Outdoor Games & Activities for Small Dogs

Dogs need lots of mental and physical stimulation, which is why they need you to help come up with games for them to play every day. If you can take your dog outside, it's even better. Large dogs and small dogs have different physical abilities, however. What are some good outdoor games to keep small dogs stimulated? 

Play fetch with a tennis ball

 

Small dogs love running around just as much as big ones; get her active by tossing a tennis ball around and having her bring it back to you. It depends on the size of your small dog, but you may need a smaller ball if a tennis ball is too big for her mouth. Just make sure it's not small enough for her to choke on! Praise her and reward her with lots of attention when she brings the ball back. 

Practice jumping over a broomstick

 

For a little more of a challenge, teach your small dog to jump over a broomstick. Begin by placing the broom low to the ground and reward him when he takes the leap. Then raise the bar a little and continue to reward him as he jumps higher and higher. Just make sure the stick doesn't get any higher than he can jump to ensure he doesn't get injured. 

Take plenty of walks

 

If nothing else, be sure to take your small dog on a walk every day if possible. If cooped up inside the house, she may become restless and destructive. Walking will help her burn off her pent-up energy. Don't let her take you on a walk, though; to be sure she walks alongside you, tighten the leash whenever she starts to get ahead and loosen up when she stops. 

Keep in mind while outdoors, however: during the summer, games should be left for the morning and afternoon ours. To protect against ticks while outdoors, cut down to the least possible walks through high grass from the beginning of summer until fall. Check for ticks after each walk. Finally, keep your small dog on a leash if necessary; dogs with a hunting instinct or instinct for pursuit must not be let loose through hunting zones. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Eric Fleming

How to Keep Your Morkie Safe from Harm in the Outdoors

Small dogs like Morkies are at risk of falling upon danger, especially in the outdoors. There are many ways they can be harmed, whether by predators, weather, or even people. Here are a few ideas to keep your Morkie safe from harm in the outdoors. 

Keep your Morkie safe from predators

 

Like squirrels and rabbits, small dogs sometimes fall prey to larger animals, such as predatory birds. Earlier this spring, we had several hawks hanging around our house for about a week. Although there are certain types of hawks that typically only prey on smaller animals, like chipmunks, you never know what might happen in the wrong situation. I started going outside with my Morkie, Mila, when we let her out. When the squirrels and small birds started to return to our yard, I relaxed a little, and now I just check on her every couple minutes while she's outside. In areas where there are other wild animals like bears, it may be a good idea to accompany your pets outside and, even better, keep them on a leash. 

Keep your Morkie safe from extreme temperatures

 

Dogs are susceptible to extreme temperatures, so it's especially important to keep them comfortable in the summer and winter. While Mila doesn't seem to mind going outside on a normal winter day, particularly cold, harsh weather can be fatal to a Morkie who is left outdoors for too long. When letting your pets outside on these days, consider keeping them warm with a doggy sweater. On hot, summer days, it's never a good idea to leave them outside unattended without shade or water. And, although it may seem obvious, it's never okay to leave your Morkie (or any other pet) in a vehicle on a hot day. Although it may seem nice outside, temperatures can quickly soar inside a car. 

Keep your Morkie safe from dog thieves

 

Unfortunately, there are people out there who look for dogs to steal and sell for money or even dogfighting (which, thankfully, isn't common with Morkies). To keep your Morkie safe from dog thieves, it's always a good idea to keep him or her on a leash while outdoors. Although we have a fenced-in yard, I tend to check on Mila every couple minutes while she is outside. And of course, never leave your pets alone in a vehicle or anywhere they may be at risk of being stolen.