Playtime with your four-legged friend is a fun way to bond with them! Puppies are usually lively, outgoing little creatures who love spending time with their loved ones. Sometimes, playing the same games with your pup can get repetitive and boring. 

Why not add a little bit of fun to your routine and switch up the games you play? Here are 7 fun games you can play with your puppy to keep them super happy:

1.Hide and seek. Hide and seek is an exciting game that allows your pup to use their intelligence and tracking skills to search for you. Just find a good spot to hide (preferably a place where your puppy can reach) and make sure your furry friend sees what you’re doing. Obviously, your puppy won’t count down like in a regular game of hide and seek so be sure to hide before they can catch you.

2. Fetch your toys. You don’t have to use a ball or a stick to play fetch—you can also use your four-legged friends’ toys! In fact, our Petland staff recommends using toys over a regular stick as it can prevent cuts in your pup’s mouth. You can also change the height and distance of every throw you make to engage your puppy.

3. The three-cup game. The three-cup game isn’t physically demanding, but it serves as a mental exercise for your furry cutie. To play this game, grab three plastic cups and line them in front of your puppy. Have them watch as you put their favorite treat under one cup. Encourage them to pick the cup with the treat. Make sure to pepper your furry friend with kisses when they do. If you want to make it more challenging, mix the cups around and have them pick the right cup.

4. The “which hand” game. Like the three-cup game, the “which hand” game is a fun little mental exercise that can engage your puppy. Place a yummy treat on your hand in front of your puppy and close your hand into a fist. Hold out your hand and encourage them to guess the hand their treat is in. After a few tries, switch up the game by moving hand and making them pick again.

5. Chase the toy. Test your furry friends’ predatory instincts with this simple game! Tie a stuffed animal (especially one that squeaks) on a rope or string and run around with it. You can bet your puppy’s hunting drive will kick in when they see the toy being dragged around. If your puppy doesn’t seem too interested, try spraying the toy with a dog-friendly scent. 

6. Scavenger hunts. A scavenger hunt is fun, especially with your cute and cuddly soulmate! Place your furry cutie’s yummy treats in different places around your home. Make sure your puppy watches you as you hide their treats. When finished, encourage your puppy to look for all their treats! It may take a couple of times for your pup to understand the rules, but once they get the hang of it, the real fun will begin!

Your puppy’s play session should be an exciting experience for both of you. You should never skip your pup’s playtime as it’s an important part of building a bond with them. It can also serve as fun exercises that challenges your pup mentally and physically—both of which are important for their growth. We hope these games help you and your puppy grow a strong friendship!