Everyone knows that dogs love romping around the backyard. But many pet parents may be surprised to learn that it’s not enough to simply open the door and let their pup entertain himself. “Being in the backyard might give dogs some sunshine and open space, but it doesn’t necessarily give them anything to do,” says Andrea Servadio, a trainer and cofounder of Los Angeles-based Fitdog Sports Club. “Just like for humans, play offers mental, physical and emotional enrichment.” Not only is playing outside fun, but it will likely lead to better behavior when inside the house. “Playing encourages mental stimulation for a dog,” says Colleen Demling-Riley, a canine behaviorist at Dogtopia, a daycare, spa and boarding facility. “When you combine mental exercise with physical exercise, you will have a well-behaved, balanced and tired pup when your dog comes back in the house,” says Demling-Riley. When it comes to fun activities to do with your dog while outside, there is no shortage of options. From dog fetch toys and agility courses to water games and scent work, the only limitation on outdoor fun is your imagination. Upgrade Your Fetch Game A time-honored classic, fetch never goes out of style. “Dogs love fetch because it mimics their natural instincts to hunt and retrieve prey,” says Servadio. “Balls tend to bounce in predictable ways, so finding dog toys that have unusual bounces increases engagement and mental stimulation.” Servadio recommends tossing anything from rope tug toys to dog plush toys. Or, you can upgrade your game with a specially designed dog fetch toy. Dog flyer discs, such as the Nerf Dog atomic flyer dog toy and West Paw Zogoflex Zisc dog toy, are engineered to both float through the air and bounce on the ground, making both the chase and the catch more interesting. Is your best bud a long-distance runner? Dog ball launchers, like the Chuckit! classic launcher, can help you throw up to three times farther, which means a whole lot more running for your canine companion. Automatic launchers, such as the iFetch Mini automatic ball launcher dog toy, can also make great backyard toys for dogs. “Some dogs may not be as interested in playing if you’re not involved, while others just want to get that ball regardless of who or what is throwing it,” says Servadio. Set Up Dog Agility Activities When most people hear “agility,” they think of specially trained dogs competing on a professional course. However, any dog can benefit from backyard agility work. “Any activity where dogs learn a new skill, get positive feedback and feel accomplished is going to make them feel good,” says Servadio. Agility engages dogs in a few different ways, explains Servadio. The equipment and coursework provide mental stimulation while teaching new tricks and skills. Agility also provides rigorous physical exercise and opportunities to use and develop a large variety of muscles. It’s easy to set up your own agility course. “Agility equipment designed for a pet parent’s backyard is now readily available at good price points,” says Demling-Riley. “Playing with agility equipment never gets old because you can always change the order of the obstacles or make them more difficult as your dog’s skill level advances.” Dog agility kits, such as the Outward Hound Zip & Zoom indoor agility kit for dogs, provide everything you need to get your pup started. If you want to work on your dog’s tunnel skills, the tear-resistant HDP collapsible agility dog training tunnel is perfect for backyard training and play sessions. Engage Your Pup in Scent Work Dogs loves sniffing everything and anything. Good smells, bad smells, questionable smells—each one is worthy of a lengthy inspection. For a fun backyard game, challenge your dog’s curious nose to a scent work game. “Scent work is great mental stimulation for a dog and is a fun outdoor activity after being inside all winter,” says Demling-Riley. Demling-Riley suggests this game of smell-and-seek: While your dog is inside, place six cardboard boxes throughout your yard. Keep the lids open, then place dog treats in three of them. (For a high-protein option, try Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats duck biscuits.) Then, take your dog outside to explore the yard on a dog leash. When he detects a treat, calmly praise him without petting him, as petting can interfere with tracking. As your pup gets better at the game, you can close the lids and even hide the boxes around your yard. Scent work is exhausting, says Demling-Riley, so give your pup a break within 10 minutes, and be sure he always has access to fresh water. For a simpler version, hide a smelly, petgd.com dog treat in the yard, and set your pup loose. “This is super fun for most dogs because once they find their chew item, they get to eat it,” says Demling-Riley. Play Some Water Games Many dogs enjoy water games in the backyard, too. “A warm, sunny spring day is a great time for water games,” says Demling-Riley. “Simply turn on your sprinkler and watch your dog run back and forth with joy.” If you don’t have a sprinkler, she suggests putting some dog ball toys, like tennis balls, in a bucket of water or dog pool and encouraging your dog to grab the balls as they bob up and down. Do a Round of Hide-and-Seek Another fun kid game your pup may enjoy is hide-and-seek. While you hide in your yard, have another family member hold your dog, says Demling-Riley. Once you’re in your hiding spot, call your dog’s name. When he finds you, reward him with lots of praise, then play the game again. “Most dogs learn to love this game!” says Demling-Riley. “Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce them coming to you when you call them.” There’s nothing like enjoying some fresh air with your pup. In addition to providing your dog with exercise and mental stimulation, playing together is a wonderful way to strengthen the human-canine bond. By: Monica Weymouth Featured Image: iStock.com/aleksandrovaphoto
