It’s no secret that the family dog is basically a built-in best friend for your child. They play together, spend time together, and are growing up together! Dogs are a great way to keep your child from getting bored as well since there are so many games and activities they can do together. Let’s talk about a few of those here today…
- Fetch
Fetch is the classic staple when it comes to games to play with your dog. It’s also a great game for kids to play with the dog because it teaches cooperation and teamwork. Not only that, but it can help your four-legged pal expend some of that pent up energy from throughout the day. You can also show your child how to teach your dog to drop the ball each time by rewarding him with a treat. Positive reinforcement for the win!
- Hide N’ Seek
For this game, have your child hide somewhere in the house (making the sure your dog isn’t following them). After they’ve found a good spot, have them call the dog’s name. All that’s left to do is see if your dog can successfully find your child! This is an excellent exercise for your dog to learn to sit-and-stay until being called, and it’s lots of fun for your kid as well.
- Bubble Blowing
Who doesn’t love blowing bubbles? It turns out that dogs (like kids) are a big fan too! Head outside with your dog, set your child up with some bubbles, and let the fun unfold. Most dogs will go wild for bubbles and will try to pop them. You and your child will certainly share some giggles watching your dog jump and chase the bubbles.
- Find The Treat
This one is similar to hide-n-seek, except this time your child will be hiding dog treats instead of themselves! Give your child a few dog treats and have them carefully hide them around the house. Then, sit back and watch your dog sniff around to try to find them! For extra fun, you can time them to see how long it takes and monitor their progress each time you play.
Having your child play a variety of games with your dog can be fun for the whole family. Plus, it reduces chances of boredom for both your dog and your child. Do you have any other favorite games that your child likes to play with the family dog? Let us know in the comments below!
Lauren Kasle is the Pack Leader of Scottsdale Dog Walkers, a local dog walking and pet sitting company servicing North & Central Scottsdale. She helps dog moms (and dog dads) have peace of mind when they’re working long hours or traveling by walking, playing, and loving their pets in the comfort of their homes. Lauren lives in Scottsdale with her rescue lab-mix, Sasha, and her 2 cats, Emmi & Louie. She would love to hear from you if you have any pet-related questions or tips to share!
