Fun Dog Games for Large Breeds
Dogs offer an immeasurable amount of love, loyalty and companionship to their owner. In return, they only ask for your love and care. One way to show both to your furry friend is to spend some time regularly to play with them. This not only strengthens the bond between pet and owner, but also provides them with physical and mental exercise.
Many dog games can be played with dogs of all sizes, from the smallest Chihuahua to a big Great Dane. Some games, however, are especially suited for larger breed dogs.
Agility Games
Many large dog breeds excel in agility courses and games. Agility or obstacle courses combine speed and running - dogs can be trained to run the course as fast as they can, providing a fun challenge - with mental and physical acuity - by assembling obstacles and different types of fences, beams and hoops to maneuver throughout the length of the course.
Dock Diving
Larger dogs typically do better in water than small dogs as many of the larger breeds are naturally good swimmers (or doggie paddlers). In dock diving, you will throw a toy or object, such as a Frisbee or ball, out into a body of water like a lake while the dog runs and jumps to catch the object in mid air and landing in the water. Be sure that your dog is a confident swimmer before attempting this and start off with short distances first. Over time, your dog will enjoy working to jump and catch the object at greater and greater distances. The amount of physical exercise is great and the swimming is wonderfully refreshing in the summer months.
Frisbee
Many large breeds also typically need larger areas to run and play in. Take advantage of a large grassy field and teach your dog to play catch/fetch with a Frisbee. Since Frisbees can coast through the air at considerable distances, your dog will enjoy tracking it in the air and trying to jump and snatch it in its mouth before it lands.
Jumping Through A Hoop or Tire
If your dog is especially smart, train it to jump through a large tire. This activity will likely have to involve treats or some sort of reward to entice your dog to perform the action. Once he sees how much you enjoy it, though, he will want to do it repeatedly.