Playful Paws: Kid-Friendly Dog Activities

Some kids and dogs just have a natural magentism towards each other. But we want to make sure that our kids and dogs activities are designed with appropriate play, fun, and safety in mind! And yes; all 3 of these things can actually co-exsist together!

Why do we want our kids to be involved in the caretaking of the dog? Why do we want our kids and dogs to play together nicely and appropriately?

• Encourages problem-solving, creativity, and hands-on learning

• Promotes responsibility and positive interactions with pet

• Encourages teammwork, coooperation, and communication

• Promotes a sense of accomplishment and achievement

• Encourages empathy and compassion for another being

• Promotes the ability to be flexible and adaptable

  
  

APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES

1. CREATE A COLLECTION BOX OR BIN

   
   

Your child can let their creativity go wild and decorate if they wish! Use paint, puff paint, markers, stickers, pictures, etc. They can also be in charge of collecting items to place in the box (these will be used to create fun and enriching food puzzle toys for your dog!)

What should go in the box?

Any item you would throw away or recycle:

• egg cartons

• boxes (delivery boxes and food boxes-all sizes)

• packing paper

• toilet paper tubes

• paper towel tubes

• old t-shirts with holes

• old socks with holes

• old rags or towels

  
  

2. CREATE FOOD PUZZLE TOYS

Toilet Paper & Paper Towel Tubes

• Stuff food and treats inside the tubes

• Easy: Pinch one side closed

• More difficult: Pinch both sides closed

  
  

Boxes

• Stuff food and treats inside one box

• Easy: leave all flaps open

• Medium: leave one flap open

• Difficult: all flaps closed

• Most difficult: stuff a box within a box or stuff a tp/paper towel tube within the box

  
  

Blankets, Towel, Rags, and Socks

• Scatter food and treats on the floor and them cover them with the above items

• Scatter food and treats inside the items and then roll them up

• Scatter food and treats inside the items, roll them up, and place them inside a tp/paper towel tube or within a box

• NOTE: Please supervize your dog as some dogs may try to eat some of the items. If your dog has a tendency to steal and try to eat socks or other clothing material, skip this activity.

  
  

3. STUFF KONG’S & CREATE LICKMATS

Kong’s (or other similar toys) and Lickmats (a textured mat your dog can lick-you can always use a frisbee or a container lid if you don’t have one) are great enrichment for your dog AND great fun for your kiddos to create!

What can go in the Kong or on the Lickmat?

• kibble

• different textures and flavors of treats (soft and crunchy)

• cottage cheese

• plain and sugar free yogurt

• sugar free applesauce

• peanut butter

• smashed fruit (apple, banana, strawberry, blueberry)

• baby food (fruit or meat flavored-avoid anything with onions or garlic)

  
  

Kids can come up with their own recipes (maybe set a limit of picking 2–3 ingredients per Kong or Lickmat) or there are a variety of places where you can find dog friendly recipes (and some are even Holiday themed for extra fun!) www.kong.com

4. FOOD GAMES

Have a handful of your dog’s food and favorite snacks and treats (extra activity: you can have your kids be in charge of creating “snack bags” for your dogs with all sorts of goodies!)

Game 1: Find It

• Have a handful of your dog’s food and favorite treats

• Toss 1 piece of kibble or 1 treat away from you

• Your dog or puppy should go after it

• When they return, toss another piece of food or treat

  
  

Game 2: Scatter Feeding

• Have a handful of your dog’s food and favorite treats

• “Scatter” in an area

• You can scatter in the house or in the backyard

• Be sure to use the grass, leaves, and snow for extra sniffing and hunting!

  
  

Game 3: Hide & Seek

• Have a handful of your dog’s food and favorite treats

• Hide a small handful (about 5 pieces)

• You can hide them differnt places in the house or outside in the yard

  
  

5. DIY OBSTACLE COURSE

This can be really fun because it encourages creative thinking and problem solving! You can purchase a simple agility kit that has a few items like jumps, weave poles, and a tunnel. Or you can make courses from items around the house! This activity can be done inside or outside.

What can you use? Pretty much anything you can find around the house!

• hula hoops

• pool noodles

• broom and mop handles (for jumps)

• chairs

• couch cushions

• couch or ottoman

• step stools

• boxes (big enough that your dog can fit inside of (you can have your dog jump in them or use them as tunnels)

• laundry basket

• ladder (lay flat on floor and have your dog walk or jump over it)

• NOTE: You will want to supervise. Remember to go slow and introduce each item to your dog separately. Your dog may not want to interact with any or some of the items and this is okay. This is why this activity teaches about creativity; but also about effective communication, cooperation, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and flexibility. Also keep in mind the size of your dog and your dog’s age when setting up courses. For example, instead of setting up a really high jump, just set up something they can step over. We don’t want it to be difficult or scary for our dog.

  
  

NOW GO HAVE FUN!