One of the best things about owning a
dog is playing and having fun with them.
It’s also a proven fact that including play as part
of your dog’s daily routine is vital to both
physical and mental health, as well as working on
better social skills and furthering the bond you
have with each other.
We’ve always loved to play with our dogs
and, with that in mind, we developed this
line of Classic Yard toys. They represent
everything we love about playing with our dogs.
You’re outside being active, hanging out with
friends, and the best ones even leave you a
free hand for your beverage. This book has games
for every breed, space, and energy level, so get out
there and play together!
2
Table of Contents:
Page............Toy
3-6...............Backyard Birdie
7-10.............Doggie Dart
11-14............Huck-it Horseshoe
15-18............Skipping Stones
19-22...........Target Jack
23-27............Tossing Disc
28-31...........Wapple Ball
32-33...........Winga Toss & Fetch
3
BADMINTON
BACKYARD BIRDIE
SPACE: Large area
A great way to practice the classic backyard game
with your dog.
HOW TO PLAY:
Take a sturdy Badminton (or even better, tennis)
racket and hit our Birdie toy over the net to your dog
waiting on the other side.
TIP:
Make sure your dog stays on one side of the net and
catches it in the air!
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
4
HUMAN RUN THE BASES
BACKYARD BIRDIE (any toy)
SPACE: Large area
Test your fitness and your dog’s fielding ability!
HOW TO PLAY:
Set up four bases in the traditional diamond shape
(even better if you have access to a field) and have
your dog start at home plate with you. Throw the toy
and see if you can run all the bases before your dog
brings it back.
TIP:
This game will test your speed and health
as much as the dog’s!
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
5
THE NAME GAME
BACKYARD BIRDIE (any toy)
SPACE: Small area
This game expands your dog’s vocabulary and
opens up a world of more advanced games.
HOW TO PLAY:
Take your dog’s favorite two toys and place them
side-by-side. Touch each one and say a simple name
like “birdie” or “rocket.” Tell your dog to grab a
toy by name and reward them when they get the
correct one. After they’ve mastered two, keep
adding toys until you hit their max. It may be
higher than you think!
TIP:
Once your dog knows the basic name game, you can
make it more fun by throwing multiple toys at once
and then calling out one by name. Reward your dog
when they fetch the correct toy!
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
6
TREAT TRAP
BACKYARD BIRDIE (or Wapple Ball)
SPACE: Small area
This brain game makes your dog earn their treat by
actively engaging with their favorite toys.
HOW TO PLAY:
Take your toy and work a treat through one of the
openings. The treat should just barely fit inside, so
the dog won’t be able to get it out without a lot of
effort. Watch your dog chew, pull, and throw the toy
all over the place trying to free the food!
TIP:
If your dog gives up too easily at first, make it easy
by only inserting the treat halfway into the opening.
As they get used to “winning” the game, increase
the difficulty.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
7
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
DOGGIE DART (any toy)
SPACE: Large area
Engage your dog in a pulse-pounding
game of chase.
HOW TO PLAY:
Grab a toy and get your dog’s interest. When they’re
excited, drop it and snatch it back before they can
grab it and take off running.
TIP:
Make sure you maintain training boundaries while
you play this game. Just because you are playing
chase that doesn’t make it okay for them to jump
up on you.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
8
FLIRT STICK
DOGGIE DART (+ stick and rope)
SPACE: Small area
Tap into your pup’s animal instincts with this classic
hunting exercise.
HOW TO PLAY:
Tie any of the toys to a stick with some rope. Twitch
it to get your dog’s attention, and then move the toy
erratically, emulating a frightened, wild animal.
TIP:
Let your dog catch it at first to get the hang of the
game, but as time goes on, do your best to keep the
toy away from them.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
9
LAWN DARTS
DOGGIE DART
SPACE: Large area
All the fun of lawn darts with none of the danger.
HOW TO PLAY:
Create a target area approximately three feet in
diameter somewhere on your lawn. Throw the Dart
and try to land it in the circle, getting a point for
each successful throw. Have your dog sit patiently
until you give them the command to go and retrieve
the toy.
TIP:
For an added training dimension, teach your dog
that they are not allowed to step into the ring
without an additional command.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
10
TOY TUB
DOGGIE DART (any toy)
SPACE: Small area
This is a great game for when you need
a few moments peace!
HOW TO PLAY:
Put all of your dog’s favorite toys in a large solid bin
or bucket. Take a handful of small treats (or kibble
if your dog is a chow hound) and drop them into the
bucket. Your dog will be kept busy trying to move
their toys around to find every last bite.
