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Outdoor Games for Your Dog
Keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy with these outdoor game ideas.
There's still plenty of time before winter arrives to enjoy the weather. It's time to get out there with your four-legged friend. Here are a few outdoor activities to consider:
Obstacle Course
If you can set one of these up in your backyard, you and your dog can have lots of fun. You can find many obstacle course items at local pet supply stores (tubes, pause tables, hurdles to jump over), or you can use things you have around the yard like hula hoops to jump through, boxes to jump over, ladders (to prance through, not climb up). First guide your dog through the course on a leash to show him or her the way to go through the course. Praise profusely each time your dog accomplishes the right task. This is one of those outdoor games for your dog that is good physical and mental exercise for your pet!
Batter Up
Instead of just the usual fetch game, you can change it up a little by getting a Wiffle bat and a ball that your dog likes to fetch. Hit the ball out into the field with the bat. After your dog runs out to get and return the ball, make sure you don’t hit another ball out until he or she learns to drop the ball at your feet.
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Hidden Treasures
Hide a few yummy treats in sneaky places around your yard. Then, with your dog in a sit/stay position, have him or her sniff the treat. Hide that someplace out of sight and then let your dog sniff around the yard trying to find the reward! Make each game challenging by finding different places to hide the treats each time.
Stick and String Chase
Use this only in a wide open space: get a soft dog toy and tie it to the end of a long rope (6 feet or so), then tie the other end to a broomstick or similar long stick. Move the toy up and down, around and from side to side so that your dog is running to try and fetch the toy. When he or she gets the toy, praise and reward! This outdoor dog game can tire your dog out quickly, so be careful on warm days and make sure there are plenty of rest breaks and fresh water to drink.
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These are just a few ideas! Remember to keep your dog hydrated and watch for signs of fatigue. For more ideas, check out this article.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at (703) 897-5665 for assistance!
Dr. Jim McDonald
Woodbridge Animal Hospital
2703 Caton Hill Rd.
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Phone: (703) 897-5665