Are you a Poodle owner looking for a fun game to play with your dog? Poodles are brilliant and active dogs, so without something to occupy them, they may become naughty. But there is good news! There are many games that you can play with your Poodle that will stimulate them mentally and physically. Your dog will be happy to play, and you will be glad to help burn off some of that extra energy! So, if you are looking for games to play with your Poodle, check out the information below.
Before scrolling down, you should also check out: Best Brush for a Poodle
Why Do Poodles Enjoy Games So Much?
If you own a Poodle, you will already know the intelligence and curiosity your dog holds. If you are new to the Poodle breed, be prepared for your dog to display its intelligence regularly. This intelligence is what makes Poodles so easy to train. Therefore, your Poodle will be able to quickly catch on to the rules of games, making them excellent playmates.
Poodles’ intense curiosity also contributes to their love of games, as they love to learn new things. Your Poodle will be excited to learn about a new game and engage with you from the start. This curiosity can sometimes cause Poodles to misbehave when they are bored. So, games are the perfect way to keep your Poodle occupied in a productive way instead of a destructive way.
Games to Play With Your Poodle
Now since you know why Poodles love games so much, it is time to look at specific popular games among the breed. The games in the below list are tried and true favorites among Poodles worldwide. Just keep in mind that finding a game your Poodle loves may take some trial and error. Not every dog will love the same games, so try some of these out and help your dog choose its favorite!
Follow The Leader
If you have a Poodle, you know that sometimes these dogs act like they are in charge. Well, follow the leader is the perfect game to play with any bossy Poodle. This game can also help teach your dog manners for when it is off-leash. Follow the leader teaches your dog to follow you when indicated. You can then turn the game around and have your dog be the leader. This game is well-loved by dogs everywhere, not just Poodles, especially those trained to hunt or herd.
To teach your dog this game, you should start by rewarding your dog for naturally following you. This will reinforce the following. Then as your dog begins to follow closely, start making your path a little trickier by including obstacles. As your dog learns to follow you and avoid obstacles, it will become a game. Then when your dog is ready, teach them to lead. Choose a command that will indicate when it is their turn to lead. As your dog begins to lead, make sure to show your dog when you cannot follow its path; this will ensure your dog learns to be slow and careful with its leading. As you continue to play this game, you will also find your dog looking back at you to make sure you are following its lead.
Hide and Seek
Hide and seek is often a game that is played when obedience training puppies. However, it can also be a fun activity for curious and playful adult dogs like Poodles. If your dog already knows how to sit and stay, you already have the first step down. If your dog does not know these commands yet, you might need to get another person involved to help with the game.
Pretty much identical to the hide and seek game you played as a child, this game requires your dog to come and find you after you hide. You should have a word that indicates when it is time for your dog to see you. Finding new places to hide ensures your Poodle’s natural curiosity and intelligence are stimulated while playing this fun game.
Bumper Ball
An excellent game for your dog to play independently or with friends, bumper ball allows your Poodle to show its natural athletic ability. Bumper ball requires a large inflatable ball and a dog with lots of energy! Place the ball in front of your Poodle and let it kick and chase after it. Most Poodles will naturally engage with the ball, but if your dog seems to be unsure, show it what to do by kicking the ball with your own feet. As soon as your dog sees you having fun with the ball, it will join you in no time!
This game can also be played with multiple dogs. So if you have more than one Poodle in your life, give them one of these balls and let them go wild with it. This can also be a great way to occupy a herding dog as they will herd the ball in the same way they might herd cattle. So, whether you have one dog or more, bumper ball is a great way to keep them entertained for hours. It will also burn some of their natural energy, which will leave them feeling happy and satisfied.
Treasure Hunt
Like hide and seek, treasure hunts have your dog searching for something, but this time it isn’t you! Using any notable item in your dog’s life, such as a chew toy, a blanket, or a plush toy, hide it, and watch your dog use its keen sense of smell to find it. This can also be done with treats, which will help your dog learn the concept before moving onto other objects.
This game requires your dog to sit and stay while you hide the item. Then when the item is hidden, you can tell your dog to find it. Using a consistent command to indicate it is time to search is essential, so your dog knows what to do when it hears that command. Try hiding the items in different spots around the house to challenge your Poodle.
Fetch
A well-known game among all dogs, fetch is a great game to play with your Poodle. Your Poodle’s athleticism will shine through with this classic game. Whether you throw a ball, a frisbee, or a stick, your Poodle will be happy to chase it to its heart’s desire. Ensure you teach your dog that bringing the item back is part of the game from an early age. Or your dog will do a lot of retrieval without any return. Once they get the hang of bringing it back (which won’t take long), they will play with you for hours!
Food Puzzles
Although not a game that involves a lot of involvement from you, Poodles absolutely love food puzzles. These games stimulate your dog’s mind, which is a great way to keep a Poodle occupied and happy. Food puzzles can be found at pet stores and come in all shapes and sizes.
To begin with, you might want to give your Poodle an easy toy, such as a ball that releases treat. Poodles are quick learners, however, so they will appreciate a more challenging puzzle after a couple of tries with the easier ones. Some examples of more challenging puzzles include devices with hidden compartments for treats and others that involve pushing, twisting, and pulling parts to release treats.
Conclusions Games to Play With Your Poodle
Despite the common assumption that Poodles prefer to be pampered divas, they actually are very active dogs. Poodles need physical and mental stimulation to thrive. They have a liveliness and natural tendency for playful fun, making these dogs great playmates. So, your Poodle will have the best time playing any of these games with you!
You should also check out:
- Poodle vs Labradoodle – Dog Breed Comparison!
- Spoodle Dog Breed – Everything you need to know!
- Schnoodle Dog Breed Guide – Everything you need to know!
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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