TIP:
Use this in combination with the basketball game to
have them pull all their toys out, eat the treats, and
then clean up after themselves.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
11
ICE EXCAVATION
HUCK-IT HORSESHOE (any toy)
SPACE: Small area
The perfect game to cool down on a
hot summer day.
HOW TO PLAY:
Freeze your dog’s favorite chew toy in a block of ice
and let them lick and chew their way to their toy like
a furry archaeologist. This game is a perfect follow
up to some of the more active games as it’ll help
keep your pup still and cool them down.
TIP:
If your dog doesn’t seem interested in ice, you can
add a little bit of chicken broth to the mix!
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness- Hunting
12
HORSESHOES
HUCK-IT HORSESHOE
SPACE: Large area
The classic game of horseshoes adapted for
you and your dog.
HOW TO PLAY:
Place a target (the Target Jack is perfect for this!) on
the ground about ten paces away. Have your dog sit
and then throw the horseshoe. You get three points
for a ringer (the Horseshoe around the target) and
one point if it’s less than a foot away. Have your dog
fetch the horseshoe back for you!
TIP:
To test your dogs attention and intelligence, use the
Target Jack as the Horseshoe target and make sure
your dog only retrieves the Shoe, not the Jack.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
13
OPEN THE DOOR
HUCK-IT HORSESHOE
SPACE: Small area
A fun game and convenient trick.
HOW TO PLAY:
Tie the Horseshoe to the door you would like your
dog to open. Give the toy to your dog and encourage
them to tug. Reward them when the door opens.
TIP:
The Huck-it Horseshoe is perfect for learning
this trick as it’s handle shaped and has holes
for easy tying.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
14
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT
HUCK-IT HORSESHOE (any toy)
SPACE: Large area
Test your dog’s attention and obedience with this
game of following commands.
HOW TO PLAY:
Have your dog sit and then throw the Horseshoe.
Make them stay seated until you give a command
such as “go” or “green light.” Before they reach the
toy, make them stop with a command such as “stop”
or “red light.”
TIP:
This is a fun fetch variation, but it also proves
invaluable trying to wrangle your dog in the real
world when they’re excited and giving chase.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness- Hunting
15
BASKETBALL
SKIPPING STONES
SPACE: Small area
Teach your dog a fun trick while you play
this great indoor game!
HOW TO PLAY:
Set up a basket or bucket to act as your hoop. Have
your dog pick up a toy, bring it to the basket, and
drop it through to score a point (treat).
TIP:
Start low and reward often. As time goes on,
raise the hoop so your dog needs to stand or even
jump to score!
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
16
CLEAN UP
SKIPPING STONES (any toy)
SPACE: Small area
Nothing better than your dog cleaning
up their own mess!
HOW TO PLAY:
Take those skills your dog learned playing
basketball (page 15) and apply them to all of
their toys Have a designated toy bucket and
repeat “clean up,” rewarding them every time they
drop a toy in the bucket.
TIP:
This may take some time to master, but it’s worth it
in the end. Dogs love having a job, and cleaning up
after themselves will be fun and rewarding.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
17
FLYBALL PRACTICE
SKIPPING STONES (any toy)
SPACE: Large area
Get your dog involved in one of the most
exciting canine sports!
HOW TO PLAY:
The rules to Flyball are complex, so for this version
we want to focus on the base skills. Start by putting
a small hurdle in front of your dog and then
calling them, rewarding only when they jump over
the hurdle. Add additional hurdles and ultimately
have them touch a certain spot and throw them
a ball. They must return the toy AND jump four
hurdles to get their reward.
TIP:
Once your dog has a hang of these basics, look up
the official rules and contests in your area for their
next challenge.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness- Hunting
18
SKIPPING STONES
SKIPPING STONES
SPACE: Large area
Playing fetch in the water has never
been so fun (for you).
HOW TO PLAY:
Take your Skipping Stone and throw it at an angle,
seeing how many times you can get it to bounce
or “skip” on the water, just like you did with real
rocks as a kid. Let your dog fetch the toy and then
do it again.
TIP:
Give yourself plenty of room and try and beat
your best record. Video your attempt and use
#howmanyskips to compete against others online!
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
19
FIELD GOAL
TARGET JACK
SPACE: Large area
Go for three and have your dog bring it back.
HOW TO PLAY:
Place the Target Jack on the ground and back up a
couple paces. Kick it as high as you can while still
getting some distance and see if your dog can track
it and catch it on the way down.
