. You can customize it as per your needs. Here, you can teach your dog a new trick. It can be a roll over trick, crawling under a chair or hop frontwards and backwards. Whatever it may be, the process is teach, revise and repeat.

Benefits

This game will help you discover the strengths and weaknesses of your dog. It will also provide good physical exercise. New trick game will keep your dog mentally and physically fit and healthy.

Dogs are playful by nature. They love playing. Through play activities, they are learning and developing various skills like chasing, rolling over the ground and picking objects with mouth, biting and shaking it. They learn real skills like how to move their bodies, acquire food, and defend themselves in fights. Therefore, playing is important for dogs too. Which game your dog enjoys the most?