Outdoor Dog Games

Do the upcoming Olympic Games have you inspired to get out and get active with your dog? Outdoor dog games can stimulate your dog mentally and physically. Read on to find out more about some great outdoor games in time for this summer's Olympics.

As the saying goes, “A tired dog is a good dog." But what do you do when your dog sits, scratching at the back door because he wants to go out and play more dog games even though you threw the ball for him a couple of hours ago? And what about when you’re outside playing ball for the second time today, and he still shows no signs of growing tired? Or worse, when he constantly tries to play ball inside because he’s so bored?

“If your dog is doing things that get on your nerves or exhibiting destructive behavior, like getting into the garbage, digging, fence chasing, excessive barking or whining, or not being able to sit still for very long, he needs more stimulation,” says animal behaviorist and veterinarian Mark Nunez, DVM of The Balanced Canine. “A dog that is properly stimulated, both mentally and physically, will be calm, relaxed and content in his environment. He will be less misbehaved.”

So why is it your dog could not be stimulated when you’ve played all day? The key to a good dog game is a combination of physical and mental stimulation.

“Mental stimulation is often overlooked, but is extremely important,” adds Dr. Nunez. “Keeping your dog mentally active preserves brain function as they age. As with muscles and knowledge, if you don’t use it, you lose it.“

Without a bunch of dog games up your sleeve it can be easy to settle with a game of fetch as soon as you head outdoors, which doesn’t always leave you with a truly tired dog. These five outdoor dog games will not only get your pup to move around – they’ll get his mind going too!

1. Outdoor Dog Games: Buggy Whip Chase

"Create your own buggy whip by tying one of your dog’s soft toys or a plastic shopping bag to the end of an 8-foot line then attaching it to an 8-foot pole," suggests Carolyn Coile, author of Beyond Fetch: Fun, Interactive Activities for You and Your Dog.

In a wide-open space, move the whip up and down, left and right to encourage your dog to chase after it. The 15-foot erratic jumps the whip will make are sure to have your dog out of breath in just a few minutes. If and when she gets hold of the toy or bag, be sure to give her a reward.

Physical Energy Burned: 3 out of 3

Mental Energy Burned: 1 out of 3

2. Outdoor Dog Games: Tracking

Encourage your dog to use his sense of smell in the great outdoors. Start by finding a stretch of grass in your yard or the park that hasn’t been walked over in a while, then walk and drop a treat every 10 feet or so while your dog waits patiently at the starting line. Retrace your steps and when you say so, Fido can hit the path to find the treats. Once he gets the hang of it, move him farther away from the first treat until he’s out of sight and can find the sweet rewards using only his nose.

Tip: You’ll need to put the treats in the same spot each time or find a new place so your dog's sense of smell isn’t confused, says Coile.

Physical Energy Burned: 1 out of 3

Mental Energy Burned: 3 out of 3

3. Outdoor Dog Games: Duck Hunt

Make the tried and true dog game of fetch even more exciting and challenging by throwing multiple items at once. Hold your dog by the collar or on a leash while you launch into the air three fake ducks, balls, or toys, so he can watch and remember where each falls. Release him and send him out to retrieve all of the items. If your dog can’t remember all of the locations at first, help point them out until he gets the hang of it.

Physical Energy Burned: 3 out of 3

Mental Energy Burned: 3 out of 3

4. Outdoor Dog Games: Agility Training

Take trick training to the next level by building an obstacle course in your backyard. You can use natural materials like big branches and tree trunks to create your own jumps or buy a readymade kit online (these might also include tunnels, A-frames, and weave polls).

First, put your dog on a leash and place a jump on or low to the ground. Step over the jump with her, using a treat to help lure her to the other side, suggests Coile. Once she’s got the hang of it, gradually raise the jump and then take her off the leash.

Physical Energy Burned: 2 out of 3                   

Mental Energy Burned: 2 out of 3

5. Outdoor Dog Games: Swimming

For dogs that were bred to swim and or have hip dysplasia or arthritis, taking the plunge into the water can be great low-impact exercise. Toss in a buoyant ball or toy and they’ll have great incentive to keep paddling.

"Just be careful not to get your animal too exhausted in the water, “ warns Coile, “and be sure to have a failsafe command in place that makes your dog return to you even if he can’t find or reach the toy.”

Physical Energy Burned: 3 out of 3

Mental Energy Burned: 1 out of 3