13 games to play while walking your dog
Easy, fun games for dog walks, from find-it and sniffaris to pattern games and urban agility, that build focus and tire your dog out faster.
The same loop around the block gets boring for both of you. The fix doesn't take more time, just a little play. These games take seconds to set up, work on any route, and tire your dog out more than walking alone, because they work the brain as well as the legs.
What you need
- Small, soft, high-value treats (or part of your dog's daily food)
- A standard leash, or a long line for recall games in open, safe areas
- Short sessions: a few repetitions, then back to a normal walk
13 games to play on your dog walk
1. Find It
How: Say "find it" and toss a treat into the grass beside the path. Let your dog sniff it out.
Why it works: Sniffing burns mental energy fast, and "find it" becomes a handy way to redirect attention.
2. The Sniffari
How: For part of the walk, let your dog set the pace and the route and sniff as long as they like.
Why it works: It gives your dog choices, which many dogs find calming. Great for decompressing after a busy day.
3. Red Light, Green Light
How: Stop walking now and then. When your dog pauses or sits, say "let's go" and move on.
Why it works: It builds impulse control and makes loose-leash walking easier.
4. Speed Changes
How: Mix a few steps of slow-motion walking with a brisk pace, rewarding your dog for matching you.
Why it works: It keeps your dog watching you instead of pulling ahead.
5. The Name Game
How: Say your dog's name once. When they look at you, mark it ("yes!") and reward.
Why it works: A reliable check-in is the foundation of focus around distractions.
6. Pattern Game (1-2-3 walking)
How: Count "1, 2, 3" out loud as you walk and drop a treat by your leg on "3." Repeat.
Why it works: The predictable rhythm, popularized by trainer Leslie McDevitt, helps excitable or nervous dogs stay calm past triggers.
7. Touch (Hand Target)
How: Hold out a flat palm. When your dog bumps it with their nose, reward. Then move your hand to guide them.
Why it works: It's a quick, positive way to steer your dog past distractions or back to your side.
8. Urban Agility
How: Use safe, low obstacles: step up on a wide low wall, weave around posts, sit on a bench, then go.
Why it works: Great for confidence and body awareness. Skip it for young puppies and dogs with joint issues, and avoid jumps and heights.
9. Follow the Leader
How: Make unexpected turns and direction changes, and reward your dog for turning with you.
Why it works: It sharpens attention without a single command.
10. Which Way?
How: At an intersection, pause and let your dog pick the direction.
Why it works: A little control over the walk adds novelty, and you might find a new favorite route.
11. Leash-Length Recall
How: Back up a few quick steps, say "come," and reward when your dog catches up. Use a long line in open areas.
Why it works: Turns recall into a game that is practiced dozens of times a week.
12. Toy Treasure Hunt
How: In a safe, fenced area, hide a favorite toy while your dog waits, then send them to find it.
Why it works: Combines sniffing, problem-solving, and play into one big payoff.
13. Collect the Neighborhood
How: Turn the whole walk into a quest: with Pupnik, collectibles appear at real spots along your route, and finding them earns your dog XP and levels.
Why it works: It gives you a reason to try new streets and keep the daily walk going, which is where most walks fall apart.
Tips for walking games
- Keep it short and fun. A minute or two of games per walk is plenty. Stop while your dog is still keen.
- Mind the weather. Skip fast games on hot days, and check the heat risk before you head out.
- Go easy on puppies' joints. No jumping off walls or long runs until growth plates close. See how much walking your puppy needs.
- Follow leash laws, and only play off-leash games in securely fenced areas.
Games work best on top of the right amount of exercise. Look up your breed's daily exercise needs, or read which dog walking apps can make the daily walk more fun.
Further reading
- American Kennel Club: dog walking games
- Leslie McDevitt, Control Unleashed (pattern games for focus and calm)