The other day I was outside walking and thought of fun activities you can share with your dog. There are certain obvious ones, like walking, playing and teaching new tricks. But then I got to thinking about unusual activities like hide and seek and other games. Then I decided it’s finally time to create an absolute list and see what I can come up with.
So here it is, 37 (and counting) dog tricks, games and activities both indoors and outdoors. We’ll split them up, to make it easier to choose if travelling to mountains or hiking to a nearby lake is not an option. But don’t count it out, getting out there is healthy for a multitude of reasons.
First, let’s begin with indoor activities
Fun indoor dog activities
1. Teach your dog a new trick
There are a number of tricks you can teach your dog. From experience, a good tip is to always keep a treat or two close by, especially in the learning phase. Some useful commands most dogs can learn quite easily:
- “Sit” – this one is obviously quite useful in many different situations.
- “Give me your paw” – a neat little trick.
- “Lie down” – For more advanced commands, you can teach the dog to lie down in a fixed place.
- “Roll” – a classic among dog owners.
- “Find * insert object here *” – Train your dog to find a toy, or maybe something unusual? This can become quite a fun little trick for both family and friends!
- “Stay!” – teach the dog to either sit still or lay down when you walk away.
2. Play hide and seek
Dogs can learn a ton of stuff, but the truth is certain dog breeds have an easier time learning new tricks. Of course, it also depends both on you as a teacher and the individual dog. Our tip is to start out easy, and go from there.
One fun game to play is hide and seek. Tell your dog to say, hide somewhere in the house or outdoors, and shout “find!”.
3. Teach your dog the name of his/hers toys
Here comes a fun little game. Give your dogs’ toys human names. Shout out “Find Marcus!”, followed by the dog running away, eventually returning with a disgusting, worn out ball.
It can get really quite exciting if a person named Marcus is present while playing the game. Beware, no bullying!
4. Apport! A common way to keep your dog active
There is no complete games-and-activites-for-dogs list without “apport!”. This game probably dates back several hundred years, and is a great way for both the dog and the owner to get some exercise. Purchase a frisbee or boomerang to freshen up the game a bit.
5. Treats – let the dog work for it!
Sit down! Lie down! Roll around! Stay! Are all good reasons for a treat. But you can also expand it further, by training your doggie to run around the house or get a treat. More and more people are also setting up custom running tracks for their dogs. Use your creativity and find something that suits both you and your dog.
6. Treats on the nose
Sit down! Place a treat on the dog’s nose. Wait a few seconds. Good boy/girl! This is a good way to teach your dog both patience and focus. Let your dog sit still for a while until you feel like it’s deserved.
7. Put your dog to work!
I was inspired by a so called viral video for this one. Funny clips are constantly being shared online, and tons of them are videos of animals in action. Cat videos? Come on! They’re everywhere.
Train your dog to turn off a light switch near the floor, open the refrigerator to grab a beer or teach it to go get a random item from another room in your house.
Remember Marcus from the 4th suggestion on this list? Well, it’s time to go get Marcus!
8. Find the treat
A really fun and easy brain exercise for your doggie. Make it sit perfectly still, before placing treats around the house. Maybe even the yard? When you’re done, clinch your wrists and scream from the top of your lungs: – Find the treat!
An easy game that both you and your dog will have a lot of fun with.
9. Different forms of agility training
To keep your dog healthy and active, you won’t need to arrange a cross-country hike through three continents, feed it healthy snacks and get a custom fitted jogger suit.
With that said, agility training may require some equipment. But if you’re creative and somewhat handy, you will easily set up a few training rigs for your dog to let loose on. Flexibility and balance can be easily achieved with a few planks, pallets, drills and some screws. If you want to do it properly, we go more in depth at list item 35.
A small agility track can be installed inside, but it will probably be better suited either on a balcony or the lawn. We chose to include it in the indoor category, because why not?
10. Watch dog movies
It’s always interesting to see how dogs are affected by what’s going on in unfamiliar territory. Does it bark on new years eve? Does it think your vacuum cleaner is evil? Some dogs are always relaxed, while some dogs are quite the opposite.
