--- title: "Mentally Stimulating Games While Walking Your Dog" id: "202792" type: "post" slug: "mentally-stimulating-games-while-walking-your-dog" published_at: "2020-06-29T17:35:21+00:00" modified_at: "2026-02-27T18:19:19+00:00" url: "https://www.petlandrobinson.com/mentally-stimulating-games-while-walking-your-dog/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandrobinson.com/mentally-stimulating-games-while-walking-your-dog.md" excerpt: "Taking a walk is always fun, but here are some fun games to keep your dog physically enthusiastic as well as sharpening up their grey matter… “Treasure hunt.” Take along his favorite treats and as soon as he gets distracted..." taxonomy_category: - "Tips & Tricks" --- [Home](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/blog/) / [Community](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/petland/) / **Mentally Stimulating Games While Walking Your Dog** [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) # Mentally Stimulating Games While Walking Your Dog June 29, 2020 · 3 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay Connected via Google Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandrobinson.com) Taking a walk is always fun, but here are some fun games to keep your dog physically enthusiastic as well as sharpening up their grey matter… **“Treasure hunt.”** Take along his favorite treats and as soon as he gets distracted from you, toss one and tell him to “find the treat.” You might have to guide him the first few times, but this game is learned easily and teaches him to stay focused on you. **“Pathfinder.”** If you’ve gotten in a rut taking the same walk every day, chances are Fido’s as bored as you are. Vary your route and make it challenging. Climb stairs, walk on curbs, jump over small barriers, or even splash through some water. Keep his attention by abruptly changing direction and he’ll soon be keeping his eye on you! **“Red light, green light.”** You played it as a kid. Now teach it to your dog! As you walk, stop suddenly and say “red light!” (or whatever word you want to be the command). Sometimes go as soon as he sits at your side, and sometimes wait for a bit. Keep him off balance, never knowing what you’ll do next, and you’ll sharpen his attention right up. **“Follow the leader.”**Do you have a dog that insists on being out in front? This game will teach him who the leader is. Each time he heads out in his own direction, immediately change directions so he has to turn to catch up with you. Keep moving, but keep him following *you.* Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/) **“Come!”** While walking with your dog, suddenly reverse direction, running backward and calling his name. He’ll decide coming when called is a fun game, and it’s one of the most important things you can teach him. **“Push-ups.”**At varying intervals, stop your walk and quickly have your dog sit, down, and sit again. Then break into a run or give him a treat. Soon he’ll be watching you closely to see what you’re up to next. **“Dribbling.”** Take along a soccer-ball when you walk your dog. Push it with your feet and let him push it around, too. Just be careful you don’t step on the ball or on Fido, either! **“Flirt-pole.”** A flirt pole is a long pole with a lure at the end. You dangle and dance it in front of him as you walk. He’ll love trying to grab the lure and you are always in control due to the length of the pole. **“Parkour for dogs.”** This urban agility training is so much fun for both you and your dog, it will turn the way you walk your dog on its head. Parkour combines dog agility with your daily walk to make his world (and yours) exciting and stimulating. He’ll jump, climb, balance, crawl under, and go around obstacles you see every day one every street in town. For detailed information, check out the[International Dog Parkour Association website](https://www.dogparkour.org/) . [Stay Connected via Google Follow Us For The Latest Pet Updates and Guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandrobinson.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. [Browse all puppies](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/) - ![\[#13991\] Red / White Female Siberian Husky DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/262969-600x450.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Female #13991](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/siberian-husky/13991/) ### [Siberian Husky](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/siberian-husky/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#13987\] Blue Female Pomeranian DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/263052-600x450.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Female #13987](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/13987/) ### [Pomeranian](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/pomeranian/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#14000\] Salt / Pepper Male Mini Schnauzer DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/262790-600x450.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Male #14000](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-schnauzer/14000/) ### [Mini Schnauzer](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#13999\] Black / Tan Male Morkie DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/263007-600x450.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Male #13999](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/morkie/13999/) ### [Morkie](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/morkie/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#13998\] Red Male Miniature Australian Shepherd DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/263055-600x449.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Male #13998](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-australian-shepherd/13998/) ### [Miniature Australian Shepherd](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-australian-shepherd/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#13996\] Black White / Tan Female Mini Bernedoodle 2nd Gen DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/263098-600x450.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Female #13996](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-bernedoodle-2nd-gen/13996/) ### [Mini Bernedoodle 2nd Gen](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-bernedoodle-2nd-gen/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#13995\] Black / Tan Female Yorkshire Terrier DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/263044-600x450.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Female #13995](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/13995/) ### [Yorkshire Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#13994\] Red Female Poodle DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/262799-600x450.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Female #13994](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/poodle/13994/) ### [Poodle](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/poodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#13993\] Black / Tan Female Yorkshire Terrier DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/263031-600x450.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Female #13993](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/13993/) ### [Yorkshire Terrier](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#13989\] Black / Tan Female German Shepherd DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/262959-600x449.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Female #13989](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/german-shepherd/13989/) ### [German Shepherd](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/german-shepherd/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#13988\] Liver Male Shih Tzu DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/262951-600x450.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Male #13988](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/13988/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) - ![\[#13992\] Black / Rust Female Rottweiler DOG](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/262767-600x450.jpg) Petland Robinson, Pittsburgh, PA ## [Female #13992](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/rottweiler/13992/) ### [Rottweiler](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-for-sale/rottweiler/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(412) 494-7387](tel:(412)%20494-7387) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/blog/) - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s happiest moments. The toys are ready. The bed is set up. The photos have… September 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your DogSummer is officially here. The… June 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog-2/) · [Pet Store](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog-2/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) In this articleWhat Is AKC Registration?What Is Health Testing?How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work TogetherHow Petland Supports Responsible BreedingHelping Families Find… April 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Bringing home a puppy is often a heart decision long before it’s a calendar one. You imagine the cuddles, the routines, the… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy… and yes, a few resolutions we actually want to keep! And if your dog… January 7, 2026 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional decision. And if you’ve ever paused and thought, “Am I making the right ethical… January 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there’s a puppy in the house. They tumble into the season with wide-eyed wonder, tiny… November 30, 2025 - [https://www.petlandrobinson.com/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/category/blog/) ## [Why Are Petland Puppies So Expensive?](https://www.petlandrobinson.com/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/) November 30, 2025 ``` Petland Robinson 2274 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Elaine Y Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ricky was very helpful with the purchase of my new fur baby. Very friendly and informative. Posted on Google Peggi s Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We got our Chihuahua at Petland .Bri took care of us and was very helpful. We left with confidence knowing we had made a good choice and we would come back here anytime for anything. Posted on Google Ryan S Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shadan and Bri, thank you. Hayley- you were so kind. If you’re looking for a healthy puppy, don’t waste your time somewhere else. Posted on Google Caleb L Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shadan was very helpful. Told them I had to go to work and they made the process very fast and seamless Posted on Google Juliana G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Today I got my little baby Spur, a cowboy corgi!!!! Tiderro was so much help and answered all the questions I had. Thank you for helping me find my little baby. :) Posted on Google Blake G Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Walked to look at the puppies and looked found a beautiful little mini schnauzer girl that looked like our old female. She’ll be a great addition to our family. Tiderro was amazing and amazing at understanding our history with schnauzers and how we were trying to heal from losing ours. ```