3 Fun and Safe Games for Kids and Dogs to Play Together

Watching kids and dogs grow up together and play is heartwarming. They can become the best of friends through games that foster their relationship. Today, we will discuss some fun games they can play together. Remember, play should always be supervised.

Education First, Play Later

Prior to allowing kids and dogs to play together, it is crucial to train and educate both parties. Some dogs may exhibit resource guarding behavior, which can be a concern during playtime. It is essential to stop the game if a dog shows signs of discomfort or aggression. Proper training can help prevent resource guarding issues.

Additionally, educating children about animal behavior and body language is important. Teaching kids to recognize signs of happiness, fear, and aggression in dogs can help prevent any potential conflicts during play.

Setting Ground Rules

Before engaging in games with children and dogs, establish clear ground rules to ensure everyone’s safety.

• Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may startle the dog.
• Avoid pulling on the dog’s ears, tail, or fur.
• Respect the dog’s space while eating, sleeping, or caring for young puppies.
• Always ask for permission from a dog’s owner before petting their dog.

Always supervise interactions between children and dogs, regardless of the pet’s breed, size, or training level. Intervene if the situation becomes unsafe or overwhelming for any party involved.

Top 3 Games for Children and Dogs

Search, Rescue, Toy

The game of Search, Rescue, Toy is a favorite among kids. As they grow up, they can play this game with their dog. Kids hide while holding a reward, and the dog is sent to find them. Once found, the kids can come out, ask the dog to sit, and offer a toy to play with. This game is safe and enjoyable for all involved.

Round Robin Recall

This game involves multiple kids and can be played indoors or outdoors. Each person is given a toy and sits in a circle. Practice calling the dog from one person to another, encouraging recall and interaction with different individuals.

Fetch

The classic game of fetch is a great way to promote positive interactions between kids and dogs. Playing fetch with a ball or Frisbee helps strengthen the bond between them.

For this game, throw the ball for the dog to retrieve and continue playing as long as everyone enjoys it. Incorporate training cues such as sit, down, or paw before throwing the ball to add more engagement to the game.

Why Kids and Dogs Should Play With Toys

Toys provide numerous benefits for both dogs and children, including mental stimulation, skill development, relaxation, and prevention of behavior problems. Playing with toys together also strengthens the bond and relationship between them, creating lasting memories.

• Playing with toys offers mental stimulation similar to human puzzles, tiring out dogs and preventing mischief.
• Enrichment toys aid in learning and training for dogs, helping kids teach commands and handle the dog effectively.
• Toys promote relaxation and reduce stress for both children and dogs.
• Toys help prevent behavior issues such as excessive barking and chewing.
• Playing with toys strengthens the bond between kids and dogs.
• Playing is fun and exciting for everyone involved.

Final Words

Games like fetch, hide and seek, and puzzle toys offer endless fun and enrichment for kids and dogs. Choose safe and age-appropriate games, establish clear boundaries, and supervise playtime for a positive experience. These shared moments of joy and teamwork will create lasting memories for your children.