The other morning, I was halfway through making breakfast, one kid asking for juice, the other looking for socks, my husband rushing out the door, when our dog suddenly sprinted across the living room with one of my slippers in their mouth.
Not chewing it. Not hiding it.
Just proudly showing it off.
Everyone stopped. The kids started laughing. I chased after the dog with a spatula in my hand. My husband nearly spilled his coffee.
And right there, in the middle of chaos, I realized something — our dog wasn’t being naughty. They were inviting us to play.
That’s how it always starts.
Dogs don’t care if the house is messy, if emails are waiting, or if dinner plans aren’t figured out yet.
When they want connection, they go for it with full joy and zero hesitation. A toy drop at your feet. A hopeful stare. A sudden zoom across the hallway.
And somehow, even on the busiest days, they pull us back into the moment.
Since bringing our dog into our family, playtime has become part of our daily rhythm. The kids make up silly games. My friends bring treats when they visit.
My husband pretends he’s “too tired” but always ends up throwing the ball anyway. Even I’ve learned to pause what I’m doing and give in to five minutes of fun — which usually turns into thirty.
Those little games have turned into memories.
So today, I’m sharing 8 fun games to play with your dog — games that spark laughter, build trust, burn energy, and fit into real life with kids, work, and everything in between.
Let’s play.
1. The Slipper Chase (Our Accidental Favorite)
This game wasn’t planned.
It started one morning when our dog grabbed my slipper and took off down the hallway like they had just won a trophy. I yelled their name.
The kids screamed laughing. My husband stood there shaking his head while holding his coffee. And suddenly, we were all chasing the dog around the couch.
That’s when it became a thing.
Now, whenever our dog wants attention, they bring either a slipper, a sock, or whatever soft item they can find and wait for us to notice. Once we do, the chase begins.
We turn it into a playful game instead of a scolding moment.
I walk fast instead of running (because mom knees). The kids block escape routes. My husband pretends he’s not involved, then jumps in at the last second.
Our dog zigzags through chairs and under tables, tail wagging like crazy.
The goal isn’t to “win.”
The goal is laughter, movement, and connection.
Sometimes we trade the slipper for a toy or treat. Sometimes we let the dog parade around for a minute before gently getting it back.
Either way, it burns energy and gives everyone a quick dose of joy.
Why this game works:
- It teaches your dog to engage with you instead of chewing in secret
- It turns stealing into bonding
- It gets kids moving without screens
- It reminds adults to loosen up
You don’t need special toys for this one. Just something safe your dog loves and a willingness to be a little silly.
And honestly, those are usually the best games anyway.
2. Hide and Treat (The Quiet-Time Hero)
This is the game I pull out when the house feels loud and everyone needs a reset.
It usually starts after dinner. Dishes in the sink. Kids finishing homework. My husband scrolling on his phone.
Our dog pacing around like they’re waiting for something exciting to happen.
So I grab a few small treats.
I tell everyone, “Okay, quiet voices,” and suddenly the kids become my helpers. One hides behind the couch. Another sneaks into the hallway.
I place treats under chairs, beside pillows, behind doors — simple spots, nothing fancy.
Then I call our dog.
Their ears perk up instantly.
What follows is pure magic.
They walk slowly at first, nose glued to the floor, tail gently wagging. Every time they find a treat, the kids whisper-celebrate like we’re watching a movie.
My husband usually joins in by hiding one in a harder spot. Even I surprise myself with how invested I get.
This game turns our living room into a mini adventure.
And the best part? It’s calm.
No running. No jumping. Just sniffing, thinking, and gentle excitement. It’s amazing for mental stimulation, especially on days when we don’t get outside as much.
Why we love this one:
- It tires your dog mentally (sometimes more than physical play)
- It teaches patience and focus
- Kids learn teamwork
- Adults get five peaceful minutes
Sometimes we hide toys instead of treats. Sometimes we make it harder. Sometimes we keep it super easy.
Either way, everyone ends the game happier.
3. Find the Family (The Focus Builder)
This one started on a rainy afternoon when outdoor plans got canceled and everyone was stuck inside with too much energy.
I told the kids, “Let’s hide.”
They scattered into different rooms. My husband took the bedroom. One kid hid behind the curtain.
