In this article, I’m going to unleash four fun and engaging games that you can play with your Cavalier.
Picture those floppy ears perked up, big round eyes sparkling with excitement, and that fluffy tail wagging so fast, it becomes a blur. Are you picturing it? Good!
Prepare for snorts of laughter (yours) and barks of delight (theirs) as I uncover my favorite games for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Now, fetch a comfy spot, grab a cup of your favorite brew, and let’s turn your living room, garden, or even your local park into the most paw-some playground.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Games: 4 Fun Activities
- Treat Hunt
- Agility Challenge
- Brain Teasers
- Hide and Seek
Game 1: “Treat Hunt”
Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Well, guess what, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel does too! One of my favorite games that I love to play with my doggy is what I like to call the “Treat Hunt.”
As the name suggests, it involves hiding treats for your furry friend to find. Here’s how to set it up:
First, you’ll need a few Cavalier treats. Now, don’t worry about calorie overload; we only need small, dog-friendly bites. You can even consider using homemade treats if you want to keep the game healthier.
Next, with your Cavalier safely in another room (no peeking allowed), start hiding these treats around the house. Be sure to put them in places that are safe and accessible for your pet. For example, under a cushion, behind a door, or even in their favorite toy – be as creative as you like!
Now, the fun part! Release your Cavalier and watch as it follows its nose to find the hidden treasures. Make sure to cheer it on with lots of “good boy” or “good girl” encouragements – you’re the enthusiastic audience in its hunt, after all!
You might be wondering, “What if my Cavalier is already a professional treat hunter?” No worries! You can step up the game by making it a bit more challenging.
How about hiding treats inside puzzle toys, or making a trail of treats that lead to a larger one? This will not only engage their senses but also stimulate their mind, and trust me, they’ll love the challenge!
Game 2: “Agility Challenge”
Let’s be honest: we all love watching those amazing agility dogs on TV or at dog shows. But did you know your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can also tap into their inner agility star?
Cavaliers might not be the fastest dogs on the planet, but they sure are eager and able to learn new tricks. Plus, the agility challenge isn’t all about speed – it’s about skill, coordination, and most importantly, having a good time!
Start by considering the kind of obstacles you’ll include in the course. This could be anything from a low bar for jumping, a tunnel made from a large cardboard box, or some cones for weaving. Safety first, so avoid anything too high or overly complicated.
Now, let’s create the course. Design it in a way that challenges your dog but also suits their size and capabilities. For example, set up weave poles using soft, flexible materials like slalom poles or even toilet plungers! They can be positioned in a straight line, and your Cavalier will weave their way in and out.
A tunnel can be made out of a children’s play tunnel or a big cardboard box with both ends open. And for the jumping bar, a broom handle or similar item laid across two low stacks of books could work perfectly.
Now that your course is ready, it’s time to guide your Cavalier through it. Begin by leading them slowly through each obstacle with a treat or a toy, offering lots of praise along the way. Over time, they’ll start to understand what to do and you can gradually increase the pace.
But remember, the goal is to have fun and get some good exercise, not to break world records. So, keep it light-hearted and always end on a positive note.
One final tip: be patient. Learning agility can take time, so celebrate each little victory because it’s all about spending quality time together. After a few rounds of the “Agility Challenge,” your Cavalier will not only have had a great workout, but they’ll also have honed their concentration and coordination skills.
Game 3: “Brain Teasers”
To keep their minds sharp and satisfy their natural curiosity, our next event in the Cavalier games is all about mental stimulation. Plus, it’s a great way to keep them busy, especially on those rainy days when outdoor play isn’t an option.
First off, let’s talk about puzzle toys. These are specially designed toys that require your Cavalier to solve a puzzle to get a treat. There are many types available on the market, from simple treat-dispensing balls to more complex sliding puzzles. I’ve recently bought Ottoson Outward Hound Brick Puzzle, and it’s pretty cool.
You can choose one that suits your dog’s ability. However, if you want to try DIY games, there are plenty of homemade brain teasers you can make using everyday items.
For instance, a muffin tin, some tennis balls, and a few treats can create an engaging game. Place a treat in each cup of the muffin tin, then cover each cup with a tennis ball. Your Cavalier will have to figure out how to remove the balls to get to the treats.
Or try the classic shell game. Use three cups and a treat. Show your Cavalier how you place the treat under one of the cups, then shuffle them around and encourage your dog to find the right cup. This game not only stimulates their mind but also helps improve their scent-tracking skills.
Start with easier games and slowly increase the difficulty as your dog gets more adept at solving them. And of course, always praise your furry friend for their efforts and achievements!
Game 4: “Hide-and-Seek”
Hide-and-Seek, really Alex? Yes! Hide-and-Seek isn’t just a game for human kids; it’s also a fantastic game to play with your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It combines physical activity, mental stimulation, and a healthy dose of fun into one delightful package.
First things first: the rules. They’re just like the ones we all remember from childhood. You find a place to hide while your Cavalier waits. Once you’re hidden, call your Cavalier and wait for the fun to begin as they start their search!
Before you start, make sure your Cavalier has a solid understanding of the “stay” command. This way, they’ll wait patiently while you go hide. If your Cavalier hasn’t mastered “stay” yet, no problem! You can also enlist a family member to distract them or hold onto them gently while you find your perfect hiding spot.
The beauty of Hide-and-Seek is that you can play it indoors or outdoors, as long as the area is safe and secure. Inside the house, hide in a different room, behind a door, or even under a blanket. If you’re playing outside, use a fenced yard and hide behind a tree, around a corner, or in a playhouse.
When you start, choose easy hiding places so your Cavalier can find you quickly. As they get the hang of the game, make it more challenging by hiding in trickier spots.
Closing Thoughts
And there you have it, my top four games I like to play with my Cavalier. From time to time, I spice things up with a few other activities, but those are my favorite ones.
How about you, my friend? Have you had a chance to try any of these games? Or, do you have a special game or activity that brightens up your days with your pooch?
Feel free to share your favorites in the comments below.