Dog Party Games and Activities (Simple, Stress-Free Ideas) 🧩
Below you'll find options for proven dog party games for all energy levels, suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Dog party games and activities should focus on safety, entertainment, and physical and mental engagement for both dogs and humans.
Curated dog party games & activities
Enjoy PetPartyPlanner’s carefully curated list of popular activities for your celebration.
🎯 Obstacle Circuit
Turn your yard or living room into a mini doggy adventure zone. This DIY obstacle course helps dogs burn off energy and gives handlers a role in the fun. A higher-energy activity.
🪩 Set the course: Use cones, tunnels, low bars, cushions, or broomsticks between chairs. Keep it low and soft for safety.
🚶 Guide each dog: Lead dogs through weaving, crawling, jumping, and stepping over objects. Keep things upbeat and low-pressure.
⏱️ Add a timer: Run it as a timed challenge or just let dogs roam through casually.
Theme tip: Decorate obstacles with party streamers or use leftover decor to match your party theme.
Psst: want a custom pet party plan with activities, menu, complete shoppings list, and schedule in 3 minutes? check out our pet party planner tool!
🔍 Treasure Hunt
A fun sniffing adventure where dogs hunt for hidden treat-filled containers. Great for any party space. Medium or high energy levels.
🥣 Fill containers: Use 8–10 small boxes or jars with holes punched in the lid. Add kibble or soft treats.
🌿 Hide around the space: Indoors, under cushions or behind furniture. Outdoors, behind planters or under leaves.
🐾 Let them sniff it out: Release dogs one at a time or together. Refill containers to make sure everyone gets a turn.
⚠️ CAUTION: do not use containers with plastic, glue, toxic materials, glass, or that are bound with staples. These are not safe for chewing.
Theme tip: Wrap containers with fun paper or stickers to match your decor.
🧘 Balancing Challenge
This low-key activity might be best for mellow dogs with a bit of patience. However, if your pooch is a free spirit, impatient, or lacks focus, you’re sure to get some instagrammable moments when they miss the mark 😂.
📸 Have dogs sit or lie down: Use a blanket or mat for comfort and focus.
🎈 Place soft objects: Try plush toys, light party hats, or decorations on their head, snout, or back.
🎯 Count or time: Start with 3 seconds, then increase. Or see who can balance the most items.
Safety tip: Only use soft, non-breakable items. Reward with a treat and praise!
For more low-stimulation dog activities ideas, check out Dog Birthday Ideas for Shy or Anxious Dogs.
🎨 Paw-Print Art Station
Create a sweet souvenir for pet parents while giving dogs a calm moment during the festivities.
🖼️ Set up a stamping area: Towel, wipes, and plenty of paper nearby.
🖌️ Use pet-safe ink: Press the paw gently onto the ink pad, then onto paper.
💧 Clean and dry: Wipe paws clean after each print. Let art dry before framing or labeling.
⚠️ CAUTION: only use pet-safe ink.
Theme tip: Use colored ink or frame the prints to match your party colors.
👗 Costume & Photo Catwalk
Let dogs strut their stuff in themed outfits with a photo-worthy runway moment.
📏 Make a catwalk: Use a blanket, rug, or tape to mark a 2–3 meter runway.
📸 Strike a pose: Dogs can walk with or without handlers. Snap pics along the way!
🏆 Add awards: Vote on silly titles like “Best Strut” or “Most Distracted.”
Theme tip: Decorate the runway with streamers or balloons. Or hang a party banner as a backdrop.
Looking for inspiration for themes, outfits, and more? See this Adorable Puppy Party Inspiration.
🎁 Pupiñata
Not unlike a human party piñata, just filled with treats and chew toys. Dogs LOVE this one, especially as a party finale.
📦 Build it: Fill a light cardboard box or bag with soft treats and toys. Tape it lightly closed.
🪢 Hang at nose level: Use rope or ribbon between trees or chairs.
🐶 Release one at a time: Let each dog paw or nudge the piñata until it bursts.
⚠️ CAUTION: do not use boxes with plastic, glue, toxic materials, or that are bound with staples or similar. These are not safe for chewing.
Theme tip: Wrap the piñata in leftover party paper or tissue. Make extra rounds for large groups.
👃 Scent Lineup
This game challenges dogs to find their favorite person’s scent. Quiet, brainy, and best for shaded or indoor areas.
🧺 Prepare containers: Use small cups that they won’t chew through. Place their human’s sock in it.
👃 Shuffle and line up: Let the dog sniff to find the matching scent.
🏅 Reward success: Treats and praise for finding the right one.
Theme tip: Label containers with party icons or themed stickers.
Bonus list
Just for the heck of it, here’s more inspiration.
Fetch Tournament: Host a playful contest to see which pup can retrieve a toy the fastest.
Musical Mats: A canine twist on musical chairs—dogs race to sit on a mat when the music stops.
Bobbing for Treats: Fill a shallow tub with water and drop in floating treats for dogs to fish out.
Dog Limbo: How low can your pup go? Let them duck under a limbo stick or mini hurdles.
Big Dog Walk: Gather the pack for a group stroll to help everyone burn off some excitement.
Photo Booth: Set up cute props and themed backdrops for adorable dog-and-human photo ops.
Trick Competition: Give dogs a chance to shine by showing off their coolest tricks for small prizes.
Dog Ball Pit: Create a safe and colorful ball pit for curious pups to dive into and explore.
Playtime with Toys: Lay out a mix of toys to keep your furry guests entertained and engaged.
Safety Considerations:
Keep a close eye on all play to avoid any accidents.
Make sure there's plenty of toys, treats, and space for every dog.
Offer shaded spots and fresh water, especially in warm weather.
Ask people about any allergies, sensitivities, and injuries ahead of time.
Watch dog behavior and gently separate any who aren’t getting along.
Have a pet first aid kit ready—just in case.
Inspect all items for sharp edges or loose parts.
Only use dog-safe, non-toxic materials throughout the event.
Get a custom party plan with activities, menu, shopping list and more 🏎️
Are you planning a dog party? Skip the many hours of research, guesswork, and last-minute stress. Instead, grab your custom party plan in 3 minutes for under $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are safe games for dogs at a party?
Safe dog party games avoid high-impact movement, sharp objects, or overwhelming noise. Stick to low jumps, scent-based games, and supervised activities like obstacle circuits, treasure hunts, and paw-print art. Keep a close eye on group energy levels, and offer breaks with water and shade.
Can shy dogs still enjoy a party?
Yes! Many dogs prefer calm, low-stimulation environments with just the right amount of novelty.
For shy or anxious pups, choose quiet games like scent lineups, paw-print art, or one-on-one treasure hunts. Find more tips in Dog Birthday Ideas for Shy or Anxious Dogs.
How many games should I include?
1-2 activities for shorter parties, 2-4 if you’re going for a whole afternoon. The important thing is to let dogs take breaks or rotate through at their own pace. We recommend scheduling them from most to least energy.
Having a few calm options (like the art station) alongside active ones keeps things balanced. For a custom party plan adapted to your needs, try the Instant Party Planner. Also, check out The Ultimate Dog Birthday Party Checklist for when the big day is coming up.
What’s a good dog party game indoors?
Treasure hunts, scent lineups, paw-print art, and costume catwalks all work indoors with just a little floor space. Try a balancing challenge on a yoga mat or rug. Find more ideas for indoor and outdoor activities, treats, and decor ideas in Dog Birthday Party Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Use.
For More Dog Party Inspiration 🎈
5 Easy Dog Birthday Treats (That Look Way Fancier Than They Are)
Dog Party Theme Ideas (coming in August)