Play time: a doggo’s 5 favourite games

Yep, we know it, you know it: dogs absolutely love to play. There aren’t too many dogs out there that scoff at the opportunity for a little fetch, some tug-o-war or a little chase, as most dogs are energetic little rapscallions that need to get some of that pent up energy out!

This is partly why dogs love to play – the other part being that they love having fun with their human and doggy friends. Playtime is essential to a dog’s health, just like feeding them well, walking them and providing them with the ultimate cheap pet insurance available (among other things!).

So, what are your dog’s favourite games? We’ve got a few that might be on their list:

1. Fetch

Fetch is the ultimate classic dog game. Why? Because it’s so simple and easy for both doggo and human! All you have to do is head down to the park, grab a stick, throw it for the dog and watch them bolt after it before they bring it back for another round – simple!

Dogs love fetch because they get to sprint and grab something they seem to really love. Dogs like sticks because they remind them of bones and because they simply love cheeky treasures, but they also love playing fetch with tennis balls, too.

2. Tug-o-war

Tug-o-war is a great game for dogs and humans to play for many reasons: it helps dogs activate their canine predatory instinct, it’s a great mental and physical exercise and it’s a great way to bond with your doggo!

Whether you’re playing with a pet store rope toy, a stick, a sock or even a ball of some kind, dogs absolutely love tug-o-war (well, most dogs anyway!).

3. Playing with other dogs

Dogs are incredibly social animals and this is partly why us humans adore them so much. Like humans, dogs need company and support, and this often comes in the form of play time. They can be just as happy playing with us humans as they can their doggy counterparts, chasing them around the park and mucking around on the grass.

It’s very healthy for them to socialise and having them chase each other around the park is a great way to keep them fit, healthy and highly active.

4. Zig-zag running

Dogs absolutely love to run around, as we mentioned it is a great way for them to expend some of that pent-up energy. One of the best ways to get your dog running is through a little agility training.

All you have to do is go for a little zig-zag jog up and down an open area and your furry little friend is sure to follow in kind, dodging and weaving as you both make your way up the grassy area – it’s heaps of fun to see how much they enjoy it, too!

5. Catch

Another classic of the human-dog playing situation is catch. Not much needs to be explained here, as you simply grab a tennis ball or something else your dog wouldn’t mind sinking its teeth around and you just throw it to them!

You then ask them to bring the object back and start all over again – it’s great for their physical health as dogs may have to jump and run to grab the objects. What’s more, it’s good for their mental health as they just have so much fun doing it!