How to play with your dog without toys?
, by leeboyce
Playing with toys is important for dogs. It enriches their lives and keeps them active. But what do you do when you don’t have dog toys? You may be worried about your pet getting bored, but there are things you can do to keep your pet entertained that don't involve toys.
There are many other creative and fun activities that can not only serve to strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend, but also enhance the quality time you spend together. In this article, we’ll look at various ways to interact with your dog without using traditional toys.
How to play with your dog without toys?
1. Hide and seek
Hide and seek is a fun game for humans that can also be played with your dog. Every rule of hide and seek is exactly the same when playing with your dog, except who is assigned to each role. Your dog may not grasp the concept of hiding as easily, so he will primarily be a seeker. When your dog wins a game, reward him with a treat.
2. Create agile courses
Agility training is a great way for you and your puppy to have fun and bond. Whether you set up an obstacle course in your backyard or go to an agility class, this is a way for you to teach your dog new skills and engage him in mental stimulation. With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can create a unique agility course in your own backyard. Let your dogs be who they are! This means letting them choose when they want to go faster, when they want to go slower, stop (or not stop) at obstacles of their choice, choose which obstacles they want to jump over first, and more.
3. THE CUP GAME
All you need to play this game is your dog and some of his favorite treats. First, you need to get your dog's attention. Grab a snack and put your hands behind your back. Hold the treat in one hand at random, close it and pass both hands to your dog. Let him choose a hand and if he guesses correctly, give him a reward! It may be easy for your dog to guess at first because they can smell the treats, but the game gets harder as you get more treat scents on your hands.
4. Jump into the basket
If your dog has never done agility, you can start by teaching him to jump a regular hula hoop. First, place the ring on the ground and encourage your dog to move toward it and over it. Then, stand it upright with one edge touching the ground so your dog can walk in it without jumping. As he gets used to walking, add a challenge by lifting the rim off the ground. Your dog will feel most comfortable jumping through hoops at shoulder height or lower.
5. Hidden object games
You've heard of hide and seek, but you can take this game to the next level. Your puppy will seek out specific objects, not people. The best part is, the item doesn’t have to be a dog toy, as long as it’s something your dog will recognize well! Additionally, you can use items with a distinct scent to help your dog better search for problematic items.
6. Tug of war
If you want a game that taps into your dog's primal instincts, you can try playing tug of war with your puppy. Playing tug-of-war is a simple game where both sides pull both ends of the rope to win. But while this game is meant to be a "show of force" between you and your puppy, you shouldn't use all your strength while playing the game. Letting your puppy win can boost his confidence and reinforce his dominant traits.
Winning your dog over, on the other hand, helps make your dog competitive over time. Make sure to take turns winning the tug-of-war to balance out your puppy's developing personality traits. Rope toys are not necessarily necessary! If you don't already have a rope toy suitable for this particular puppy play, you can use sturdy fabric or a sturdy rope.
7. Teach your dog to chase bubbles
If you're tired of picking up and stuffing your peacock with treats, let your dog play a game of bubbles. It's a fun way for dogs and their owners to enjoy some raucous time outdoors while also providing plenty of exercise. Bubble blowers are available at most pet stores or online; there are even battery-powered options if you don't want to be tethered to an outlet or battery pack. Get out into the grass – under trees and near ponds is especially good – and let your dog run free!
8. Natural object catch
Rather than using store-bought toys, play fetch with natural objects like pinecones or tree branches. Make sure these items are safe and appropriate for your dog's size and chewing habits.
In conclusion
Playing with your dog doesn’t always require a ton of toys. By incorporating these alternative activities into your daily routine, you can strengthen your bond with your furry companion while providing them with physical and mental stimulation. Try different ideas, observe your dog's favorite activities, and cherish the unique moments you share together.
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