Who doesn’t love having a bit of ‘pet fun’?
Or should I say, fun with your pet?
‘Pet fun‘ might be a play on words, but spending time with your furry companion is a great way to bond with them.
After all, our pets are more than just furry companions, they’re also a source of endless joy and entertainment.
We can do a bunch of stuff that’s enjoyable both for us and our companion.
All in all, though, spending time with our pets can be incredibly rewarding.
I know for myself that I love it when my cat Coco, comes looking for cuddles.
Whether it’s the way they wag their tail or the sound of their purring, our pets have a special ability to lift our spirits and bring us closer together.
Let’s look at a few tries and true ways to have fun with our pets!
Pet Fun: Enjoyable Ways to Spend Time With Our Pets
1. Play Fetch With a Ball or Frisbee
Are you looking for a fun way to bond with your furry friend? Why not play a game of fetch with a ball or frisbee?
It’s a great way to get some exercise and spend quality time with your pet.
To get started, find a safe and open area where you can play without any obstacles or hazards.
A park or backyard is a great option. Make sure you have a ball or frisbee that is appropriate for your pet’s size and breed.
If your pet is new to fetch, start with a softball or frisbee that is easy to catch.
Begin by showing your pet the ball or frisbee and encourage them to chase after it.
Throw it a short distance at first and gradually increase the distance.
If you notice that your pet is feeling anxious or may not be enjoying the game, take a break and try again later.
2. Take your Pet on a Hike or Walk
Do you enjoy walking or hiking?
Well, chances are that your pet enjoys it too!
Taking your pet on a hike or walk in a new location can be a great way to bond with your furry friend and explore new areas together.
You could try walking to a park you haven’t tried before or driving out of town to a scenic hiking spot.
When hiking with your pet, be sure to choose a safe location, probably one with frequent visitors to avoid any mishaps with bears or other creatures.
One precaution you could take is researching the trail or park to make sure that it is pet-friendly and that there are no restrictions or hazards that could harm your pet.
Because some pets might not be up for long or strenuous walks, you can check with your vet before going on your adventure!
3. Why Your Dog Might Enjoy a Walk
Your dog has a natural instinct to explore and roam their surroundings.
This can be a fun activity for them because walking provides them with an opportunity to fulfill this instinct by exploring new environments and scents.
Keep in mind that dogs are social creatures and enjoy spending time with their owners, making walking and hiking an excellent bonding activity for both dogs and their owners.
Another great benefit of walking or hiking with your pup is that physical exercise helps with maintaining their overall health and well-being.
So head on out in the great outdoors for a fantastic day with your pet!
4. Teach your Pet a New Trick or Command
One of the most exciting ways to bond with your pet and have fun is by teaching them a command.
Pets like dogs, birds, cats, and even gerbils truly enjoy learning new tricks because it offers mental stimulation and a sense of accomplishment.
When your pet learns a new trick, it activates their natural curiosity, which helps to keep their mind active and engaged.
This can help draw both pet and owner closer together and it adds greater play and fun to the relationship.
But What Kind of Tricks Can I Teach My Pet?
For dogs and cats:
- Sit
- Stay
- Come
- Shake
- Roll over
- Play dead
- Spin
- Jump
- Speak
- Fetch
For rabbits:
- Target training
- Jumping
- Spin
- Come
- Agility course
- High five
- Stand up
For gerbils, hamsters, and guinea pigs:
- Target training
- Spin
- Jump
- Come
- Tunnel
- Roll over
Learning a new trick can also offer positive reinforcement and this is very rewarding for pets.
When teaching the tricks mentioned above, use a treat or praise when your pet performs the desired behavior, as this will encourage them to repeat that behavior in the future.
When training your pet, start with simple commands like “sit” or “stay” before moving on to more complex tricks.
It’s better to keep training sessions short and consistent to prevent your pet from becoming overwhelmed or disinterested.
As you probably already know, learning new tricks is a fun and rewarding experience for pets.
It helps to keep their minds active, provides a sense of accomplishment, and strengthens the bond between you and your little pal!
