No matter how bad of a day it was, one thing is for certain – your dog is going to be glad to see you when you come home.  Play time with your canine friend is both rewarding and mentally healthy – for both of you.

How can you make your time more enjoyable?  Most of us play ball with our dogs, or teach them simple tricks so we can impress our friends and neighbors who visit. These simple ideas can become boring over time.  Here are some more creative ideas for enjoying time with your pet:

1) Tug-of-War:  Most dogs love playing tug-of-war with an old blanket, sheet, or towel.  Simply roll it up, let your dog bite into it, and then pull on the other end.  Wave it back and forth and up and down for more action.  Just be sure to keep it from getting too rough so no one gets hurt!  If your dog gets too aggressive, simply command him or her to “leave it”, then put away the toy.

2) Find –a-Treat: Command your dog into a “down” position, then hide a treat for him or her.  Your dog will enjoy sniffing all around the area to find the treat.  After you master this game, hide the treat along with a small child and command the dog to find the child.  The child then can hand the dog the treat, building a bond between your dog and your child.  This trick can be quite useful in the event of an emergency, where your child needs to be found!

3) Hide-and-Go-Seek: Command your dog into a “down” position while you hide.  Call your dog, and let him or her find you.  Have a treat ready to reward your faithful canine when you are found.

4) Clean Up Your Toys: Place a small box or bucket on the floor, and then scatter dog toys on the floor surrounding it.  Gently coax or tease your dog to bring them to you.  Reward him or her each time she brings you a “gift” with a little treat.  Drop each item in the box as the dog gives it to you.  Many dogs get the hint and start dropping the items in the bucket themselves; others need a little more coaxing.  Be sure to praise your dog well once the toys are placed in the bucket.

5) Digging for Buried Treasure: Some dogs simply live to dig.  Since letting them tear up our yard is rarely an option, another idea is to get a sandbox for your dog or set aside a small section of your yard for digging.  Bury a few treats or favorite toys in this designated space, and let your puppy dig them out.

Dogs, just like people, are happier when they are not bored.  Playing games with your dog will keep him or her happy, youthful, and sharp – not to mention excited to see you come home.

This article is provided by PetGadgets.com

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