Throw on a decent movie in the dog-category, and wait in suspense. A tip: 101 Dalmatians is a classic of epic proportions. If your dog doesn’t catch the bait, test out a more realistic one, like A dog’s Journey (2019). Really solid choice.
11. Drag toys
This website is a community of staffie-lovers. More specifically, the dog breed staffordshire bull terrier. They are cute, medium-sized dogs with an enormous strength relative to their bodyweight of 14 – 18 kg.
For staffies, but also a lot of other breeds, drag toys are quite the stress releaser for both the dogs and the owners. Always make sure to start really easy, and please don’t go too hard. Do those silly things with your own body if you feel like doing really explosive exercises.
This caveman-like game requires basically nothing more than a robust rope, but of course feel free to let your creativity go. There are tons of choices in pet stores.
12. Dog yoga, also called doga
If there are a minimum of dog activities where you live, which is often the case in smaller places, then self-composed dog yoga can be a fantastic option.
Buy an exercise mat and let your dog become part of your daily yoga routine. You will find hundreds of instructions on how to do this.
A simple image search on Google will present a whole range of positions to try. Youtube is also a fantastic source of information.
13. Arrange a dog party!
Step 1: Contact all of your friends and acquaintances who happen to be dog owners.
Step 2: Gather them for a proper play-and-feast. Let your dogs run around and play, but of course keep an eye on them because some don’t necessarily go well together.
Remember: no alcoholic beverages for the dogs!
14. How long can you keep the dog over your head?
I added this one because it sounded really ridiculous and funny in my head. But you can do a lot of fun things with your dog! Lift, wrestle and play with the dog. Then all of a sudden you’ll find something fun and unique together!
15. Obedience training
You can go a step further beyond sit, give paw, and lay down.
Explore different options and train your dog to become both obedient and reliable. Testing your dogs patience can be good ways to make your dog more obedient.
It is your friend, but you’re the owner and are not only responsible for providing a good life, but also boundaries and rule-setting.
16. Arrange a dog date!
Did your doggie catch eyes with a delicious, four-legged potential mate while taking a relaxing stroll on the beach?
Ask them the next time you meet whether they’re interested in a play-date. It can obviously be misinterpreted, and an alternative is reaching out to friends and family who also have dogs. Let the dogs play while you eat one cookie (only one!) and drink dozens of cups of coffee.
17. Make your own toys for the dog
As the owner, you know what your dog likes to do. You can use the same old toys, but that’s so boring. Why not make your own?
Remember that smaller pieces can fall off and cause suffocation. And that’s the tricky part.
Assemble something that 1) does not fall apart or 2) something that will not suffocate the dog if loose parts fall off. Toys made of rope and fabric are usually safer than objects made of i.e. plastic.
18. Give your dog a full spa treatment!
In recent times, probably because we have nothing better to spend our money on, dog hotels have become quite popular. I shouldn’t say that, but oops I did.
Some dog groomers and kennels offer various forms of massage and treatment of the four-legged, which can be a great gift to give to your dog. They can usually take care of hair, cut claws and do pretty much any treatment you’d like them to perform.
Previous silly remarks aside, contact a doggie hotel and book a weekend!
Fun outdoor dog activities
19. Do it yourself: agility track
Spend a weekend making an agility course! Use wood you have laying around, tires, ropes, euro pallets, chains, chipboard, plastic or steel and put your handyness to the test.
You can also buy a used swing set or other playground elements and make something fun out of it.
Many possibilities here. Make sure it can hold your bodyweight – you can also have fun!
20. Mountain hike
Bring your dog on a longer mountain hike. Experience pristine mountains, fresh air and early bed-time for the doggie. Remember to bring enough water and food!
21. Stop by a dog park
A dog park or similar gathering place for dogs is a really sound way to socialize your dog. A fun day ending with new friends. It’s also a great way for you as the owner to socialize and get to know people with common interests.
22. Swim with the dog
If you let your dog gradually get used to water, most dogs will enjoy bathing! Swimming is really good for both humans and pets, as you’re forced to use lots of muscles which are rarely activated during daily activities.
