Got 10 minutes and a dog with energy to burn? You don’t need fancy equipment or loads of space to give your dog a mental and physical workout. These 5 simple games are perfect for daily enrichment, training reinforcement, and good old-fashioned fun.
Try one a day this week and watch your dog’s tail wag a little harder!
1. Find It
How to play:
Toss a handful of treats into the grass, on a rug, or across the floor and say “Find it!” Let your dog sniff and hunt them out.
Why it’s great:
- Encourages natural foraging
- Great for all ages and energy levels
- Calms overexcited dogs
2. Middle
How to play:
Lure your dog to walk between your legs from behind and sit facing forward. Say “Middle!” and reward when they land in position.
Why it’s great:
- Builds confidence
- Creates a safe position in busy areas
- Reinforces focus on you
3. Catch Me (a recall boost!)
How to play:
Call your dog, then run a few steps away and let them chase you. When they reach you, mark and reward with a treat or toy.
Why it’s great:
- Reinforces recall
- Builds handler focus
- Makes training fun and interactive
4. Scatter Chase
How to play:
Toss treats gently across the ground one by one. Your dog chases, sniffs, and finds them as you toss more.
Why it’s great:
- Combines play with calm sniffing
- Perfect for pre-walk energy release
- Useful for impulse control
How to play:
Start with two toys. Ask for one by name—“Find monkey!”—and reward when they bring the right one. If they guess wrong, try again!
Why it’s great:
- Sharpens memory and problem-solving
- Builds calm focus indoors
- Can be played in small spaces
Final Thoughts
Quick games like these are a brilliant way to sneak extra training and enrichment into everyday life. Whether your dog is full of beans or needs a confidence boost, these simple ideas can make a big difference.
The Canine Hub 