🦴First Bark: Why Playing Games With Dogs Matters
Dogs love to play, and for good reason. Games provide essential physical exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional bonding. Whether you have a sprightly Chihuahua or a bounding Labrador, finding the right dog games can transform your pet's life — and yours.
In this guide, we share the 10 best games to play with dogs, tailored for different sizes and energy levels. We also introduce the popular Mini and Maxi automatic ball launchers — perfect for enhancing fetch time.
🐶 1. Fetch With a Twist: Use the Mini or Maxi Automatic Ball Launcher
Best for: All sizes – choose Mini for small dogs, Maxi for medium/large dogs
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
Nothing beats a classic game of fetch — but it can get tiring if you’re throwing the ball over and over again. That’s where the Mini and Maxi automatic ball launchers for dogs come in.
These devices launch balls at the push of a button (or automatically), giving your dog the chance to chase and retrieve without you having to lift a finger. The Mini launcher is perfect for toy breeds like Yorkies or Pomeranians, while the Maxi version suits larger breeds like Retrievers and Border Collies.
🛒 Available now at Calmshops.co.uk – Dog Training Accessories Collection
🧠 2. Hide and Seek
Best for: Small to large breeds, kids can play too
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Dogs have incredible noses. Hide and seek builds on this sense of smell while giving your dog a chance to problem-solve and feel rewarded when they find you or a treat.
How to play:
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Have your dog sit and stay.
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Go hide somewhere in the house.
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Call their name and let them find you.
🐾 3. Tug-of-War
Best for: Medium to large dogs with strong jaws
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
A game of tug engages your dog’s muscles and mind. Use a safe tug toy (avoid old clothes) and allow your dog to “win” sometimes to keep them engaged and confident.
Tip: Always control the excitement level — it’s a workout, not a fight!
🎾 4. Puzzle Toys & DIY Brain Games
Best for: Dogs of all sizes, especially intelligent breeds
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Puzzle toys hide treats inside and require your dog to solve tasks to access them. Great for rainy days, senior dogs, or anxious pups.
DIY version:
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Place treats inside a muffin tin and cover each hole with a tennis ball.
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Let your dog figure out how to remove them.
🐕 5. Obstacle Course
Best for: Active dogs with agility potential
Indoor/Outdoor: Ideally outdoor
Set up a basic agility course in your garden using cones, tunnels, and hoops. It keeps your dog’s body flexible and mind engaged.
Tip: Use treats or a clicker to guide your dog through the course.
🐾 6. Flirt Pole Chase
Best for: High-prey drive breeds like terriers and sighthounds
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
A flirt pole is essentially a dog-safe version of a cat teaser — a long stick with a toy on a string. It's excellent for burning energy fast.
Safety Tip: Let your dog “catch” the toy sometimes to avoid frustration.
🐕🦺 7. Scent Work or Treasure Hunt
Best for: Hounds and nose-driven breeds like Beagles
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
Hide treats around the garden or house and let your dog sniff them out. You can level it up with specific scent training, such as finding a favorite toy or identifying your scent among others.
🐾 8. Shell Game
Best for: Small dogs or indoor-focused pups
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
Place a treat under one of three cups and shuffle them. Let your dog sniff and point to the right one with a paw or nose.
This game improves focus, problem-solving, and self-control.
🐕 9. Water Fetch & Splash
Best for: Labs, Retrievers, and summer-loving dogs
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor – near a pool, lake, or dog-friendly beach
If your dog loves water, water fetch is an ideal combination of exercise and fun. Use floating toys or waterproof balls and supervise your dog closely.
Pair it with a waterproof training collar for extra safety — available on Calmshops.co.uk.
🐾 10. Training Games (Sit, Stay, Spin)
Best for: All dogs, especially puppies or rescue dogs
Indoor/Outdoor: Both
Basic command games like sit-stay-spin-touch are perfect for teaching control and focus. They also reinforce your role as a calm, confident leader.
Use treat pouches and clickers to make training more engaging and structured.
🦮 Choosing the Right Game Based on Your Dog’s Size & Personality
| Dog Size/Type | Ideal Games |
|---|---|
| Small Dogs | Shell game, Mini ball launcher, hide and seek |
| Large Dogs | Tug-of-war, Maxi ball launcher, obstacle course |
| Senior Dogs | Puzzle toys, shell game, gentle scent work |
| Energetic Breeds | Flirt pole, water fetch, obstacle course, training drills |
| Intelligent Dogs | Puzzle toys, training games, shell game |
🛍️ Featured Product: Mini & Maxi Ball Launcher
Looking to elevate your game of fetch?
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Mini Automatic Ball Launcher: For small breeds, compact design, indoor-friendly
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Maxi Automatic Ball Launcher: More power, longer distance – ideal for large yards and active dogs
✅ Promotes solo play
✅ Adjustable launch distance
✅ Durable and pet-safe design
✅ Perfect boredom buster
💬 Final Thoughts: Make Playtime Meaningful
Playing games with your dog goes beyond fun — it’s essential to their physical and emotional well-being. Whether you’re indoors on a rainy day or out at the park, there’s always a new game to try.
By using tools like the Mini and Maxi automatic ball launchers, rotating between mental and physical games, and tuning into your dog’s unique preferences, you’ll both enjoy richer, more rewarding moments together.