Use a life jacket, or at least have on at hand, if there are somewhat demanding conditions.
23. Overnight at a dog hotel
In these modern times you can find hotels that are especially dedicated to dogs. Your dog can get spa treatments, socialize with other dogs, read a few books about modern economics, and spend the night in a perfectly suited environment. When you go on holiday, this can also be an alternative to the kennel, if your wallet allows it.
24. Cross-country running
Get your dog to run around in relatively demanding terrain. This can be done in a forest, a massive garden, or even a public area such as parks.
25. Take your dog on a road trip!
Fasten the dog, your spouse and maybe an elk on the roof, an hit the road! Some four-legged animals are more likely to get motion sickness than others, but you’re probably already aware if that’s the case for your dog.
Take some precautions if you are going out of the country, as there are strict rules. Domestically, you can usually honk and drive wherever you want.
26. Attend local dog gatherings
Do you know anyone with dogs? Are there Facebook groups with dog owners in your local area? Take the initiative to invite friends, or reach out to a group that usually spend time together.
For your dog it is important to receive different stimuli, and socialization is healthy for both you and the dog.
27. Take the dog on a boat trip
Throw on a life jacket and sail away with me honey! Boats are known to be a good means of transportation over wet areas, and can be quite fun as well!
Anchor the boat next to an exciting beach or a untouched island, and spend a few hours out there swimming and grilling. Always remember: Dogs like sausages. Especially wiener dogs.
28. Convertible car? Let’s go!
Dogs are famously known for hanging their heads out of windows while driving. How will it react if the window is practically 50% of the car!?
Fasten the dog securely, and make sure both you and your dogs are driving around with your tongues out.
29. Let’s go camping!
Previously we wrote about hiking in the nearby rural areas. Why not pitch a tent while you’re at it? Bring either a caravan or tent and place it in a suitable place. Let your dog play freely, light a fire and go on daily hikes. A lot of fun can be had on these trips!
30. Go skiing!
Are you going skiing? Bring your dog as well! This is especially suited for dogs with a rich coat. Look at the temperature and how your dog copes with the cold before you go for a walk.
31. Beach and bathing life!
Throw on your sombrero, or at least some goofy sunglasses, and head to the beach!
Be aware that some people are not as fond of dogs as you are, so take a look at the surrounding area and ‘read the room’ before letting your dog off the leash. Families with young children can be especially stern and have a problem with your dog running around freely. Usually there are some guidelines in the specific country or area you’re at.
It is not their fault they’re both cold and heartless, so pay attention and keep some distance. Remember to bring snacks and plenty of water!
32. Take you dog on a fishing trip
The dog enjoys when it gets to participate in various activities. With calm dogs, the atmosphere can be present for fishing with floats, and if the dog is energetic, it can be good to fish with spinners.
33. Let’s go for a run!
Depending on the dog’s physical condition, your daily walk can be turned into a running or cycling trip. Fasten the necessary harness or collar, and go on a run!
34. Set up a children’s pool
Do you have a dirty or slightly damaged childrens pool they’ve grown out of? Or can you afford to buy one that might be ruined? Then let’s go! A children’s pool can also be a great way for your dog to get used to playing in water, as it doesn’t have to swim in it.
35. Put the dog on a sled board
… and send it down the steepest hill you can find! On a serious note, put your dog in your lap or take a back seat and let your dog experience something unusual and fun! A great way to spend a winter day. You’ll also burn a ton of calories by running up the slopes for each trip.
36. Outdoor carnival!
Gather your favorite friends with pets and arrange an outdoor costume festivity. Dress your dog, your spouse and your kids and make a day of it! Maybe it will even turn into a yearly thing with different themes?
37. Play soccer
From time to time I find myself playing soccer with my aunts dog. I don’t really recommend it with expensive, new soccer balls, but if you either have one that’s worn out or can buy something really cheap, you’re all set!
And there you have it! Our list of fun activities, games, brain stimuli and tricks you can do with your dog. We hope you enjoyed this article, and feel free to browse this website for other tips and tricks. Most of our articles are aimed towards staffies, but we also offer content for dog owners in general.
Have a great day!