5. Play Hide and Seek With your Pet
Did you enjoy playing hide and seek as a kid?
It was a game you could enjoy at any time, but particularly on rainy days.
Playing hide and seek with your pet can be a fun and engaging way to spend time together.
Instead of human companions, you’ll get to enjoy your time with a friend that will never cheat!
To play, start by selecting a treat or toy that your pet loves and hiding it somewhere in the room.
Follow up, and encourage your pet to search for the hidden item while you cheer them on.
To add more fun to the mix, switch roles and hide while your pet seeks you out for an added challenge.
When first attempting the hide-and-seek game, keep in mind that your pet might not catch on immediately.
Some pets may require more training or encouragement to fully participate.
Always be patient and don’t lose your cool. Animals are pretty smart and they sense when we’re annoyed.
Be sure that the hiding places are safe and accessible for your pet, and that any treats or toys used are appropriate for their dietary needs.
With just a bit of patience and practice, playing hide and seek with your pet can be a fun activity for both of you.
6. Play Tug-of-War With a Rope or Toy
Tug of War is a very popular game among pet owners, particularly dogs, because it allows them to express their instinctual behavior of hunting.
Your pet is benefiting from this type of activity in many ways.
First of all, your pet is engaging in physical exercise which enhances its strength, endurance, and coordination.
Just be sure that you play carefully and with some boundaries in place, so that your pet doesn’t get hurt.
It also helps to provide mental stimulation and can promote problem-solving and strategic thinking as they try to win the game.
Bonding is another benefit of playing this game with your pet. That’s because it’s a fun and interactive activity that you both can enjoy together, which can help to build trust and deepen the relationship.
You may not have thought of this, but Tug of War can help to clean your pet’s teeth. As they chew and tug on the toy, it can help to remove plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth.
Before engaging in Tug of War, make sure that you are using a toy specifically designed for the game. This will ensure that the toy is durable and safe for both you and your pet.
Keep in mind that while Tug of War can be a great way to keep your pet active, you should try not to exhaust them or cause any physical harm in the process.
7. Use a Pet Puzzle or Interactive Toy
Our pets are intelligent beings and as such, a healthy dose of mental stimulation and engagement is necessary daily.
A quick and easy way to achieve this is by giving them puzzles or interactive toys to play with.
These types of toys require pets to use problem-solving skills, which can help improve their cognitive function and prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
I’ve watched the shows, It’s Me or the Dog and My Cat from Hell enough times to see that one reason that pets act up is when they’re bored.
If you do choose to use this method, selecting a puzzle based on the type of animal, breed, or your pet’s interest is essential for it to work.
A few general puzzle toys that work across species include:
Treat dispensing puzzle balls that dispense treats when your pet rolls or plays with them.
Interactive puzzle toys come in various shapes and sizes, and require your pet to solve a puzzle in order to access a treat or toy.
Snuffle mats are made of fabric strips that are designed to hide treats or kibble that your pet can sniff out.
Hide-and-seek toys like stuffed animals with hidden compartments or plastic cups that hide treats.
These toys are beneficial for your pet, but it’s also important to supervise them during playtime to ensure they do not ingest any small parts or harm themselves.
8. Grooming Session With your Pet
Grooming is super important for your pet because it helps to maintain a healthy skin and coat, prevents infection, and reduces shedding.
But did you know that it can help to create a deeper bond between you both?
While it appears that most dogs and cats despise grooming, if done correctly by the owner, it can be fun.
It not only improves their appearance, but it also helps maintain their overall health and well-being.
Once you’re ready to groom your pet, gather all the necessary supplies such as a brush, comb, nail clippers, and shampoo specific to your pet’s coat.
To put your pet at ease, make sure the area is well-lit and comfortable for them.
Try brushing your pet’s coat to remove any tangles or mats.
This not only helps their coat look shiny and healthy, but it also helps prevent the buildup of dirt and debris.
Next, you can try trimming their nails to an appropriate length to prevent discomfort and potential injury.
You can follow this up by giving your pet a bath using a mild shampoo to clean their coat and remove any odors.
