Puppies LOVE to play. You already know about fetch and tug-of-war, but that’s not where the fun puppy games end. And bonus—playing games with friends is a great way to socialize your puppy.
We’ve got some fun suggestions for you to try with your puppy. Check them out!
- Hide-and-seek: You’ll basically always be the one hiding, but it’s so fun when your puppy finds you! Throw a toy out of sight and then hide and wait for them to find you. One thing—make sure not to scare them when they do find you. Instead, greet them with praise and treats!
- Scavenger hunt: Hide desirable treats for the puppy to find. A great idea is to do this in places you want your puppy to have positive associations with. For example, hide some treats in their crate!
- Sprinkler games: Not all dogs love water, but now is the time to show them that water can be fun! Running around sprinklers, tossing treats through the sprinkler for them to catch and other fun water games may reduce fear of water. Make sure the weather is appropriate and that you watch out for slip hazards.
- Bubbles: You’ve probably seen adorable videos of dogs biting at bubbles. Why not try it with your pup? Blow bubbles and see how many your puppy can pop before they reach the ground. Most bubbles are non-toxic, but make sure you’re choosing pet-safe options!
- Puzzle games: Puzzle games are good for young and old dogs alike. One well-known example is the muffin tin game. Get a muffin tin, put treats in some of the muffin pockets, and put a tennis ball in all the pockets so that your puppy must move the ball for a treat. There are also puzzle feeders available from most commercial pet stores that might be great options for your puppy.
- Foraging box: Get a cardboard box and fill it with crinkled up paper. Sprinkle some treats in the box and watch your puppy go wild as they forage for the treats.
