50 Fun Games To Play With Your Dog (Inside & Outside)

Have you and your furry friend run out of game ideas?

Well, say no more.

As you won’t have that problem again after checking this out.

Continue reading to discover:

50 easy indoor games for dogs.
50 fun games to play with your dog outside.
9 must-know benefits of playing games with them.
And many more…

Benefits of playing games with your dog

Builds trust.
Strengthens your bond.
Releases pent-up energy.
Improves communication.
Teaches them social skills.
Helps develop body awareness.
Stimulates both the mind and body.
Enhances balance and coordination.
Prevents boredom and destructive behaviors.

Part 1: 50 fun games to play with your dog inside

#1: ‘Which hand’

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

A simple indoor game for dogs that only requires treats and your bare hands.

To earn food, your Fido must guess which hand has a snack inside.

How to play this game:

Grab a small piece of treat.
Sit or stand in front of your dog.
Show them both of your hands – exposing the one with a treat.
Close your fists.
Face them downward.
Say a cue like “which hand?” while holding out your fists.
Open the hand your dog touches with their snout or paw.
If they’re correct, reward them with treats and praise.
If they’re wrong, make them choose again.
Put your hands behind your back. Decide on the treat’s new location.
Show both of your hands again to your dog.

How to make this game even more fun: Roll or cross your arms before your Fido guess. Watch them follow your hand excitedly. Also, offer different kinds of treats to keep them interested.

Potential issues with this game: Some dogs may get too excited or impatient while playing. So be careful of those tiny teeth. And practice commands like “stay” and “wait.”

#2: Shell game

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

This is an upgraded version of the ‘Which hand’ game.

But this time, you’ll hide the treats inside ‘shells’ or cups. Then your dog should pick the one with a hidden snack.

By playing this, your fur baby will learn to:

Be patient.
Track a specific scent.
Think about how to manipulate an object.

How to play this game:

Part 1: Introduce the cups to your dog:

Bring treats and at least 3 different shells (e.g., paper/plastic cups, clean yogurt pots).
Line them in a row upside down.
Let your dog watch you put a snack under one of the cups.
Topple it over – showing them how to get the food inside.
Give the treat to them.

Part 2: Let your furry pal play:

Ask your dog to “sit” and “stay.”
Hide another snack under one of the cups.
Point to your Fido where you put it.
Allow them to topple it over and eat the treat.
Praise your dog once done.

How to make this game even more fun: Use similar-looking cups and move them around to level up the difficulty.

Potential issues with this game: If your Fido hasn’t mastered “stay” yet, they may struggle to wait for your cue. So practice this a few times before playing.

#3: The muffin tin game

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

A fun and easy game for dogs that tests their memory and sniffing skills.

All you need’s a muffin tin, tennis balls, and treats to unleash Sherlock Holmes in your pooch. And see them actively search for the goodies in every tray hole.

How to play this game:

Start with a muffin tin or cupcake tray with 6 holes.
Get 6 tennis balls and some dog snacks.
Put tiny treats in every tray’s pocket.
Cover each with a tennis ball.
Set the muffin tin carefully on the floor.
Call your dog.
Let them uncover and eat the hidden treats.

If your Fido’s uninterested, grab 1 tennis ball to show them the treats underneath.

How to make this game even more fun: Once your dog understands the game, put a snack in only 3 out of 6 pockets. The next time, use a tray with 12 holes.

Potential issues with this game: Tennis balls might be too heavy for small puppies so start light (e.g., plush toys, yogurt pots). Some clever Fidos might also knock the whole tray down and get the treats. So watch over them and reset the game if it happens.

Also, use balls that your dog can’t easily swallow. For example, ping pong balls can be a choking hazard for large breeds.

#4: ‘Treasure hunt’

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

Make your dog search for the hidden ‘treasures’ a.k.a. snacks in a room.

This game will exercise both their mind and body. Plus, it’s also a good way to spend more time with your furry pal.

How to play this game:

Choose a room in your house.
Hide some treats in the area while your dog’s outside.
Start with easy-to-spot locations. (E.g., on a drawer’s handle, behind table legs).
Once done, bring your furry friend in.
Let them sniff around and look for treasures.

If your pooch can’t understand the game yet, reveal one of the hidden treats to attract them.

How to make this game even more fun: Gradually increase the difficulty if it seems too easy for your Fido. Hide the treats behind furniture or under cardboard boxes. Or, you can try the next game I’ll recommend.

Potential issues with this game: While treat hunting, your dog may knock over objects in the room by accident. So remove any hazards in the area before playing.

#5: ‘Hot and cold’

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

A combination of ‘treasure hunt’ and a classic kid game.

