Key Takeaways
- Games for dogs are not just fun. They build focus, recall and impulse control.
- Perfect for rainy days, energetic puppies or pre-walk warmups.
- Most require no special equipment. Just food, toys or household items.
- Great for puppies, rescues and adolescent dogs who need extra guidance.
- Can be played at home or used as part of 1-to-1 training sessions.
Why Games Belong in Every Dog’s Training Toolkit
From rainy day boredom to pre-walk chaos, games for dogs can be a lifesaver. They do not just burn energy. They also teach valuable skills like recall, patience and focus. By turning training into play, you will find your dog is calmer, more attentive and easier to live with day to day.
These activities are quick to set up, fun to play, and surprisingly effective. Most of these games can also be done in your living room or garden with no special equipment needed. Whether you have a lively puppy, a teenage dog testing boundaries or a rescue finding their feet, games bring structure and enrichment that make training enjoyable for both of you.
12 Training Games for Dogs
1. Hide and Seek
If your dog tends to ignore you outdoors, this game makes recall rewarding and fun.
What it Teaches
Recall and bonding.
How to Play
Start by hiding somewhere easy, like behind a chair, while someone else holds your dog. Call their name once. Reward with treats and praise when they find you. As your dog improves, make it trickier by hiding in another room.
2. Find It (Scent Games)
This dog training game is perfect for rainy days or for dogs and puppies with extra energy. It channels that energy into searching and sniffing.
What it Teaches
Focus and stress relief.
How to Play
Start by showing your dog a treat, then place it on the floor and say ‘find it.’ Once they understand, make it harder by hiding treats under cushions or in other rooms. This simple enrichment game for dogs builds nosework skills and keeps your dog mentally stimulated.
3. Name Game
A must for young puppies, this game ensures your dog learns that their name always means “pay attention.”
What it Teaches
Responding quickly to their name.
How to Play
Say your dog’s name in a cheerful tone. The moment they look at you, reward them. Practise in different settings to make sure your dog responds even when distracted.
4. Watch Me
If your dog struggles to focus, this game teaches them to check in with you even when life is busy.
What it Teaches
Eye contact and attention.
How to Play
Hold a treat near your eyes and wait for your dog to look at you. Say “yes!” or use a clicker, then reward. This game is brilliant for heelwork and loose lead walking.
5. It’s Your Choice
Helpful for dogs who snatch at food or toys, this game builds patience and calm behaviour around rewards.
What it Teaches
Patience and impulse control.
How to Play
Hold a few treats in your closed hand. If your dog nudges or paws, keep your hand shut. The moment they pause or back off, open your hand and reward. With practice, this game teaches calmness and patience instead of grabbing.
6. Fetch with Rules
This is a twist on a classic game of “fetch”, this version helps teach your dog to return and release items instead of just chasing.
What it Teaches
Structure and toy release.
How to Play
Throw a ball or toy and wait for your dog to bring it back. Ask for a “drop” before playing again. If they don’t release, show them a second toy to encourage the swap. Once they let go, reward by either giving them the second toy or throwing it. This makes fetch a structured training exercise rather than just a chase.
7. Tug with Cues
For dogs who love tug, this game makes the fun more structured and strengthens your bond.
What it Teaches
Engagement and practising “drop it.”
How to Play
Play tug of war using a strong toy. Every so often, pause and ask your dog to release. Reward and immediately restart the game. This builds self control and makes “drop” a positive cue.
Trainer tip: A good tug toy makes this game safer and far more fun! You can get 10% off Tug-E-Nuff toys with the code KC10.
8. Recall Races
Best for families, this game turns recall into an exciting competition that encourages speed and enthusiasm.
What it Teaches
Fast and enthusiastic recall.
How to Play
Involve two or more people. Spread out and take turns calling your dog, rewarding each quick run. This is great fun for families and helps dogs learn to come no matter who calls.
9. Puzzle Play (Snuffle Mats or Feeders)
Ideal for dogs who need more mental stimulation, this enrichment game for dogs turns mealtimes into a calm activity that burns energy through thinking.
What it Teaches
Mental stimulation and calmness.
How to Play
Scatter your dog’s meal in a snuffle mat or puzzle feeder. Let them sniff and work for every piece. It slows down fast eaters and helps restless dogs relax.
10. Muffin Tin Puzzle
A simple DIY option, this game is great for dogs who enjoy problem solving and builds confidence with new challenges.
What it Teaches
Problem solving and confidence.
How to Play
Place small treats in a muffin tin and cover them with tennis balls. Your dog must figure out how to move the balls to reach the treats. Start with a few cups covered, then build up difficulty.
11. Wild Sits
Useful for excitable dogs, this game shows them how to calm down quickly after high energy moments.
What it Teaches
Self control after excitement.
How to Play
Get your dog excited by clapping, jumping or moving quickly. Suddenly stop and ask for a “sit”. Reward calmness. This teaches dogs to settle quickly even after high energy moments.
12. Flirt Pole Play
For dogs with strong chase instincts, this game provides a safe outlet while also practising control.
What it Teaches
Energy release and prey drive satisfaction.
How to Play
Use a flirt pole, which is a toy attached to a rope and pole, to let your dog chase and pounce in a safe and controlled way. Keep sessions short to avoid overexertion, especially for puppies. Always end with a release cue and calm praise.
FAQs About Dog Training Games
What are the best games for dogs to play indoors?
Hide and Seek, Find It and puzzle feeders are great options for indoor enrichment.
How do training games help with dog behaviour?
They boost recall, focus and impulse control while reducing boredom and frustration.
Can I play these games with a reactive dog?
Yes, but start in quiet environments and build gradually. For extra support, try 1-to-1 training.
What games are good for puppies?
The Name Game, Watch Me and It’s Your Choice are ideal for teaching early focus and manners.
How often should I play games with my dog?
Short, daily sessions work best. Even five to ten minutes of play can make a big difference.
What is the best game to play with your dog?
The best game depends on your dog’s needs. Recall games like Hide and Seek are perfect for energetic dogs, while puzzle games keep clever or easily bored dogs entertained.
Can games replace a walk?
Games can be a great way to burn energy indoors or on rainy days, but they should not fully replace walks. Walks provide exercise, variety and outdoor enrichment. Use games to supplement, not substitute.
Do dogs get bored indoors?
Yes, dogs can get bored if they are indoors all day. Enrichment activities like Find It, puzzle feeders and hide and seek help keep their minds busy and reduce frustration.
Making Training Fun for You and Your Dog
Games for dogs are not just playtime. They are powerful training tools. From building focus to teaching calm behaviour, each of these activities gives your dog enrichment, structure and confidence.
If your dog struggles with overexcitement or reactivity, combining games with professional guidance can make all the difference.
Want help building calm, focused behaviour through play? Book a 1-to-1 session with Chase Canines today.