TIP:
Make your dog sit to the side until the Jack is kicked.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
20
HOOP JUMPING
TARGET JACK
SPACE: Large area
Your dog will wow with this simple circus favorite.
HOW TO PLAY:
Set up a hoop (Hula Hoops work great) and throw a
toy or treat through. When they step through,
reward them immediately. After they get the hang of
going through the hoop to get the reward, start to
raise the hoop off the ground a few inches at a time.
TIP:
Start low and reward often. Once they’re
accomplished jumpers, you can put the hoop in fun
places and watch them soar.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
21
TARGET PRACTICE
TARGET JACK
(+ Tossing Disc or Huck-it Horseshoe)
SPACE: Large area
Test your aim and have your dog bring it on back.
HOW TO PLAY:
Toss or place the Target Jack several feet away and
have your dog practice leaving it alone. With the two
of you standing away from the Target Jack, practice
your aim and try to throw your Tossing Disc on the
upright Target Jack. Have your dog fetch it back!
TIP:
Practice until they fetch just the Disc
without the Jack.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
22
TOY HIDE AND SEEK
TARGET JACK (any toy)
SPACE: Small area
Test your dog’s hunting ability with this fun game
that can be played indoors and out.
HOW TO PLAY:
Take a toy and make sure your dog is excited about
it. Go into another room (or have someone cover
your dog’s eyes) and hide the toy. Bring your dog
back and tell them to find it.
TIP:
This game works better if you can call the toy
by name (see the Name Game, page 5). If they still
have trouble looking for a toy, start with a strong
smelling treat instead!
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
23
DISC DOG
TOSSING DISC
SPACE: Large area
All dogs seem to love balls naturally, but jumping for
a disc is an acquired taste. Here’s how to make your
dog the pride of the park.
HOW TO PLAY:
Start by playing Rolling Wheel (page 24) to get your
dog interested in the toy. Once they seem ready,
work on slowly getting the disc off the ground until
your dog is catching it in the air. From there, it’s just
a short hop to full on sky-high disc domination.
TIP:
Use the soft and flexible Kurgo Tossing Disc instead
of a traditional rigid disc. The Kurgo Disc is easier
to pick up when it falls flat on the ground and it’s
softer and easier on sensitive mouths.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
24
ROLLING WHEEL
TOSSING DISC
SPACE: Large area
Another great fetch variation for that dog who loves
to chase and tackle.
HOW TO PLAY:
Hold the Disc vertically and then roll it across the
ground. This will make it more “ball-like” to start,
so a dog that’s usually not interested in discs will
be excited to play. The Disc running on its edge will
take fun, unpredictable bounces and curves.
TIP:
Make your dog stay put until the Disc gets rolling
and see if they can take it down in a chase.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
25
RUN THE BASES
TOSSING DISC (any toy)
SPACE: Large area
Teach your dog America’s Pastime!
HOW TO PLAY:
Set up four bases in the traditional diamond shape
and have your dog start at home plate (which is the
disc). Run the diamond to show them how it’s done
and reward them with the toy when they make a
complete circuit.
TIP:
You may have to start by rewarding them as they
touch each “base.”
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
26
TUG-OF-WAR
TOSSING DISC
SPACE: Small area
A test of strength, mano a perro!
HOW TO PLAY:
Grab one end of the toy (the Disc is especially good
for this) and have your dog grab the other. You
both pull and see who wins the toy. Careful though,
this game shouldn’t be played with dogs that have
aggression issues as it can be a trigger.
TIP:
Make sure that even during the competitive game,
you’re in control. Give a command to start the game
and periodically give the drop command and make
sure the pup listens.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
27
WINDOW TO THE WALL
TOSSING DISC (any toy)
SPACE: Small area
A great combination of exercise, attention
and training!
HOW TO PLAY:
First, decide if you want your dog on your furniture
or not. Once you’ve made that all important
decision, start placing your dog in certain spots
and saying the name out loud, like “couch” or
“window.” Start with just two or three. Say the name
of a location and give your pup a treat if they go to
the right spot.
TIP:
As they learn, try spreading toys throughout the
room and using those as locations as well. Once
your dog masters this game, you’ll find it’s useful in
managing behavior in the house!
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
28
BLIND FETCH
WAPPLE BALL (any toy)
SPACE: Large area
This fun fetch variation tests your dog’s awareness
and hunting ability.
HOW TO PLAY:
Have your dog sit facing you, watching the toy
in your hand. