Petland Logo
Login/Register

Please create a free account below, or login by clicking here.

Zip Code(Required)
Puppy Information and Coupons

Disclaimer

Stay updated with Petland! By checking the above box, you are providing your electronic signature to consent to receive SMS text messages, emails, mailings and other communications from Petland, even if such communications are considered advertisements, and you confirm that you are the subscriber or customary user of any phone number you submit. Text messages may be sent using an automated dialing system. Your consent is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services, and may be revoked at any time by responding STOP to any SMS text messages you receive. Message and data rates may apply. Additionally, you are consenting to location, usage, and information collection.
Menu

Download our Petland App today for information on your local Petland's Available Pets and Pet Supplies. All at the tips of your fingers!

Mentally Stimulating Games While Walking Your Dog

June 29, 2020

Taking a walk is always fun, but here are some fun games to keep your dog physically enthusiastic as well as sharpening up their grey matter…

“Treasure hunt.” Take along his favorite treats and as soon as he gets distracted from you, toss one and tell him to “find the treat.” You might have to guide him the first few times, but this game is learned easily and teaches him to stay focused on you.

 “Pathfinder.” If you’ve gotten in a rut taking the same walk every day, chances are Fido’s as bored as you are. Vary your route and make it challenging. Climb stairs, walk on curbs, jump over small barriers, or even splash through some water. Keep his attention by abruptly changing direction and he’ll soon be keeping his eye on you!

“Red light, green light.” You played it as a kid. Now teach it to your dog! As you walk, stop suddenly and say “red light!” (or whatever word you want to be the command). Sometimes go as soon as he sits at your side, and sometimes wait for a bit. Keep him off balance, never knowing what you’ll do next, and you’ll sharpen his attention right up.

“Follow the leader.” Do you have a dog that insists on being out in front? This game will teach him who the leader is. Each time he heads out in his own direction, immediately change directions so he has to turn to catch up with you. Keep moving, but keep him following you.

“Come!” While walking with your dog, suddenly reverse direction, running backward and calling his name. He’ll decide coming when called is a fun game, and it’s one of the most important things you can teach him.

“Push-ups.” At varying intervals, stop your walk and quickly have your dog sit, down, and sit again. Then break into a run or give him a treat. Soon he’ll be watching you closely to see what you’re up to next.

“Dribbling.” Take along a soccer-ball when you walk your dog. Push it with your feet and let him push it around, too. Just be careful you don’t step on the ball or on Fido, either!

“Flirt-pole.” A flirt pole is a long pole with a lure at the end. You dangle and dance it in front of him as you walk. He’ll love trying to grab the lure and you are always in control due to the length of the pole.

“Parkour for dogs.” This urban agility training is so much fun for both you and your dog, it will turn the way you walk your dog on its head. Parkour combines dog agility with your daily walk to make his world (and yours) exciting and stimulating. He’ll jump, climb, balance, crawl under, and go around obstacles you see every day one every street in town. For detailed information, check out the International Dog Parkour Association website.

Related Articles

View All Articles

  • The Seven Oldest Breeds of Dogs

    The Seven Oldest Breeds of Dogs

    They are known as man’s best friend and recent research indicates that they may have been given this title longer than we first believed. Although many dog breeds date bac...

    Read More

  • They’ll Fight Like Cats and Dogs! Or will they?

    They’ll Fight Like Cats and Dogs! Or will they?

    As the saying goes, they’ll fight like cats and dogs… Not necessarily if you find the right dog. But what qualities does a dog need in order for it to get along well...

    Read More

  • Top Pups for First Time Dog Owners

    Top Pups for First Time Dog Owners

    Adding a dog to your family is a very fun and exciting part of life, however, does come with some challenges. Realistically, your pup is a part of your family and will be for ma...

    Read More

  • Tips for Keeping Your Pup Healthy in the Winter

    Tips for Keeping Your Pup Healthy in the Winter

    With winter here, we all know the challenges of staying warm and safe. We must also take into consideration the well-being of our pets as the temperature drops. Here are a few s...

    Read More

  • Top Five Dog Breeds Who Love to Play Outdoors

    Top Five Dog Breeds Who Love to Play Outdoors

    If you love spending time in the great outdoors and are considering adding a fur-legged friend to your family this blog is for you. Making sure you find a dog that enjoys spendi...

    Read More

  • Help! My Dog Ate Chocolate!

    Help! My Dog Ate Chocolate!

    We all know that the only time we should use the words chocolate and dog in the same sentence is when we use them to identify a “Chocolate Lab.” Chocolate, although ...

    Read More

  • Can Dogs Smell Cancer?

    Can Dogs Smell Cancer?

    Dogs have helped humans out over hundreds of years. From rescuing people, to tracking missing persons, to detecting bombs, to herding sheep. One of the most amazing abilities th...

    Read More

  • Separation Anxiety in Dogs

    Separation Anxiety in Dogs

    Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety experience tension, stress, mental discomfort, and confusion. This anxiety manifests when a dog feels insecure when left alone at home a...

    Read More

  • What are Roundworms in Dogs?

    What are Roundworms in Dogs?

    Roundworms are a parasite that can commonly affect house pets such as dogs and cats. There are two primary species of roundworms. The first is Toxocara Canis. This type of paras...

    Read More

  • Black Widows and Dogs

    Black Widows and Dogs

    We often associate our fur-legged friends being bit by ticks and fleas. These pesky creatures are known for their persistency and potential health risks. Ticks and fleas are par...

    Read More

  • Best Apartment Dog Breeds

    Best Apartment Dog Breeds

    Small living quarters does not mean having a dog is off limits. Generally speaking, larger dog breeds such as a German Shepherd or Husky do better with more spacious living area...

    Read More

  • Bacterial Infections in Dogs – What Is It, How Are They Caused, And How to Treat It?

    Bacterial Infections in Dogs – What Is It, How Are They Caused, And How to Treat It?

    If your dog has recently been diagnosed with a bacterial infection making sure he receives the proper care is crucial. There are many different types of bacterial infections, an...

    Read More

Help Need Help? Back to Top