But instead of looking for prizes on their own, you’ll guide your furry friend along the way. And you’ll do this by giving verbal hints if they’re near a treat or an object you hid.

Thus, this game enhances your bond and your dog’s listening skills.

How to play this game:

Pick your dog’s target in this game. It can be a toy or a treat.
Hide it in a room.
Take your Fido inside.
Let them search for the hidden item.
Say “cold” when they’re far from the target and “hot!” (in an upbeat voice) if near.
Tell them “hotter” if they’re getting closer and act more excited.
Reward your Fido if they touch the target.
Move the item and start again.

How to make this game even more fun: Spice things up with a clicker. It’s a training tool that makes a clicking sound. Press this when your dog’s near the hidden item instead of saying “hot.” Then stay silent if they’re far from the target.

This game’s a great preparation for clicker training. It’s a method of teaching your dog the behavior you want without verbal cues.

Potential issues with this game: Your dog may not understand the game right away. So you have to be patient and repeat it a few times.

#6: Busy box

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

A fun game that’ll activate your fur baby’s ‘foraging’ or food-searching skills.

As a descendant of wolves, dogs have hunting instincts. But rather than exploring in groups, studies show most Fidos look for food alone.

Plus, they love sniffing around. So it’s an activity your pooch will enjoy indoors, even by themself.

How to play this game:

Get a shallow cardboard box or plastic container.
Put your Fido’s favorite plushies and toy balls in it.
Sprinkle some dog treats inside.
Bring the box to your pooch.
Let them dig into it.

How to make this game even more fun: Be more creative with the items inside the box. You may add Kong toys filled with treats or wrap some kibbles in a towel.

Potential issues with this game: Things can get messy while playing. So place the foraging box on a big mat. Also, have cleaning tools by your side (such as a mini broom and dustpan or a big one).

#7: Snuffle mat

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

Instead of a box, let your furry friend search for hidden food using this mat.

It’s made of felt cloth strips sewn together. And it resembles grass which can bring out the inner hunter in your Fido.

Plus, it’ll keep them busy and entertained too.

How to play this game:

Get your dog a non-slip snuffle mat.
Hide small pieces of treats among its felt flaps.
Call your furry pal.
Ask them to “sit,” “stay,” and “wait.”
If they did, set the snuffle mat on the floor.
Allow them to sniff it and look for hidden goodies.

How to make this game even more fun: Hide the food deeper in the mat – under the strips. Also, mix different types of snacks (e.g., kibbles, dog treats).

Potential issues with this game: Dogs may chew on the mat’s strips due to the lingering scent and taste of food. Then they might swallow them and choke. Or worse, have an intestinal obstruction.

To prevent this, wash the toy regularly. And never leave your fur baby alone with the mat.

#8: ‘Meet the box’

Suitable for: Puppies below 1 year

Description:

This is training disguised as a fun game.

Some puppies don’t know what to do if given a foraging box. While others might not want to go near it since it’s unfamiliar.

So to prevent these, introduce the box to your puppy. And link it to wonderful things.

How to play this game:

Fill your treat pouch.
Get a cardboard box.
Put it down in front of your puppy.
If they go near it, mark the behavior. Say “good” or press the clicker.
Offer them a treat afterward.
Mark and reward your puppy again once they touch or step in the box.

Repeat this for at least 5-10 minutes daily.

How to make this game even more fun: Present the box differently to your puppy from last time. Face the opening to the other side or close one of its flaps.

Potential issues with this game: Dogs may chew and swallow pieces of cardboard. It’s non-toxic, but a large amount can lead to blockage. So I advise you to not leave them alone with the box and supervise how they act in its presence.

#9: ‘The name game’

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

Dogs know their parents’ names. But does your furry friend know theirs well?

If not, here’s a fun game that’ll do the job. Which is also a great workout for their mind and body.

How to play this game:

Grab some treats.
Toss a piece on the floor away from your dog.
After they eat it, call them by their name in an excited tone.
Once they look at you, say “good” or “yes.”
Throw another treat in the opposite direction.
Do the same thing.
Repeat until your dog’s head turn gets faster whenever they hear their name.

How to make this game even more fun: Ask someone to join you. Let them throw the treats and call your dog. Do this also to test your Fido if they still recognize their name.

If your dog’s doing well, you can play outdoors next. But if not, stay inside the house as it has fewer distractions.

Potential issues with this game: Some dogs might get too interested in the treats. So toss only a piece each time. And call them in your most upbeat voice.

#10: New word game

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

Experts say dogs have a mental capacity of a 2-year-old kid.

Usually, they can understand around 165 words. So your furry pal will surely enjoy learning a new term every session.

