Games for Dogs: Family Fun
When you try to come up with games you can enjoy with your dog, The obvious choices come to mind: playing fetch and tug o' war. Yes, these are the things that come naturally to most dogs, but don't let your creativity be kept inside the box.
Let's start by suggesting a variation to the age old game of fetch. Erect (or use available structures) barriers to create obstacles. You can decide if the dog has to pass over, under, or need to find another route. Make sure that it is within the dog's capabilities, or it might just wait for you to help it.
Another option would be using a Frisbee. A Frisbee can be thrown much further than a ball or a stick, and can make for some great entertainment. Besides the extra distance adding more fun for dog species that enjoy running, many dogs, especially the more agile species, learn very quickly how to catch it in mid-air.
Since dogs have a naturally keen sense of smell, why not use it to find something? You could hide a favorite toy, or a strong scented treat, to hide away. this makes for great fun, as you can see the dog using its capabilities, and the dog gets rewarded for its find.
Most dogs like to "play along" when kids are enjoying themselves. This often end up in a wrestling match. Here you need to watch very carefully, as the dog may eventually get aggressive, whether from frustration, or from discomfort. The kids, enjoying themselves, do not notice the difference until it's too late, and someone gets bitten. You can imagine the possible damage, especially from a species with naturally strong jaws.
A great advantage of games for dogs, is the ability to incorporate obedience training into a game. This could range from having to sit upright, to releasing the ball or Frisbee, or sitting down. The dog is much more likely to remember something that seems to be "part of a game".
On the other end of the scale, there are games intended more for your enjoyment than the dog's. They lack in providing active involvement in the game (for the dog), but compensates for it by affording the animal rather large amounts of attention. Dogs love human contact, so they "bear with it". This includes games like dog dress up games (becoming very popular), and "dog parties".
There are plenty more games for dogs. Many dogs are highly intelligent, and quickly catch on to new ideas. The only limitation is your own creativity and patience. Playing with your dog on a regular basis is vital for exercise, and maintaining the bond between you.
