Outdoor Games for Dogs

Is there a better place to be a dog than Colorado? We get lots of comments on our Facebook page complimenting our awareness and treatment of pets. We've written about games people play with each other, so we thought we'd spend a little time offering some ways to enjoy the Colorado outdoors with your furry friends.

Making sure your pets get enough exercise is essential to their happiness and health. Playing with your dog can improve your mood as well as the mood of your companion.

5 Good Reasons to Exercise with Your Dog

• Dogs that exercise with their human owners are less likely to have behavioral problems.
• Exercising together reduces boredom for you and your dog.
• Exercised dogs (and humans) rest more easily at night.
• A well exercised dog will be less nervous when left alone.
• Dogs are great motivators, they keep us humans motivated to keep moving.

Activities / Games You Can Play with Your Dog Outside this Summer

• Go to a dog park and let them run free with other dogs
• Hiking in the mountains
• Camping
• Play catch in the backyard
• Teach your dog to retrieve
• Create a tunnel or maze for your dog to go through using old cardboard boxes or chairs
• Hide treats around and have him find the yummy snacks
• Hide treats in an overturned bowl, your dog will have fun figuring out how to get to the treats
• Run with your dogs for long distances
• Walking around the neighborhood
• Take your dog on vacation with you and let him run on the beach and play in the water
• Learn about your dogs instincts (based on breed) and create unique exercises for your dog to sharpen their natural abilities
• Train your dog regular and more advanced commands (sit, stay, fetch, etc)

Make your regular evening walks more interesting by letting your dog carry a toy. Let your dog jump or balance over a tree, hide his toys, hide yourself, and let him play with other dogs! If you couldn’t interact with any other humans, you would be sad, frustrated, upset and lonely. Make your pet happy by allowing him to interact with other dogs.

While outside playing with your pooch, make sure you bring enough water for the both of you to keep hydrated.

Have fun outside with your canine pals this summer!