Rinse thoroughly and dry them off with a towel or blow dryer on a low heat setting.
One way to make this a positive experience is to reward your pet with treats and affection for their cooperation during and after the grooming session.
9. Playdate With Other Pets
Humans love to socialize – well, some of us anyway.
Your pet is a social being too.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise then that a playdate with other pets is something that your pet would enjoy!
Playdates are a great way for pets to have fun together.
When arranging a playdate, it’s important to consider safety and ensure that all the pets are healthy.
As a pet owner, you’ll need to supervise the interaction between the animals and be prepared to intervene if necessary.
When introducing pets to each other, practice doing so gradually and in a neutral location.
Pay attention to the body language and behavior of all animals involved to ensure that they are comfortable and not feeling threatened.
While playdates can be a great way for pets to play and burn off energy, it is important to remember that not all animals get along and that some pets may prefer to play alone or with humans instead.
10. Play Chase or Tag With your Pet
Playing chase or tag with a pet is a heart-pumping adventure that both you and your furry friend will love!
Is it the excitement of chasing each other around the house or yard?
Or is it dodging obstacles and trying to catch one another?
Either way, this is a surefire game to bond and have fun.
These games are great, especially if you have an active and energetic pet.
Playing chase or tag is a fantastic way for your pet to get exercise, bond with you, and increase his agility and coordination.
It’s a simple game that doesn’t require any special equipment or preparation. All you need is some open space, and you’re ready to go.
An easy way to get started is by running away from your pet and encouraging them to chase you.
You can also use a toy or treat to lure them toward you.
Once they catch up to you, you can switch roles and chase them instead.
To make sure this is an enjoyable experience for both of you, make sure that you and your pet are both comfortable and safe while playing.
If you notice that your pet is not excited, take a rest or try something else.
11. Have a Picnic With your Pet
Picnics are not just for first dates! Pet owners can take their furry friends for a picnic or outdoor meal as a nice treat too!
What is your pet’s favorite food?
Pack a few packages of the most delicious pet snacks you can find and head on to the great outdoors.
Don’t forget to also take water, a leash (for a dog or cat), necessary medicines, and waste bags for accidents.
Choose a location that is pet-friendly and safe for your pet to run around and explore.
A picnic can benefit your pet in many ways including:
- Bonding
- Exercise
- Mental stimulation
- Socialization
- Relaxation
- Exposure to nature
While on your little picnic adventure, take breaks to play with your pet and allow them to stretch their legs.
You can also bring along toys and treats to keep them entertained.
Always clean up after your pet and dispose of any waste properly.
12. Watch a Movie With your Pet
Have you ever watched YouTube videos where cats, dogs, and other pets are watching movies, TV shows, and games?
They pay keen attention and appear enraptured by what’s on screen.
Is your pet like this too?
You guys could create a tradition of watching a movie on certain days or nights.
It should be something that your pet is interested in of course!
Make it a nice and relaxing occasion by putting out your pet’s favorite snacks and helping them be comfy in your sitting area.
If they are anxious or agitated, they may not enjoy the movie and could become disruptive.
You may want to give them a favorite toy or treat to keep them occupied during the movie.
Another consideration is the type of movie you choose to watch.
Try to avoid loud, action-packed movies as the loud noises and flashing lights could be overwhelming.
Instead, opt for something more calm and peaceful, such as a nature documentary or a romantic comedy.
Your pet may really enjoy or relate to movies that feature animals.
Watching a movie with your pet can be a great bonding experience.
Just be sure to take their comfort and preferences into consideration, and choose a movie that is enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.
Pet Fun While Bonding
Bonding with your pets can be a fun and rewarding experience for you both!
Pets enjoy our company and are willing to do (almost) anything with us.
This could be anything from playing tag, hide and seek, watching a movie or simply enjoying a picnic together.
There are endless ways to engage with your pet and strengthen your relationship.
Always prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort, and tailor activities to their individual needs and preferences.
By spending quality time with your pet and providing them with love and attention, you can build a strong and lasting bond that will enhance both of your lives.