5 Fun Games to Play with Your Dog to Improve Obedience

Dog training games strengthen your bond and can help teach and reinforce essential commands. These games turn learning into an enjoyable experience, ensuring that your dog remains happy and receptive to training. 

You can train your dog without relying on strict routines. In fact, one of the best ways to enhance your dog’s obedience is by making training sessions fun and engaging. 

Here are five fun games that will boost your dog’s obedience while keeping both of you entertained. As your dog improves, you may be able to combine certain games together for more engaging and dynamic games and training. 

Game 1: The Recall Relay (Come When Called)

Why It’s Great for Dog Obedience Training

The Recall Relay is an advanced game designed to reinforce the crucial “Come” command. This game teaches your dog to differentiate between people and respond immediately when called, regardless of distractions. It effectively improves their recall abilities in a controlled and engaging environment. Practicing with multiple people trains your dog to focus on your command, which is important in distracting situations. 

How to Play

1. Gather Participants: You’ll need at least two people whom your dog is familiar with.
2. Choose a Safe Area: Find a secure place where the dog can run freely between participants without any hazards.
3. Position Yourselves: Each person should stand at different points in the area, creating some distance between each other.
4. Start the Game: One person begins by eagerly calling the dog’s name followed by the “Come” command. Use a happy tone to make it appealing for the dog.

5. Reward Successful Recalls: When the dog reaches the caller, offer immediate praise, petting, or a small treat. Positive reinforcement is key to reinforcing the behavior.
6. Rotate Turns: Another person then calls the dog, repeating the process. Ensure only one person calls the dog at a time to avoid confusion.
7. Increase Difficulty: Gradually increase the distance between participants. Introduce mild distractions, like toys or noises, to test the dog’s focus. 

Tip: Consistency is crucial. Make sure everyone uses the same command words to prevent confusing your dog. If your dog starts looking bored, stop playing the game and do something else. Consider rewarding your dog with toys or tugs to encourage them to stay close and engage with you after being recalled. 

Game 2: Hide and Seek

Why It’s Great for Focus and Recall

Hide and Seek taps into your dog’s natural instincts of hunting and tracking, making it an exciting way to improve focus and recall skills. This game engages your dog’s senses to find you, reinforcing the “Come” command in a fun way. It helps build confidence in shy dogs and improves problem-solving in adventurous ones.

How to Play

1. Prepare Your Dog: If you’re playing alone and have a velcro dog (one that follows you everywhere), ask them to “Sit” and “Stay” before hiding. If your dog hasn’t mastered these commands, consider having someone distract them while you hide.
2. Choose Hiding Spots: Start with easy locations where your dog can find you quickly. As your dog gets better, choose more challenging spots.
3. Initiate the Game: Once hidden, call your dog’s name followed by the “Come” command. You can also make noises like clapping or whistling if your dog needs extra clues.
4. Encourage the Search: Resist the urge to peek or give away your location too easily. Allow your dog to use their senses to find you.
5. Celebrate the Find: When your dog discovers you, reward them with enthusiastic praise, treats, or a favorite toy. Make it a joyful experience to reinforce the positive association.
6. Repeat and Vary: Play multiple rounds, changing hiding spots each time. Incorporate different environments like the backyard or different rooms.

Note: This game can also help reduce separation anxiety by teaching your dog that finding you is rewarding.

Game 3: Tug of War (With Rules)

Why It’s Great for Impulse Control

Tug of War helps your dog burn energy while teaching impulse control and obedience. By setting rules and adding commands like “Drop It,” you ensure the game remains safe and reinforces good behavior. This game is especially helpful for dogs that get overly excited or struggle with impulse control during play.

How to Play

1. Select the Right Toy:

• Use a sturdy tug toy designed for dogs, avoiding items that can be easily destroyed or swallowed.

