Six weeks of school holidays is a lot of hours to fill — and the dog, who now has a live-in audience of bored children, is more than happy to help fill them. The good news for parents: a dog is the best free entertainment in the house, and a child who is running games in the garden is a child who is not saying they are bored. Here are simple, safe games the kids can run themselves, and a few ground rules so it stays fun for everyone (the dog included).
The quick answer
- Tug-of-war with a proper rope toy — brilliant for burning energy, with two easy rules that keep it safe.
- Scent games like "find it" and the muffin-tin game — five minutes of sniffing tires a dog more than an hour of running.
- Fetch and recall relays the kids can turn into a competition.
- Water games for hot days — with water-bowl etiquette so nobody overheats.
- Golden rule: always supervise dogs and children together, and let the dog opt out whenever it wants.
1. Tug-of-war (with two rules)
Tug is the classic for a reason: it burns a startling amount of energy in a small space, and dogs love it. The old worry that tug "makes dogs aggressive" is a myth — what matters is that it is played with rules.
- Rule one: the dog takes the toy, not hands. Teach a "take it" and a "drop it," and reward the drop. If teeth find skin, the game stops for ten seconds. Dogs learn the rule fast.
- Rule two: use a real tug toy, not an old sock. Socks teach a dog that clothing is fair game. A dedicated rope toy keeps the boundary clear.
Our Baby Doll Cotton Rope Toy (£9.99, or a set of three for £22.99) is made from sustainable cotton rope and built for exactly this — it is our most-ordered toy of the summer for a reason. For bigger, two-child tugging, the Captain's Wheel Rope Toy (£11.99) gives everyone something to hold. Always stop and replace a rope toy once it starts to fray.
2. Scent games (the secret tiring-out weapon)
Here is the thing every tired parent should know: sniffing exhausts a dog far faster than sprinting. A dog's nose is its most powerful tool, and using it is genuinely hard work. Five minutes of nose games can settle a dog for the afternoon.
- "Find it." Have the dog sit and stay (or a child holds them), toss a few pieces of kibble into the grass, and release with "find it." Start easy, then hide treats further afield.
- The muffin-tin game. Drop treats into a muffin tin, cover each hole with a tennis ball, and let the dog work out how to move the balls to win the treat. Cheap, brilliant, and endlessly repeatable.
- The towel roll. Scatter treats along a hand towel, roll it up, and let the dog unpick it. Supervise so the towel does not become a chew.
3. Fetch and recall relays
Turn ordinary fetch into a game the children compete at. Two kids stand apart and take turns calling the dog with a happy "come!", rewarding with a treat or a thrown toy each time the dog arrives. You are secretly running a recall training session — the most useful command a dog can know — disguised as a relay race. Keep sessions short and end while the dog is still keen.
4. Water games for hot days (with etiquette)
On the hottest afternoons, water is the game. A shallow paddling pool, a sprinkler to chase, or ice cubes dropped into a bowl all go down brilliantly — but heat needs respect.
- Fresh water, always available. Put out more bowls than usual and keep them topped up and in the shade. A dog mid-game will not stop to ask.
- Play in the cool of the day. Early morning and evening, not the noon peak. Do the seven-second test on the ground — if it is too hot for the back of your hand, it is too hot for paws.
- Watch for overdoing it. Excessive panting, bright-red gums or a dog that lies down and will not re-engage means game over and into the shade.
Keeping it safe: the ground rules
Games between dogs and children are wonderful and should always be supervised. Teach children to read a dog that has had enough — turning away, moving off, licking lips, yawning — and to let the dog leave whenever it wants. A dog that can walk away from a game is a dog that stays happy to play the next one. Keep sessions short, keep water close, and always end on a win.
Browse the full range of rope and plush toys in our Soft Toys collection to keep the garden well stocked all summer.
Frequently asked questions
What games can I play with my dog in the garden?
Tug-of-war with a rope toy, scent games like "find it" and the muffin-tin game, fetch and recall relays, and water games on hot days. Scent games in particular tire a dog out quickly and can be run in a small space.
Is tug-of-war bad for dogs?
No — it is great exercise when played with rules. Teach a reliable "drop it," stop the game briefly if teeth touch skin, and use a proper tug toy rather than old clothing. There is no good evidence that tug makes dogs aggressive.
How do I tire out a dog without a long walk?
Use its nose. Five to ten minutes of scent games — hiding treats in the grass or a muffin tin — is mentally exhausting and settles most dogs for the afternoon, no long walk required.
How do I keep my dog safe playing with children?
Always supervise, teach children the signs a dog wants a break, and let the dog opt out whenever it likes. Keep sessions short, keep fresh water available, and play in the cool parts of the day in summer.
Do you offer free UK delivery on toys?
Yes — free UK delivery on all orders over £30.