Games to Play with your Golden

Games are activities you can do with your dog that show the two of you how to communicate and work together. There is a difference between games and sports. Games may have a goal, but they have no titles or ribbons.  Playing games with your dog is really good for your relationship. Dogs are social creatures and playing is an important part in making your dog more social and more likely to get along with other dogs and people. Playing games is a real way of showing them how to act in real life. You can teach a dog to obey by playing games that make following your instructions fun.  Think about kids you know and how much they enjoy "Follow the Leader" and "Simon Says." Think about the games you and your friends play that involve following (or failing to follow) directions. Everyone learns from this and so do dogs. The learning can be a very positive experience.

Play hide and seek with your dog.  Put him on a sit or down wait. Then hide. When you are ready, call him. Watch out they sometimes peek. This is good for teaching the dog to wait until called as well as fun for you and your dog.

--Find the Treat

Put your dog in a "down" stay then put treats in a variety of hiding places. He has to wait until you’re all done hiding them. Then say "GO!" and let the dog run around trying to find all the treats.

Golden Games for You to Play
(click to print and solve)

-- Find the Puppy's Bowls and Toys

-- Solve the Puzzle

-- Find the Golden Retrievers

-- Follow the Dots