7 Fun Activities For Dogs (That Aren’t Just Walks)

Three things promote a healthy life for your dog and are: measured nutritious food, well-strengthened bone, and daily activities. A perfect combination of these promotes a well-being in dog’s life. 

No wonder dogs love activities, not necessarily whether it’s indoor or outdoor, but the only thing matters is their favorite activity with your 100% attention. Well-tailored activities promote dog’s health and well-being, along with strengthening the bond with their owner. 

However, the problems come in if pet owners are not well aware of the activities that their pet loves to engage in. Engaging in fun activities for dogs ensures they remain happy and active. So, today’s blog gonna be a turning point for those owner who are looking for a way to spend quality time with their lovely pets. Let’s get into it.

Hiking Adventures

Everybody loves hiking! Don’t you? So do your dog, especially an high-active dogs. 

Since dog loves to explore new things or a place, hiking can be an incredible option for dogs to explore new environments, meet new people and interact with them, backed up with physical exercise. 

Dogs get physical and mental stimulation at the same time, which is indeed to improve their quality of life. You know the consequences of not having burned calories on dogs…right? If not, take a look at this blog to know the destructive behavior caused by unburned energy. 

It’s not recommended to go for a long hike, instead go for shorter trails for a beginner dog. 

Safety too matters! While hiking is a fantastic way to explore nature, in the end, it could be life-threatening to the dogs.

Here’s how:

No wonder hike trails certainly on hills areas where unpredictability things might happen. For instance, there may not be 100% safety from wildlife or poisonous plants that potentially trigger the dog’s body, even within reach. So, always keep an eye out for wildlife or poisonous plants. 

Secondly, the chances of dehydration are high due to a high burned energy. If the dog seems fatique, make sure to take a rest and reduce a hike. 

Additionally, never forget to take essential things such as water, a sturdy leash, and dog snacks along with yours for a great experience.

Tug-of-War

This is a versatile game that your dog can play indoors or outdoors with you. Even pet trainers and behaviorists believe tug-of-war is a high-value treat for dogs. That is why it’s normal to see them using these games for reinforcing dogs instead of high-value food. 

So, tug-of-war is a high-energy game that taps in a dog’s natural instinct. 

For this game, you just need a strong and durable rope or tug toy that won’t harm your dog in playing sessions. Then, encourage them to grab one side of the toys while you hold the other side and allow them to pull gently. 

In the beginning, dogs get overexcited to play the game which could lead to serious injury on the jaw or teeth, so it’s recommended to take control of the play. Avoid jerking or pulling too hard from your side to prevent possible injuries.

If your dog barely exercises, always think of a tug-of-war as it helps to strengthen their jaws and muscles and provides a full-body workout. Also, you can promote and reinforce boundaries by using commands like “drop it” and when to catch it. 

Adding winning excitement on every win can boost your dog’s confidence and happiness. 

Swimming Sessions

You might be wondering “What the heck why is a swimming session here on this list”, but the fact is swimming holds the ability to improve happiness along with health benefits. 

Here’s how:

This low-impact exercise requires an equal involvement of the legs and other body parts, which directly improves cardiovascular health and muscle tone. For those dogs with arthritis or joint pain, swimming offers a gentle way to stay active without straining their joints. 

You can build their trust by staying close to them while they’re in the water. Some dogs may feel anxious while diving in, where your presence can boost their confidence. 

But always prefer to go to dog-friendly pools or lakes where you can easily supervise them to ensure safety. Some places are restricted for dog swimming, so getting permission first is highly recommended. 

By the way, it’s crucial to wash or rinse them properly after the swim to prevent the chances of skin issues and ear infections.

Note that, it’s going to be a refreshing and enjoyable time together…

Hide and seek

Another mentally stimulating game that is quite popular among kids, Hide-and-seek. 

These plays primarily focus on strengthening their natural smelling instincts while backing up with the ability to focus and problem-solving ability.

For this, start by keeping a dog in a room while you hide somewhere nearby, like behind a door or a piece of furniture. Call their name or use a treat to encourage them to find you, and repeat the process. If the dog is a beginner at playing this game, give enough treats to make it more interesting. 

