DOG GAMES

There are a number of ways you can find to help your dog stay healthy. Although I will be discussing fun games that you can play with your dog I believe that understanding dog nutrition is also a very crucial part of your dog’s health. Studies have shown that dog obesity can take two to three years off of your dog’s life.

I have found along the way some great fun games that you can play with your dog that can also teach agility and strengthen obedience commands such as stop, sit and stay.

The Jump and Sit is a great way for your dog to strengthen its leg muscles. Depending on the size of your canine friend you need to find a few things that will be easy to jump over. With this exercise starting low or small is always best because you will find that your dog will be a little hesitant at first.

The Tightrope Tease can be played on anything that the dog can walk on. I lay them on the ground and then have my dog walk along the post, just like a balance beam. If my dog slips off or decides to step off before getting to the end we go back for another try. If you do not have anything for your dog to walk on you can also use some rope or string and create an outline or narrow path that you have your dog walk through.

Spending time with your dog exercising and having fun is rewarding for both you and your best friend.

During long, cold winters, dogs and their owners may need a little more exercise. This article shows you some fun ways you can play with your dog indoors.



Some of you may have been told never to play tug of war with a dog. Other trainers feel that there is nothing wrong with the game, as long as you follow certain rules:

Play tug toys only with a specified toy. Teach your dog a command such as “drop it” or “leave it” before you start playing. Never try to pull anything away from the dog, use your command instead.Always stop immediately if the dog gets too excited or puts his mouth on your hand.

Another game you can play is hide and seek. There are two ways to play this game; either you can hide and encourage your dog to find you, or you can hide toys or treats around the house and ask the dog to find them.

Reward the dog for finding you with treats, excited praise, belly rubs ‘ anything he loves.

If your dog likes to use his nose, try hiding the treats inside shoes, under rugs, between couch cushions and places like that.

Toys can be used if your dog has a strong prey drive, or if the he is overweight.

You can also try some brain teasers with your dog. Have the dog sit and stay, facing the boxes. Release the dog and allow him to find the box the treat is in. Eventually you can begin hiding the treat with the dog facing away from the boxes.