A dog is a good partner for having fun. Dogs like to be stimulated and react very positively to varied activities with their carer. During playful activities with the dog, you can educate and train the dog at the same time through communication and interaction.

 

Leisure activities that go beyond the usual walk are more than just exercise, they keep the dog mentally and physically fit and stimulated. For dogs more than for other pets, boredom and the daily grind are the cause of many behavioural disorders.

Race

Almost all dogs like to run and try to overtake everyone else. Even in the house, they like to race past humans down the stairs just to win this game. A dog takes every opportunity to run and let off steam.
The dog's paws quickly become sore on hard surfaces such as cement or tar. It is better to run on grass or earth. Depending on the size and speed of the dog, you can jog with it or let it run alongside the bike so that it can stretch out and is not limited to the walking speed of the human. The dog must learn to stop on command. If you live in the city, you should occasionally take your dog out for a run in the countryside. Don't forget to take plenty of drinking water with you.

Obstacle course

If you have the space, you can set up an obstacle course for the dog in the garden. This can consist of crawling tunnels for children, upturned buckets and other objects. You show the dog which ones he should jump over, crawl through or run round in a slalom. He can even climb up small ladders or slide down a ramp. The dog is led on the lead three or four times around the course so that it understands what is required of it. The dog must then run the course on command as quickly as possible. It's fun for the dog if its master or mistress takes part in the game and runs through the course themselves.

Ball games

You can teach any dog to fetch. Take a tennis ball or a soft toy to throw. On command, the dog runs after the ball and brings it back. He must learn to drop the ball in front of his master and not hold it in his mouth. Throwing the ball is fun for the dog and gives him lots of exercise.

Water features

Dogs that like to be in the water should be given the opportunity to play in the water from time to time. Many dogs like to swim or jump into the water. You can throw a small ball into the water that floats on the surface so that the dog can fetch it out of the water. In the garden you can set up a paddling pool for the dog and fill it with plastic toys for the dog to play with and splash around in.