Three Easy and Fun Dog Games for Kids

Are you looking for some fun dog games for the kids? You’ll find what you’re looking for right here. Dogs and kids are all creative by nature and kids are obviously more creative than dogs because of their evolved intellect. This is why dogs and kids love to play games together. Can you think of a better way to get your kids to spend time outdoors and get your dog to exercise?

Both children and dogs need stimulation that can be provided by playing fun games. These fun dog games for kids are easy to learn and they don’t require expensive equipment either. The best games are often the ones that your child invents on the spot. Your dog couldn’t care less about where the idea came from in the first place. He will have a blast, especially if the game is a little challenging for both him and your child. It’s easy to turn anything into a fun game and your child gets to use his creativity too!

A fun dog game for kids is “shaking hands”. In this game, the dog learns who is in charge (i.e., the kids) and the dog must remain submissive at all times. It creates the so-called pecking order in the pack at an early age for both the child and the dog. If you have a small child, be sure to keep an eye on him or her at all times to ensure everyone’s safety.
Start by making the dog sit down with the child standing up in front of the dog. It may take several tries before the dog understands what you are trying to make him do.

Pick up his paw a few times. The dog may try to lick the child or the owner. Have the child say “paw” so that your dog understands what the word “paw” means. Have your kid hold out the palm of his or her hand. You may need to take the dog’s paw and place it in the kid’s hand too. Repeat the shake several times until both parties understand the interaction based on the command. If you feel like rewarding your dog, give him a treat!

Another fun dog game for kids is playing hide and seek. Dogs love to sniff, roam, and find things, especially if the owner is calling their name. Start by telling your dog to sit and remain still. Once your dog stops moving, go find a hiding spot not too far from your dog. Call out your dog’s name until he finds you. You may have to shout a little louder until he gets it. Reward him as you see fit, with a treat or with a big belly rub. Your children could also hide then you and the dog get to find the children. This is a lot of fun for the children as Mom or Dad also gets to play with them.

And my last suggestion for a simple fun dog game for the kids is the old-fashioned wrestling. You have to be really careful with this one, especially if you have a brand new dog. Don’t wrestle if your dog or children are small or if you are not yet familiar with your dog’s behavioral quirks. Some dogs may have had bad experiences in the past and could consider wrestling more like a form of aggression. This could result in the dog violently attacking your kids. That being said, if your dog is submissive and you know his history very well, gentle wrestling with the dog and the children may be okay. Be very careful with this last suggestion.

It’s important that you keep an eye on both parties to make sure no one gets injured or escalate the games into aggression. If you allow your dog to wrestle with your children, the children should be at least 8 years old and physically robust. Older children should be able to understand what is and isn’t acceptable. The children need to be the leaders when it comes to wrestling with dogs. Don’t allow dogs to use their mouths to gnaw and bite as a form of playing. The children need to lead the dog by showing him what is a suitable form of physical play.

Published on October 14, 2008 under Dog Breeds (Articles)
Tags: dog, dog games, Dogs, fun dog games for kids, playing with dogs

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