Health & WellbeingHow to exercise and entertain my dog with outdoor games besides fetch?
Some dogs enjoy playing the dog equivalent of "hide and seek" where you show them a high value treat or toy while they are inside, hide it outside when they aren't watching, then let them search for it. It can take some training to learn this game, but this is both mentally and physically stimulating for dogs. You mention fetch, but this is always a popular standby. To vary the routine, you can try throwing frisbees, soft toys, or balls. Depending on Mike's attention span, you could also try teaching him some agility activities (i.e. jumping through hoops, going through tunnels, etc.). Take a look at the Dr. Sophia Yin website for some other training ideas that can also be turned into outdoor playtime: https://drsophiayin.com/resources/dog_behavior/#Toys
Updated on November 25th, 2025
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