10 Fun Games To Play With Your Dog This Summer!

Play time is so important for your dog, and they love it even more when their human is involved! July is just about over, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy the warm weather. Your dog no doubt enjoys a nice walk outside, but why not change up the routine and plan some games for you both to enjoy? Here are 10 variations of classic games and activities for you and your dog to try this summer!

Water Games

Many dogs love swimming! It's great for both exercise and playtime. A fun twist on swimming is having your dog dive for toys. You can do this in a baby pool to start and use toys that sink to the bottom. Your dog will happily stick his or her face in the water to get the toy. Once your dog masters that, try it in a slightly deeper pool and see what happens!

Agility Course

You’re not training for the dog show–just having some fun! Consider building an agility dog course for playing and exploring. This can include tunnels, poles or boxes to jump over, sticks to weave through, and whatever else you think up. As it’s summer, try adding some water to your course, like a sprinkler or a baby pool. Get creative and have fun with it–your dog definitely will!

Fetch in the water

Fetch is a tried and true game that many dogs enjoy. Mix it up by playing fetch in the water! Go to the beach or a lake and let your dog splash around while also playing one of their favorite games! This is a great way for your dog to cool off in the heat and get some fun exercise in.

Chase

Dogs love a good chase! This summer, try playing this game with something other than toys or yourself. Perhaps your dog would love to chase bubbles around the yard, or some moving water. Try using a hose or a sprinkler in a fun game of chase–they will enjoy jumping around and chasing the water as it moves back and forth.

Find the Treats

You dog most likely enjoys zipping around and trying to find a treat or toy! Consider this as a fun summer alternative: grab a treat dog toy, fill it with water or a fruit puree, and then pop it in the freezer. Once it’s frozen, hide it somewhere for your dog to find! They will enjoy the search and be rewarded with a cold, yummy treat at the end.

New Tricks

On a day when it’s just too hot to play outside, try teaching your dog a new trick! Although often overlooked, mental stimulation is just as important for dogs as physical exercise. Teaching your dog a new trick will not only exercise their mind, but also strengthen the bond between the two of you.

Digging Box

Consider building a digging box for your dog this summer! Most dogs love to dig and would be thrilled for their own digging spot. Grab some wood and sand/dirt from your local hardware store and build whatever shape works best for your yard. To encourage your dog to dig here, try hiding their favorite toys in the sand or dirt for them to find! It’s a win for both parties–your dog gets a special place to dig and you can keep your garden intact!

Hide and Seek

This game is a classic between dogs and their owners! Hide and seek allows your dog to use their natural scent tracking abilities in a playful and stimulating way. Put a summer twist on it by playing somewhere other than your house. Perhaps at a nearby park or in your backyard in the sunshine. Your dog will love searching for you out in the sun!

Flirt Pole

A flirt pole is a fun game to keep your dog physically and mentally active. They’re also a fantastic method to let your dog use their natural prey drive in a playful way. Try bringing one along to a park or turning on the sprinkler for the both of you to cool down while your dog chases the lure around and around.

Doga (Dog Yoga)

Doga might sound a little odd, but it is actually supported by many vets and has numerous benefits like improved posture, reduced anxiety, better sleep, and a boosted bond between pet and owner. Dog yoga can be as simple as peacefully sitting with your dog and taking deep breaths. It’s an option for dogs of all sizes and ages–just be sure to pay attention to their comfort levels. This is a great activity for the summer, especially done outside in the sun!

Have some extra fun with your dog this summer! Spending time with your dog is always beneficial, but getting creative with fun summer games is even better. Before the days shorten and get colder, take time to step outside and get your dog playing and exercising in the sun!