Top Activities For Dogs With Owners Who Like Table Tennis

Introduction

If you are an avid table tennis player, chances are your dog may be interested in playing too. Surely your pup has sat near the table, eyes glued on the ball as it goes back and forth, back and forth. So why not let your pup play too? There are many ways in which you can incorporate your love of table tennis and your love for your dog into a great activity where everyone is involved.

Serve and Fetch

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Table Tennis Table

Paddle

Ping Pong Ball

Activity description

In table tennis, a great serve is necessary to begin a winning game. You most likely practice your serve with the other side of the table flipped up so that the ball bounces back to you. Now that you are ready to play with your dog, it is time to flip that table back down so that the ball can fly off the table for your pup! Instead of the table returning the ball to you, that task is now your dog's job! It is a job that your dog will love doing and all the while, you get to practice your serve! If using a small ball, have another person on hand to watch that your pup gives the small ball back right away.

Step

1

Set up

Make sure your table is completely flat (not propped up for solo play) and grab a table tennis ball and paddle. We recommend you look for a ball that is a little more sturdy and larger than a typical regulation ball which your dog may easily swallow, crush or puncture with their teeth.

Step

2

Serve

Start your serve! Aim to get the ball in the square on the opposite side of the table just as if you were playing a game with another person. Let the ball bounce and fly off the table for your dog to chase. Have your pup retrieve the ball and then serve again!

Step

3

Play

Continue to serve one ball at a time and have your pup bring it back slowly or serve multiple, rapid fire balls so that your dog has to chase and catch a few. Try to hit the ball harder and faster, continuing the accuracy which will benefit your table tennis game as well as give your dog a good work out as they chase the ball!

Ball Launcher

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Canine Ball Launcher

Activity description

If you play table tennis at home frequently, chances are that you have a good number of ping pong balls lying around the house. Your dog is probably a big fan of chasing these balls which may, or may not be something you are okay with. After all, a dog could easily puncture the ball with their sharp teeth since the balls are so soft and light. Rather than chase your pup around the house, trying to get your ping pong balls back, why not get your pup a few dog-safe balls of their own and a new toy to help serve them up to your pup!

Step

1

Choose your toy

Look for a canine ball launcher toy in the pet store. There are a few ball shooters you can choose from, some which will shoot the ball further and faster and others that hold multiple sets of balls so you do not have to refill the toy frequently. Pick the one you like the best!

Step

2

Find a spot

Head outside with your pup to an open area where they can chase the balls. This is a great game for a park, your back yard or to play on the beach. While you can play inside, keep in mind that the balls will shoot out of the toy fairly quickly so any precious decorations in your house may be in danger!

Step

3

Launch and chase

Launch the balls from the toy for your dog to chase. Shoot one at a time and have your dog fetch and retrieve, or shoot a bunch of balls at once. Watch as the balls go flying and your dog gets to chase them and play as much as they'd like without ruining your official table tennis balls at home! Your dog gets the toy they desire and you get to keep your real game balls safe!

Paddle Play

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Hard

1 hr

Items needed

Treats

Ping Pong Balls

Table Tennis Table

Two Paddles

Activity description

If your dog is very good at paw eye coordination, you may want to consider teaching them to play ping pong with you! This trick may take your pup a little bit of time to learn but once they master holding a paddle and hitting the ball, the possibilities are endless! Not only will your dog have a fun new skill but you will be able to play table tennis anytime without having to call a friend - your pup can just play with you! You may need a good amount of treats and also a good amount of patience to help your dog learn this game but hey, that's what table tennis is all about right? Practice and patience!

Step

1

Paddle training

Begin by training your dog to hold the table tennis paddle in their mouth by the handle. Let your dog carry it around wherever they go! Just as it takes a while for you to get use to the weight and balance of a paddle, it will take your pup a little time as well.

Step

2

Hit the ball

Teach your dog how to hit a ball with the paddle in their mouth. While your dog is holding the paddle, throw the ping pong ball directly at the paddle so it hits it and bounces back to you. After doing this successfully, give your dog a treat and do this step again, rewarding your dog after each hit.

Step

3

Play the game!

Have your dog stand on their back two paws, leaning with their front two paws on the ping pong table. Give them the paddle in their mouth and hit the ball to your pup using your paddle from the opposite side of the table. When it bounces off your dog's paddle, you can hit it again. Back and forth, back and forth - you're playing table tennis with your dog!

More Fun Ideas...

Tennis Time

While table tennis and real tennis are definitely different, there are many similarities between the games. Bring your dog to a real tennis court and hit a few balls with your pup!

Treat Balls

Treat balls can be great for hiding treats inside since they are hollow and made especially for this type of fun. Purchase a treat ball and fill it with small treats. Your dog will have to shake the ball to get the treats out - fun and tasty!

Conclusion

Table tennis doesn't have to be a game just for humans - your dog can definitely be involved too! From simple serve and catch to actually playing table tennis with you, there are many ways to show your dog the love of the game. So grab your pup and your table tennis paddle and get ready for some fun. Who knows, you and your dog may just start playing as teammates in table tennis competitions!