The other squeezed beside the couch. I stayed in the hallway and called our dog’s name.
At first, our dog looked confused.
Then the searching began.
They went room to room, sniffing corners, checking behind doors, wagging harder with every discovery.
Each time they found someone, there were cheers, hugs, and lots of “good job!” before sending them off to find the next person.
By the end, our dog was happily tired, and the kids were begging to do it again.
This game does more than just entertain.
It builds recall.
It strengthens your dog’s listening skills.
It teaches them to use their nose.
And it helps shy or anxious dogs gain confidence.
How to play it at home:
- Have family members hide in different rooms
- One person holds the dog while others get into place
- Call your dog once and let them search
- Celebrate every find with praise or a small treat
Helpful tips:
- Start easy with doors open
- Use excited, positive voices
- Never scare your dog when they find someone
- Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes is perfect)
This game is especially great if you have kids, because it turns training into play and keeps everyone involved.
Plus, it reminds your dog that their favorite people are always worth searching for.
4. Towel Roll Treasure (Perfect for Rainy Days)
This game saved us during one of those weeks when it wouldn’t stop raining and everyone felt stuck inside.
I was folding laundry, the kids were bored, and our dog kept pacing like they needed something to do.
So I grabbed an old towel, sprinkled a few treats across it, rolled it up, and tied it loosely with another cloth.
That was it.
I placed it on the floor and stepped back.
Our dog approached slowly, sniffed, pawed at it, nudged it with their nose, then finally figured out how to unroll it.
The kids sat cross-legged watching like it was a show. My husband even paused his TV.
It turned into a quiet little challenge that kept our dog busy longer than most toys.
Why this game works:
- It encourages problem-solving
- It satisfies natural sniffing instincts
- It burns mental energy
- It keeps dogs entertained without chaos
How to make it harder or easier:
For beginners:
- Roll loosely
- Leave treats partially visible
- Don’t tie the towel
For advanced dogs:
- Roll tighter
- Tie a loose knot
- Hide treats deeper
Important safety tips:
- Always supervise
- Use soft towels only
- Remove the towel once treats are gone
- Skip this game if your dog likes to shred fabric
This is one of those games that feels simple but makes a big difference, especially when walks are short or weather ruins outdoor plans.
Sometimes enrichment doesn’t need fancy gadgets — just creativity and what you already have at home.
5. The Name Game (Teaching Your Dog to Listen — Even With Distractions)
This game started because my kids wouldn’t stop calling the dog at the same time.
One would yell from the kitchen. Another from the hallway. My husband would join in from the bedroom.
Our dog would spin in circles, completely confused, not knowing who to go to first.
So we turned it into a game.
Now we sit in different parts of the room or house. Everyone gets a few treats. We take turns calling our dog — but here’s the rule: only ONE person says the dog’s name at a time.
When our dog comes to you, you reward them with praise and a treat. Then someone else calls.
At first, our dog rushed toward whoever sounded loudest. Over time, they learned to actually listen and choose correctly.
Why this game is incredibly helpful:
- Teaches focus in noisy environments
- Improves recall skills
- Builds stronger bonds with each family member
- Helps dogs learn patience instead of jumping from voice to voice
How readers can play at home:
- Have 2–4 people sit apart
- Each person holds a treat
- Take turns calling the dog calmly
- Reward only when the dog comes to the right person
Important tips:
- Use a happy, normal voice (not yelling)
- Start close together, then spread out
- Keep sessions short (5 minutes is enough)
- End while your dog is still excited
This is one of my favorite games because it feels fun, but it’s secretly training.
And honestly, watching your dog proudly trot across the room when they finally get it right? That’s a moment every pet parent should experience.
6. Follow the Leader (Great for Walk Training at Home)
This game came from one of those moments when our dog was pulling too much on walks and I knew we needed practice — but without the pressure of being outside.
So we started indoors.
I told the kids we were playing “Follow the Leader.” I grabbed a few treats, clipped on the leash, and began walking slowly around the living room, kitchen, hallway — everywhere.
Every time our dog walked beside me calmly, I rewarded them.
Then I switched leaders.
My husband tried.
One of the kids took a turn.
Even our youngest wanted to lead (with supervision).
Our dog learned that staying close = good things happen.
