[Squishy]

Hello all!
I am looking for some play ideas for my dog and I. He is a Labradoodle and is about 70 pounds, so he is a pretty big dog.

We walk twice a day and I take him to the woods to run through the trees and play in the river when I can. Because he always needs a bath after that activity, I usually only take him out there every couple weeks. He is in doggy heaven when we are there! I think it is the most rewarding time as a pet owner to see how happy he is out there.

Every day, we play fetch with a chuck-it ball (I love how far I can throw the ball with that thing!) He will chase the ball and return it to me very enthusiastically but after about a half dozen throws, he will either stop short of returning to me, lay down and try to keep the ball or will return to the patio door instead of to me (like he wants to go inside).

If I go take the ball from him, he excitedly takes off running in the direction I normally throw the ball, but will again try to stop the game when he gets the ball. Maybe bored?

We also play fetch with a Kong. I can't throw it as far, but he likes the unexpected bounces.

We live in a small town with no dog parks and I Am looking for ideas on other forms of play that we can do together.

Thanks!
-Mike-

 

[TooneyDogs]

You can make Agility equipment out of almost anything.
Sniff and Find is a great indoor and outdoor game.
Hide and Seek....I often 'sneak' off while walking in the woods and see how long it takes for them to find me.

 

[Renoman]

Getting him a swimming pool would give him water fun on a more regular basis than the trips to the river... and he wouldn't need a bath after.