All dogs love to play game, but what sort of service dog games can you play to help keep your pooch in tip-top shape? Games that keep him physically active and mentally on point are always the best kind. Think about how tired you get when you use your brain, you don’t even have to be physically doing anything, but using your brain is tiring! Same goes for dogs. Here are a few fun service dog games to play!
Related: What You Need to Know about Service Dog Training
Engaging Service Dog Games
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Agility games: Mentally challenging your dog helps keep him sharp. When it comes to agility, he has to use his brain to get through the task. You can create an inexpensive agility course in your backyard using orange traffic cones, and some PVC piping. Check out our tips for constructing an obstacle course in your back yard!
Frisbee or ball: Frisbee is fun because he has to jump up to catch it! And who doesn’t love a fun game of frisbee? If the flying disc isn’t your thing, then toss him a ball, he still might jump up to catch it, and it bounces. If your dog tends to tear things apart like regular tennis balls, you can pick up a couple at your local pet store, or PetSmart or order them online at Amazon. They shouldn’t be more than a few dollars, and they last.
Soccer: You might be thinking this is similar than playing ball, but it is entirely different. With this game, you want a ball that is bigger than his mouth, something he can’t fit in his mouth. He is going to realize this and then start to kick and push it along with his paws and nose. It is actually so fun to watch, I do this all the time with my dogs.
Mushing: Before you get scared, let me break this down for you. For one, it does not have to be done in the snow. If you do this in the snow, use a sled and be mindful of your dog’s paws, their paws can get packed with snow and get very cold and even frostbitten. All I mean is basically having your dog on his leash, or longer rope and pulling you. Now the trick is to teach him to not go too fast. It may take trial and error, and this one may not be for everyone. However, you can’t say the little boy or girl in your life wouldn’t love to do this. Dogs are very smart creatures, it may not take him much time to understand that he can’t go too fast with you.
Playing service dog games with your pooch is a great release for both of you. He is always on alert working for you (it is his job and he loves doing it) but having some down time and just playing games is good for him too. Just like you and me! So break out the frisbees and a ball and see what fun you can have in the backyard to help keep your service dog in tip-top shape.
