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10 Fun Games To Play With Your Puppy

What if hockey could be more than just silly puppy playtime? What if it could deepen your relationship with them, change their manners, and provide them with mental development activities?

They are full of energy, intellect, wagging tails, and love, all rolled into one fur child. But really, let's admit it – entertaining puppies is sometimes easier said than done but sometimes may seem like a second job. Oh, don't worry; we are here to help you with it.

Here are ten fun games with a puppy that are enjoyable for the pet and improve the training, intellectual level, and trust between the pet and the owner.

The Classic Game Of Fetch

Fetching may seem like a fundamental command, but this is an excellent choice for good reasons. Rowing a ball or toy for your puppy allows your pet to return to their genetic programming of hunting and catching. Opt for softballs, toys that make squeaky noises, or frisbees.

Pro Tip: Start small! Compared to kittens, puppies have a very short attention span. Use a light toy and specify that throws should be easy.

Why it works: This game involves moving around while helping your pet sharpen its brain by practising commands like 'come' and 'drop.'

Hide-And-Seek

Who says hide-and-seek is just for kids? Puppies love this game too! Hide somewhere in your home and call your puppy's name. Watch as they excitedly sniff their way to find you.

Fun Variation: Hide a treat or toy instead of yourself. Let them follow their nose!

Why it works: It strengthens recall training while giving your pup a mental workout.

Tug-Of-War

Let's be honest: there's something ridiculously satisfying about a good game of tug-of-war. Grab a sturdy rope toy and let the battle begin!

Pro Tip: Always let your puppy win now and then—it builds confidence.

Why it works: It's an interactive bonding activity that helps puppies learn bite inhibition and control their strength.

Puppy Obstacle Course

Transform your living room or backyard into a mini agility course. Use cushions to jump over, chairs to crawl under, and boxes to navigate around.

How to start: Guide your puppy through the course with treats or toys as motivation.

Why it works: This is one of the best puppy bonding activities because it challenges the puppy's mind and body while keeping them entertained for hours.

"Find It" Game

Leave some food or the pet's meal in some part of the house and allow the puppy to find them. This game engages their inherent scavenger aspect and gives their brains quite a workout!

Fun Twist: You may provide an additional challenge using the puzzle feeder or snuffle mats.

Why it works: You fill it with treats, and it's a word game for the dogs, very much like a treasure hunt for them to solve, all while getting some pet food at the end of it.

Bubble Chasing

Yes, bubbles! Puppies go wild for them. Pop bubbles- yes, there are a variety of pet-safe bubbles, and watching your pooch leap, jump, and pop is often a fun sight.

Pro Tip: You can blow bubbles at different heights so kids can jump and chase them.

Why it works: It is fun for your puppy and amusing to watch!

Shell Game (Cup Game)

Want to show off how smart your pup is? Grab three cups and hide a treat under one. Shuffle the cups around and let your puppy guess where the treat is hidden.

How to train: Start simple—use one cup until they get the hang of it, then increase the difficulty.

Why it works: It's one of the best dog training games to enhance focus, patience, and problem-solving skills.

Tag Team Chase

Channel your inner kid and play tag with your puppy! Run around your yard or home, letting them chase you, then switch and chase them (gently, of course).

Pro Tip: Use this game as an opportunity to teach "stop" or "wait" commands mid-chase.

Why it works: It burns off extra energy while reinforcing your bond with interactive play.

Teach A New Trick

This is the best time to incorporate training because the dogs enjoy this trick. Teaching tricks such as 'roll over,' 'spin,' or 'high five' is fun.

Make it fun: To make playtime fun for your puppy, always ensure you are rewarded with treats, praise, and even an encouraging tone of voice.

Why it works: Games like this make it easier to train your dog and improve communication between you.

Flirt Pole Fun

What's a flirt pole? It's just a big stick with a string and a toy at the end—fancy a massive stick for a cat toy, but for dogs, please! Turn it around for your puppy to chase, pounce, and pull on it.

Pro Tip: It is advisable to have shorter sessions to avoid overcrowding of information.

Why it works: This game helps to utilize your pet's predator instincts, which is why it is one of the best interactive games for dogs.

Why Games Are More Than Just Play

When training, using fun games for puppies is more than just entertainment. It is the trust, understanding, and letting them get the mental and physical workout they want. Whether throwing the ball to your dog or setting obstacles on the ground, you will build up your bond.

So, pick up some toys, make room, and start these games with your pet.