How to play this game:

Take your dog to a quiet part of the house.
Teach them basic words first like “treat” or “ball.”
Say the term, then point to the object it refers to.
Give a treat to your dog afterward.
Repeat until you create the right association.

How to make this game even more fun: Teach your dog the names of your friend, family members, or other pets.

Potential issues with this game: Every Fido has their own pace. Some may learn words faster than others. So be patient and gentle with your pooch.

#11: ‘Find it’

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

This is similar to the ‘hot and cold’ game. But this time, your dog knows what they’ll search for.

How to play this game:

Say “find it!” in a cheerful tone.
Toss your dog’s favorite toy or item as a starter.
Point to it to urge your Fido to go near the object.
Once they touch it, reward them at once.
Repeat.
As you go on, replace the “it” with the object you want your dog to find. (E.g., “find your toy,” “find the treat”)
Then hide the item in a room instead of tossing it.
Reward your Fido if they found it.

How to make this game even more fun: If it’s too easy for your dog, throw 2 or more things at once. Praise and give them a treat as they touch each item.

Potential issues with this game: This is harder than ‘hot and cold.’ So your dog should understand the “find” command first to enjoy the game.

#12: ‘Drop it’

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

This will teach your Fido to release something if needed. And it’ll be a useful command too during play and leash walking.

How to play this game:

Say “drop.”
Toss a few treats on the floor.
Repeat it once your dog has eaten everything.
Do this at least 10 times.
Now, throw a toy and let your Fido play with it for a while.
Say “drop” and toss their favorite snack. (It must be something irresistible.)
Once they drop the toy, take it away.
Again, repeat this 10 times per session.

How to make this game even more fun: Next time, wait for your furry pal to drop the toy on their own. Then only reward them afterward.

Potential issues with this game: It may take your dog a while to make the right association.

#13: ‘Go get your toy’

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

After the ‘find it’ game, train your dog to get their toy next.

This works out their memory and muscles. Also, it’ll save you time during play.

How to play this game:

Tell your dog, “go get/fetch your toy.”
Say “good” or press a clicker if they got the right object.
Signal them to come to you with your hand. Or call their name excitedly.
Reward them if they obey.

How to make this game even more fun: Ask your furry friend to put their toy in a certain spot. Once they’re carrying it, point to your desired place. Say “drop it” and reward your pooch.

Potential issues with this game: Some dogs are less motivated to get an object. Also, this is an advanced command, so it may take a while.

You might also like: 7 Amazing Reasons Why Dogs Bring You Their Toys + 7 Tips

#14: Ring stackers

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

This brain game will help your dog coordinate their eyes, mouth, and paws.

How to play this game:

Get a ring stacking toy for toddlers.
Start by pointing the ring pole’s tip to your dog.
Once they touch it, say “yes” and offer them a treat.
Throw the biggest ring.
Say “yes” when they touch it.
Ask your Fido to fetch it. Reward them once done.
Repeat what you did with the ring.
But this time, tell your dog to drop it near the pole. And show them how to stack it.
Do this up to 5 times.
If they stack the ring by accident, get excited. Give your Fido a treat.
Repeat until they learn to place the rings.

How to make this game even more fun: Line up the rings away from your dog. Point to one and tell your dog to stack it on the stick. Continue until complete.

Potential issues with this game: This might not be for aggressive chewers. Also, your pooch must know how to fetch first. As well as to ‘target’ or touch things with their nose or paw.

#15: ‘Put them away’

Suitable for: Dogs of all ages

Description:

After playtime, make tidying up an enjoyable job for your fur baby.

This enhances their coordination and listening skills.

How to play this game:

Tell your dog, “go, get your toy.”
Point or walk near the item you want them to get.
Say “yes” once they grab it.
Praise them a lot.
Point to the basket or place where you store their toys.
Ask your Fido to “drop it” there.
Praise and give them a treat if they follow.

How to make this game even more fun: Move the toy basket a few inches away every game. Make your pooch fetch more toys.

Potential issues with this game: This has a high difficulty level. But your dog can learn this with patience and a lot of practice.

#16: DIY exploration course

Suitable for: Puppies below 1 year

Description:

Expose your fur baby to different surfaces and odors at an early age.

This gives them the confidence to try out new things. And explore the world around them with no fear.

How to play this game:

Set a large mat on the floor.
Place various objects with different textures and sounds. (E.g., plastic bottles, toilet paper tubes, metal bowls)
Put some items in the metal bowl. Or line up the bottles outside.
Sprinkle some treats along the course.
Let your dog explore. Allow them to create a mess, move items, and produce noises.

How to make this game even more fun: Introduce new things to your Fido every time. Mix them up or alternate the items you’ll include in each game.