Why this game helps real families:
- Teaches loose-leash walking without distractions
- Builds attention on the handler
- Works for puppies and adult dogs
- Helps kids learn gentle leadership
How readers can play it:
- Put your dog on a leash indoors
- Walk slowly in different directions
- Reward your dog for staying near your side
- Change leaders to build trust with everyone
Extra tips to note down:
- Start in quiet spaces
- Use small, soft treats
- Praise often
- Stop before your dog gets tired
This game is perfect if outdoor walks feel stressful or overwhelming. Practicing inside gives your dog confidence before facing the real world.
And for busy parents like me, it turns everyday movement into training time.
7. Toy Swap (Teaching “Drop It” Without the Drama)
This game was born out of necessity.
Our dog loves toys. Like, really loves toys. And at first, every play session ended the same way — tugging, chasing, and me saying “drop it” about ten times while the kids waited.
So we turned it into a swap instead of a struggle.
Now, whenever our dog has a toy, I grab another one or a treat and show it to them. The moment they release the first toy, I praise them and give the new one.
No forcing. No grabbing.
Just trading.
Over time, our dog learned that letting go doesn’t mean losing — it means something better is coming.
Why this game matters:
- Teaches “drop it” gently
- Prevents resource guarding
- Builds trust
- Makes playtime calmer
How readers can try it:
- Let your dog play with one toy
- Show a second toy or treat
- Wait for them to drop the first
- Immediately reward and repeat
What to look out for:
- Always stay calm
- Start with low-value toys
- Never pull items from their mouth
- Celebrate every successful swap
This game has made such a difference in our house. The kids feel safer playing, I don’t have to wrestle toys away, and our dog understands cooperation.
Sometimes the best lessons come from simple exchanges.
8. Doggy Obstacle Course (Fun for Energy + Brain Power)
This one is always a hit when the kids have a little extra energy — and honestly, it keeps me moving too.
One Saturday morning, we decided to turn the living room into a mini obstacle course.
Chairs became tunnels, cushions turned into stepping stones, and a broomstick on the floor acted as a “jump over.”
The kids helped set it up, giggling the whole time, while our dog watched suspiciously at first.
Then I called their name.
And the chaos began.
They ran under chairs, over cushions, and jumped carefully over the broomstick.
The kids cheered, my husband joined in with silly commentary, and I even ended up crawling through the tunnel once to show the dog how it’s done.
By the end, everyone was laughing, sweaty, and happy — especially our dog.
Why this game is so helpful for readers:
- Burns physical energy in a safe space
- Stimulates the brain and problem-solving
- Encourages coordination and balance
- Keeps kids engaged in active play alongside their pet
How to set it up at home:
- Use pillows, chairs, blankets, or broomsticks as obstacles
- Encourage your dog to navigate each part with a treat or praise
- Let kids take turns leading the course
- Keep the course simple at first, then add small challenges
Safety tips:
- Avoid anything sharp or unstable
- Supervise at all times
- Use treats for encouragement, not force
- Keep sessions short to avoid fatigue
This game is perfect for rainy days, winter afternoons, or anytime you need a fun way to burn off extra energy. And the best part? Everyone gets involved — kids, adults, and dogs alike.
It’s messy, loud, and full of laughter — just the way playtime should be.
Conclusion
Looking back, I realize that playing with our dog isn’t just about keeping them entertained — it’s about bringing our whole family closer.
From chasing slippers across the living room to sniffing out hidden treats, every game has taught us something.
The kids learn patience, my husband and I get a few laughs (and sometimes a gentle reminder to loosen up), and our dog… well, they get all the love, attention, and excitement they deserve.
The best part is that you don’t need fancy toys, a huge backyard, or hours of free time. All you need is a little creativity, a few treats, and the willingness to get a little silly.
These 8 games fit into real life — after school, during weekend downtime, or even on a quick break between work and dinner.
So next time your dog drops a slipper at your feet, stares at you with that “let’s play” look, or nudges you with a toy, don’t ignore it. Take the moment. Play together. Laugh. Bond.
Because these small games — the laughter, the chasing, the quiet “find the treat” moments — turn ordinary days into memories you’ll all treasure.
And trust me, your dog will thank you too.