Toy-based games, like tug or fetch, give your dog an outlet for their play drive while building trust and cooperation with you.
These games provide physical exercise, help teach impulse control, and are a great way to practice cues like “drop it” or “take it.” Best of all, playing together reinforces that you’re the source of fun and rewards, strengthening your dog’s bond with you.
FETCH
Get two identical dog toys — plush dog toys, tennis balls, or whatever the dog likes. Try to pick two toys of equal value to the dog. Offer the dog one of the two toys and let them play with it – don’t take it away from them!
Then, wave the other toy – they will likely drop the first one and grab the second one. Alternate the toys. You may playfully tease the dog to entice them.
Next, begin tossing one of the toys – only a couple of feet at first. As soon as the dog goes to get the toy, call and encourage them to come back – run backwards to encourage them to follow you if necessary. When they reach you, show them the other toy. They will probably want to get the other toy. They may drop the other one they have – or you can trade them for a treat. Then, throw the second toy. They will then run after it, and you can start the process over again. Start slowly and build up over time. Always stop for the day before the dog tires of the game.
NOTE: Special toys designated for FETCH and TUG should be put away unless you are actually playing the game with the dog – this will help to keep them fresh and enticing, leaving the dog wanting more.
CHASE IT
Try a flirt stick or ball and rope
- “Be the squirrel!” — Use the pole/rope to move the toy on the ground and quick hops in the air!!!
- Let the dog capture it occasionally.
- Release for treat (toss treat to free the squirrel!)
- Take breaks (squirrel stops moving)
- Finally, the squirrel dies and the game ends.
- Always leave ‘em wanting more!
CHASE IT is a great game for all dogs and is very easy for humans to play! With a little finesse and the right toy on the end of the stick, this can be very useful for piquing interest in shy dogs and getting them into the game. It can also be a great energy burner for any dog who is into the game.
For handlers that are not comfortable playing tug or fetch, this game is a nice choice as it will allow them to engage with the dog with a little more space between them, the toy and the dog’s mouth!
TUG
Encourage the dog to grab a toy – find ones they likes and wave it in front of them. Reward them for getting it by allowing them to have it. Get it back from them after a minute by “trading” them the toy for a tasty treat. Then, wave the toy again. Gradually work up to tugging – some dogs are naturals, others will need more encouragement. (Hint: Playing Chase IT may get a reluctant dog into the game!)
Once the dog is “into” the game, it is time to begin teaching them some rules to play by:
Teach them to leave the toy on your cue or command
- Have a release command such as “out”, “leave it”, “mine” or “thank you”
- The dog releases, gets a food reward, then cue them to re-take it (“tug”, “get it”, “yours”)
- The dog gets used to having it, releasing it, receiving a reward, and being presented with it again
The dog may not take or re-take the object until invited to do so
- The penalty for doing so is a time-out (game ends)
Zero tolerance for accidental nips
- The consequence of a tooth nip is that the game immediately ends
As long as the dog plays by these rules, they can get as excited as they want!
Always stop for the day before your dog tires of the game!
Tug is a great game for dogs with impulse control and arousal issues—there’s nothing better to help burn off some energy in a hurry, and it does not take a lot of space to play this game. Dogs learn to “turn it ON” and “turn it OFF” while having fun—this is very important for those strong, excited, impulsive types of dogs!
TUG UP!
Once the dog is committed to TUG, it’s time to TUG UP! Dogs engage in tugging by pulling the opposite way that you are pulling. When they are first learning, let them pull you forward as they tug. If they pull too hard, let the toy go so you don’t lose your balance. But, once you see that they are committed to the game and you have done the sequence a few times safely with them (i.e. they tug it, release it, receive a reward, present it again, then repeat), then begin to pull up as they tug. This encourages them to pull down, making it much easier for you. You can turn in a circle or move a step one way or the other while tugging up, as they tug down. This takes less effort on your part and also prevents the dog from pulling you off balance. Thus, tugging UP is easier and safer for the handler.
Toy-based games are more than just fun — they help teach self-control, build trust, and strengthen the bond you share with your dog. They’re a great option for dogs who love play or need a positive outlet for their energy. Want to add even more variety? Try some of our Food-Based Engagement Games to encourage problem-solving or check out Activity-Based Engagement Games for physical and mental stimulation.