Potential issues with this game: Expect this activity to be noisy. Also, your dog may chew on the wood or objects they shouldn’t. As soon as they do it, divert their attention to their favorite treat or toy. Never punish or yell at them.

#17: DIY adventure box

Suitable for: Puppies below 1 year

Description:

This will also teach your dog to inspect unfamiliar objects.

But instead of a course, you’ll hang various things like a ‘baby gym.’ And let your Fido study the objects freely.

However, you need to make a rectangular frame first.

What you’ll need:

String.
Zip ties.
Scissors.
PVC pipe cutter.
Electric drill (¼” and ⅛” drill bit).
8 pcs – 1 in (2.54 cm) ø 90° elbow PVC pipes.
12 pcs – 1 in (2.54 cm) ø PVC pipes, 24 in (61 cm) long.

How to play this game:

Get objects of various sizes, colors, shapes, and textures. (E.g., plastic cups, paper plates, clean tin cans without the cover, tennis balls).
Drill a hole in every item.
Insert the string and hang them on 4 sides of the frame.
Grab your dog’s attention by swinging the hanging objects.
Allow them to sniff and explore the items.

To visualize this…

Watch this short clip below:

How to make this game even more fun: Replace the objects with new ones. Put your puppy’s food bowl inside to lure them.

Potential issues with this game: Dogs may get stuck in those strings. So never leave your puppy unattended while playing this.

#18: ‘What’s under your feet?’

Suitable for: Puppies below 1 year

Description:

A game where you’ll let your fur baby walk on different surfaces.

Between 9-24 weeks old, vets say dogs develop a ‘surface preference.’

For example, Fidos who are used to concrete floors may dislike going on grass or wood.

But if your puppy’s too young to go outside…

You can play this instead to get them used on various surfaces.

How to play this game:

Get materials with different textures. (E.g., carpet, wood planks, artificial turf, ceramic tile)
Line them up on the floor.
Call your puppy.
Let them inspect the surfaces.
Reward your Fido every time they touch the materials.
Do this for at least 10-15 minutes daily.

How to make this game even more fun: Next time, place a tray with water or ice covered with a towel. This can help them adjust to the weather outside.

Potential issues with this game: Your Fido may not be interested in the surfaces. If this happens, put some treats over the objects to lure them.

#19: Introduce the vacuum cleaner game

Suitable for: Puppies below 1 year

Description:

For some Fidos, a vacuum cleaner’s a loud, scary monster that lives in the house.

This happens if they were not exposed to it in their early years. So if you have a puppy, slowly introduce it to them to prevent fear.

How to play this game:

Put the vacuum cleaner and your dog in the same room.
Don’t plug or move the tool yet.
Allow your puppy to inspect it.
Once they do, praise and give them a treat.
Toss snacks around the area.
Repeat this 10 times.
Now, slowly move the vacuum cleaner out of the room.
Bring it back inside. (To show your puppy that it moves.)
Give treats every time you move the machine.
Do this once or twice daily.

How to make this game even more fun: If your puppy’s doing great, turn on the vacuum cleaner. But don’t move it yet. Let them get used to its sounds first. Then use it as you normally do the next time.

Potential issues with this game: If you’re in a rush, you may only cause fear to your puppy. So if they seem afraid, go back a step. Then only move forward after a few days.

#20: ‘Who’s that?!’

Suitable for: Puppies below 1 year

Description:

Get your dog used to different animal scents without direct contact.

This is helpful if you have another Fido or pet at home. And also if your pooch’s still adjusting to their new place.

How to play this game:

Take a belonging from each pet. (E.g., blanket, bedding, toy)
Swap them with each other.
Let your puppy and other pets sniff the item.
Reward your dog if they inspect it. And allow them to use it overnight.
Switch the objects again.

How to make this game even more fun:

Potential issues with this game: You may spread diseases or parasites by accident. Thus, ensure your pets are healthy before doing this.

#21: ‘On the table’

Suitable for: Puppies below 1 year

Description:

This game teaches your fur baby to behave when put on a table. Which mimics how vets do their checkups.

How to play this game:

Put a non-slip mat on a high table.
Get some dog treats.
Slowly place your puppy on it.
Give them a snack right away.
Praise them too.
Grab one of their paws.
Reward them again.
Do this twice or thrice daily.

How to make this game even more fun: Upgrade your treats. Use a children’s stethoscope to further imitate a vet checkup.

Potential issues with this game: Some dogs may like sitting in high places. But it might be scary for others. So choose a lower table. Then slowly transition to a taller one.

#22: Pretend ear and eye checkup game

Suitable for: Puppies below 1