Pets are always there for us when we need them the most. Whether it’s a cute cuddle or a loyal paw to take our pulse in times of anxiety, they’re always by our side through thick and thin. Many pets have a lot to offer in terms of companionship, affection, and amusement. They bring joy into our lives that remind us about living in the moment.
What do you love about your pets? What activities do you enjoy doing with them? We’ve gathered eight fun activities & games to play with your pets!
1. Watch Animal Planet together
An hour of Animal Planet makes pets, and their owners feel like real pals. This is where you get to see the animals in their natural habitats without any filters or lens distortion.
2. Play Fetch the Toy
Having a dog is an opportunity for you to teach it tricks that will make everyone around you amazed at how smart it is! You can use treats as rewards for getting your dog to do whatever you want them to do.
It’s also a fun game because dogs love physical contact — whether it’s going for a walk or playing ball — and if things get too intense, let off steam by running around in a safe area outside of the house. If you have more than one dog, see who is faster at bringing the ball back to you!
3. Play Hide and Seek
Hide and seek is a fun game that can build stronger bonds between pets and their owners. It’s exciting for both of them because they get to be part of something special, which many pets see as an opportunity to show off their intelligence.
When you’re initiating this game with your pet, make sure that you make them think they’re actually finding you. Start with hiding in one place and give them time to find you. When the game gets too intense, take a break to relax with your pet in your arms or in their favorite spot in the house.
4. Go for a Walk
Walking is good for you and your dog! Whether you’re just going for a stroll around the neighborhood or hiking up a mountain, there’s no better way to bond with your pet than by getting some fresh air together.
If you have more than one dog, make sure that they each get enough exercise and don’t exhaust them by making them run too much. It’s important to monitor your dog’s health. If they start panting or have trouble breathing, it might be time to stop for a water break.
5. Get Them Enrolled in an Activity Class
An activity class is a fun way for pets to get out of the house and socialize with other dogs without getting in trouble with their owners. These classes can help reduce tensions between household pets, making them feel more comfortable around people they don’t know too well.
If you want your pet to learn something new, then this is where you can start seeing some positive changes in their behavior. It’s also great for them because it keeps them active! A dog obedience school can teach them not to bark at strangers and how to be well-behaved around children.
6. Seek Out New Adventures
Living life doesn’t mean that you sit on your couch all day watching TV shows on Netflix (although that’s fine too).
Pets just want to spend time with their owners and are part of the bigger picture. If you’re not sure what adventure you and your pet can embark on together, just take them out for a drive and see where the road leads you!
7. Play with Interactive Toys
Pets need mental stimulation just as much as they do physical exercise. For dogs, this is where they get to play with interactive toys that they can chew on and chase around the house.
When you’re playing with your dog, use their nose to find these hidden treats in an activity that will keep them preoccupied for hours! They’ll be so focused on finding every last treat in the toy that they won’t even notice when it’s time to go to bed at night.
8. Read a Book Together
For some pets, reading a book is a strange concept because they’re not able to read along with you. For them to enjoy this activity, you should be reading books out loud where there are a lot of hands and facial expressions (like children’s books).
If they’re still not getting the message, then find an educational book that you can read to your pets together. Learning is fun for both people and animals! If they like their book, then make sure you give them plenty of treats as a reward for such good behavior.
Pets offer us companionship, affection, and amusement. They’re always there for us when we need them the most. Here are eight fun activities to do with your pet that will keep you both entertained. Which one will you try first?