Boy holding up ball for his dog in back garden

5 Games for Kids to Play With Their Dogs at Home.

Dogs are not only man’s best friend, but they can also make great playmates for kids. Dogs are known to be loyal, protective, and loving, making them the perfect furry friend for any child.

If you’re looking for some fun games to play with your kids and their dogs, look no further than this list. These games will keep your kids and their dogs entertained for hours.  There is no question that dogs are good for kids.There is scientific evidence why dogs are good for kids and families.

Five Easy Games For Your Kids To Play With Your Dog At Home

  1. Fetch

Fetch is a classic game that is enjoyed by both dogs and kids alike. It is the perfect game to play when you need to burn off extra energy or have some fun.

All you need is a ball (or any other toy that will fit in your dog’s mouth) and open space to play fetch. Start by throwing the ball a short distance away from your dog. Ideally, the dog would already know to bring the ball back because they enjoy retrieving it. But if your dog doesn’t get the hint, here’s how to teach them!

Command your pup to bring the ball back to you and drop it on the ground (in case they get bitey with the ball). One of the best tricks is to reward them with treats like bully sticks for dogs. Praising their behavior while treating the behavior will also create more susceptibility to rewards, making doggy training easier!

  1. Tug-of-War

Tug-of-war is another classic game that is enjoyed by all. All you need for this game is a rope or towel. Let your dog grab one end of the rope or towel in their mouth while your child grabs the other end. Then, let the fun begin! Make sure to keep an eye on your child and your dog to ensure things don’t get too rough. When the intensity of tugging peaks, break the tension for a couple of minutes for the dog to understand it’s just a game.

Kid Playing in Box

  1. Hide and Seek

Hide and seek is a great game for kids of all ages, and dogs love playing along. To play this game, have your child hide somewhere in the house or yard while you keep your dog occupied. Once your child is hidden from view, call for your dog and let them find their way to the hiding spot. This can also be used as an exercise for your dog to detect scents, so make sure to reward them with a treat when they seek out your kids.

  1. Simon Says

Simon Says is a classic kids’ game that can easily be played with dogs. For this game, take on the role of “Simon” and give your dog commands such as “sit,” “stay”, or “lie down.” If your dog listens to you and follows your commands, it will definitely win this fun game.

If your dog is not too food motivated, you can also use toys as rewards for completing the commands. This game can be a fun way to spend quality time with your furry friend.

Little girl running with dog in autumn woods

  5. Musical Chairs

Musical chairs are a great game to play with a group of kids and their dogs. To set up this game, arrange a circle of chairs in the middle of the room. Then, have the kids and their dogs walk around the chairs while music plays.

When the music stops, everyone must quickly find a seat. The dog that is left without a seat is out of the game. The last child and dog remaining in the game are the winners. This also works well for leash training for dogs working with kids.

Conclusion

These are just a few fun games you can play with your kids and their dogs. Now get out there and have some fun trying one of these out! Your kids and their furry companions are assured of an exciting and entertaining evening out! 

Dogs bring so much joy to a family no matter what age the kids are.  When my son was ten months old, he would pull himself up on our dog and would practice taking his first steps. 

For more information on the best dog breeds for kids, read here.  

Did you know that women who own dogs are healthier? Yes! It’s true. More info here. 

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