When a dog reaches an advanced level, you can try by hiding items like toys or treats, and let you use their smelling ability to locate them.

This is how you can keep your dog engage and entertained even when you can’t go outside play. 

Scent Work (Nose Games)

Just like hide-and-seek, another engaging activity that allows your dog to show their incredible smelling sense is Scent Work. This game is kinda similar to hide-and-seek, where you’ve to hide treats or toys around your home or yard and encourage them to sniff them out. 

You can invest in scent kits to simulate professional nose work training, but it’s not necessary for home-dogs. 

This can mentally stimulate the dogs for all ages, and in case of completing the task, offer them a prize.

Cycling

For dogs who prioritize physical activities over mental ones, cycling can be the best option. Because not every dog can run alongside a bike, the cycling speed can be ideal for a dog to show their running ability. 

But the important thing is to ensure a dog is well-trained to stay beside you and comfortable around bicycles. Safety comes first! 

Getting a hands-free leash can be game-changing for safety and control. Like earlier, always go for a short ride if your dog is just getting started. Gradually you can increase the distance and speed as they build stamina.

Carrying water and taking breaks to keep dogs hydrated, which is necessary for every high-energy activity.

Running

No wonder running is a straightforward yet effective way for a healthy and well-being life while strengthing the bond, trust, and confidence. It’s a complete package for wellness. 

However, it’s recommended to take a look at their health, fitness, and activity level, before making them your jogging partner, cause not every dog is building for running. For instance, dogs like Pugs may not be applicable for running due to their physical characteristics and low energy. Instead, short walks can work better on them. 

While dogs like huskies are built, as natural runners. Without even a break, they could run miles and still want more, but it must be avoided even if they insist. Always encourage them for a water break in between. Also, never forget to monitor the signs of fatigue and discomfort to ensure they’re safe and activity can be further moved.

Running with puppies can be considered as bad, so avoid long runs with them too. Since they’re in the developmental phase, running could slow down the pace of development with problematic issues on joints and bones.

FAQ

1. Can I exercise my dog at home?

Yes, you can exercise your dog within the house by playing indoor fetch, tug-of-war, or even setting up a basic obstacle course. You may also keep your dogs busy indoors by teaching them tricks, playing with interactive toys, or scheduling short training sessions.

2. What Are Some Indoor Activities for My Dog?

Tug-of-war, interactive puzzle toys, fetch, hide-and-seek, and training your dog new tricks will all keep him entertained within the home. To keep your dog involved, try adding more cerebral stimulation in the form of nose activity, which involves sniffing for concealed prizes.

3. What is the best activity for dogs?

The best activity for dogs depends according to their breed, age, and energy level, but playing fetch is a universally enjoyable sport. It mixes physical training with mental stimulation, allowing dogs to hone their focus and recall abilities. Fetch is fun, flexible to varied situations, and a great way for dogs of all sizes and activity levels to burn off energy. 

4. How do i know if my dog is enjoying the activities?

Your dog will show that they are having fun by wagging their tail, acting playful, and actively participating in the action. Along with, their bright eyes, and appear to want to keep going, reflect they’re enjoying the games. Also, Pay attention to body language, such as a relaxed posture and excitement.

Conclusion

The best ways to promote good behavior, improve health, and strengthen the bond with dogs are non other than fun activities. Whether it’s indoor or outdoor, there are different ways to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated. With respecting the unique preferences of the dog, make sure to tailor the activities to meet your dog’s ability and energy level which is important to make interesting and fun. 

Engaging in fun activities with your dog is one of the best ways to promote good behavior, improve their physical health, and strengthen your bond with them. Whether it’s an outdoor adventure like hiking or swimming, or indoor games like tug-of-war and hide-and-seek, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated. Every dog has unique preferences, so tailoring the activities to your dog’s energy levels and interests will ensure they enjoy their time with you.

So, whether you’re cycling, running, or simply playing fetch at home, keep you dog active with fun activities.