1. Establish Ground Rules: The game starts and ends on your terms. If the dog’s teeth touch your skin, the game stops immediately.
2. Initiate Play: Invite your dog to play by showing them the tug toy and saying a command like “Take It.”
3. Engage in Tugging:cAllow your dog to pull and tug, making sure to keep the game controlled. Avoid yanking or shaking the toy vigorously up and down or side to side, as it can hurt their neck. Pull in straight lines that keep your dog’s body aligned.
4. Incorporate “Drop It” Command: Periodically say “Drop It” and wait for your dog to release the toy. Do not actively pull on the toy when you wait for them to drop the toy, but do not let go of it. Be patient; it may take a few moments for them to comply.
5. Reward Compliance: The moment your dog releases the toy, praise them and offer a small treat if desired. Immediately resume the game to reinforce that obedience leads to more fun.
6. Conclude the Game: End the session by saying “All done” and putting the toy away. This signals to your dog that playtime is over. 

Important: Consistency in enforcing the rules is vital. If your dog becomes overstimulated or refuses to follow commands, stop the game and try again later. If your dog has a history of resource-guarding toys, consult with a professional trainer or behaviorist before engaging in tug-of-war with your dog.  

Game 4: The Shell Game

Why It’s Great for Mental Stimulation

The Shell Game is a classic exercise that challenges your dog’s cognitive abilities. It enhances problem-solving skills, focus, and patience. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for a well-rounded, obedient dog. This game keeps your dog’s mind sharp and can help reduce behavioral issues stemming from boredom.

How to Play

1. Gather Materials: Use three opaque cups or containers that your dog can’t see through. Have small treats that your dog loves.
2. Introduce the Game: Let your dog see and sniff the treat to pique their interest.
3. Hide the Treat: Place the treat under one of the cups while your dog watches.
4. Shuffle the Cups: Slowly mix up the cups in front of your dog. As your dog gets better, increase the speed for added difficulty.
5. Encourage Your Dog to Choose: Ask your dog to indicate which cup hides the treat. They might paw at it, nose it, or look at you expectantly.
6. Reveal and Reward: Lift the chosen cup. If correct, praise your dog and let them have the treat. If incorrect, show them the correct cup and encourage them to try again.
7. Repeat and Increase Difficulty: Add more cups or shuffle faster to make the game more challenging over time.

Note: If your dog is struggling to pick the correct cup, consider reducing the number of containers to two cups first. 

Challenge: Teach your dog to signal their choice by sitting in front of the selected cup. 

Game 5: Fetch with a Twist

Why It’s Great for Combining Commands

Fetch offers physical exercise, but with some adjustments, it can also be an effective obedience training session. Not all dogs naturally enjoy fetch, but adding commands makes it a fun way to reinforce obedience. This game lets your dog practice commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” “Come,” and “Drop It” in an enjoyable setting. 

How to Play

1. Select an Appropriate Toy: Use a ball or toy that your dog is interested in fetching.
2. Start with Basic Commands: Hold the toy and ask your dog to “Sit” and “Stay.” Wait until your dog is calm and focused before proceeding.
3. Establish Eye Contact: Encourage your dog to look at you. Eye contact ensures they are paying attention and ready for the next command.
4. Release Your Dog: Give a clear command like “Go fetch!” to signal it’s okay to chase the toy.
5. Incorporate “Come” and “Drop It”: When your dog retrieves the toy, call them back with “Come.” Once they return, ask them to “Drop It.”
6. Reward and Praise: Offer praise and a treat when they follow each command correctly. Immediate reinforcement helps solidify the behavior.
7. Repeat with Variations: Mix up the commands by asking for a “Down” or “Wait” before throwing the toy. Keep sessions short to maintain your dog’s interest.

Remember: Patience is key. If your dog doesn’t fetch, begin by encouraging them to chase the toy, and then pull out a second toy so to encourage your dog to come back towards you after picking up the first toy. 

Conclusion

Making training fun is the cornerstone of developing a well-behaved and happy dog. Adding these dog training games into your routine reinforces essential commands and strengthens your bond with your pet. These games provide mental and physical stimulation, preventing boredom and related behavioral issues. Training becomes an enjoyable experience, not a routine task, making both you and your dog eager for each session.

If you’re looking to advance your dog’s obedience or need professional help, explore our Obedience Training Services. Our expert trainers at Toko Dogs are committed to helping you and your dog achieve success.