Top Activities For Bulldogs

Introduction

Bulldogs are fantastic pets. They are sweet, dependable, great with kids and only need a little bit of exercise making them a fairly low maintenance breed. However, when you look at those short, muscular legs and that funny waddle, you can tell that Bulldogs are built with strength and vigor. You probably know from experience that your Bulldog also craves human attention and affection. Naturally, you want to give it to them! These activities are perfect for Bulldogs to use their super strength and also to enjoy some one on one time with their favorite person- you!

Tug of War

Most Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Tug Toy

Activity description

Tug of war may be a Bulldog's favorite game. Not only do they get to use their powerful jaw and muscular body to pull at a rope but the game also doesn't require too much running around (Bulldogs tend to get tired quickly!). While your Bulldog will definitely prefer to play tug of war with you, there are ways to set up the game so that they can play alone, enjoying every minute of the day even if you aren’t home. While many people frown upon the game of tug, saying that it makes the dog the "dominant" one in your relationship, a Bulldog's gentle demeanor makes this a non-issue. So get ready to have fun.

Step

1

Get a toy

While you can definitely invest in a toy that is specially designed for tug of war, you can easily make your own. Find a durable rope and tie a knot in both ends. You can also rip up an old T-shirt and braid it to make a perfect tug rope that also smells like you (your dog will love it).

Step

2

Where to play

Decide where you would like to play tug - anywhere will do! You can play tug outside in your yard or while sitting on your couch. In fact, you can even play tug as you walk around your house! Hold on to one end of the rope while your Bulldog pulls at the other side and walk around, room to room as you both battle to be the winner!

Step

3

Who wins?

Again, some dog trainers have said that you should never let your dog "win" at tug of war as it will make them feel as though they are dominant and in charge. With love able Bulldogs, it is probably okay to let your pup win once in a while. As long as you play in a friendly way, tug of war will be a hit with your Bulldog!

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Flyball

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Hard

1 hr

Items needed

Hurdles

Treats

Flyball Board

Activity description

Bulldogs do not necessarily need a ton of exercise but that doesn't mean that they don't enjoy running around and playing. Despite their short legs and stocky appearance, Bulldogs are actually quite agile and athletic. All that solid mass on a Bulldog is muscle which means they are strong and sturdy while also being surprisingly fast. Those little legs can run! Playing flyball with a Bulldog is the perfect way to help them get out a little energy (it can be a quick game if you'd like) while also learning a new skill set. Bulldogs are, after all, quite easy to train!

Step

1

Equipment investment

Invest in some flyball equipment. To play the true game, you will need three to four hurdles and a flyball box. If you want to test the game out before spending a lot of money, you can settle for just the flyball box which is designed to shoot a tennis ball out of a hole. The hurdles you can make on your own, setting up anything your dog can jump over.

Step

2

Training fun

Line up the hurdles with about six to ten feet in between them. Place the flyball box at the end of the hurdle and put a tennis ball in the hole. Grab a few treats and call your pup over to show them the obstacle course. Begin by teaching your dog to jump each hurdle and reward them after they successfully clear each one. Once your dog is over the hurdles, have them put their paws on the flyball box which will make the tennis ball shoot out. Then, back over the hurdles and to the beginning.

Step

3

Get better and faster

The idea of flyball is for your pup to get faster and more agile as they leap the hurdles, pounce on the box to retrieve the tennis ball and bring it back to you. There are even competitions you can enter once your Bulldog is a flyball pro! Contest or no contest, this game is great fun for your Bulldog.

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Water Play

Popular

0 Votes

Hot Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Sprinkler

Beach

Pool

Doggy Flotation Vest

Activity description

Bulldogs can swim with supervision while wearing a doggy flotation vest and they thoroughly enjoy the water. So, when the weather gets hot, grab your towel, a bowl of water for your pup and head to the closest body of water you can find! While many Bulldogs can swim, the breed will typically prefer to lounge around in the shallow water just relaxing and cooling off. Before they settle down in a puddle, play a few games with your Bulldog to help them get out some energy and have fun splashing around. Salt water or fresh, a pool or an ocean, a Bulldog will feel right at home in the water. Due to their brachycephalic facial features, however, they must be with you at all times when near any body of water as they can get fatigued easily while partaking in water fun.

Step

1

Water fetch

Throw a ball into the water for your pup to retrieve. If your Bulldog is hesitant to go near the deeper water, throw the ball close to the shore or in the shallow end of a pool. Make sure to have a ball that floats - tennis balls and Kongs are both great options that you may already have on hand!

Step

2

Raft lounging

Grab a raft for your Bulldog to lounge on. Bulldogs are known to have excellent balance and will have no problem steadying themselves on a raft or float. Help your Bulldog get adjusted on the raft and then let them float around! There is nothing cuter than a Bulldog floating in a pool on a raft!

Step

3

Sprinkler

If you aren’t close to a place where you and your Bulldog can swim, consider buying a sprinkler for your dog to play in. Set it up in your yard on hot days and watch as your Bulldog runs through to cool off or simply plops down in the grass waiting for the shower to come their way!

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More Fun Ideas...

Skateboard

Bulldogs have become famous in the skateboarding world as their short legs and solid stature make them a perfect candidate for the sport. Grab a skateboard for your pup and watch them roll away happily!

New Tricks

Bulldogs are very easy to train thanks to their happy demeanor and smart mind. They are also very motivated by treats so grab a bunch and think of a new trick to train your pup.

Conclusion

Bulldogs are a fantastic breed that makes the ideal pet for any household. If you already have a Bulldog, these activities are great to incorporate into your day to day routine. If you are thinking of getting a Bulldog, know that there are tons of games and activities you can play with them. Start here and see where these activities take you and your pup! Whether your dog is running around on a flyball course or lounging poolside, your Bulldog's happiness is one simple activity away!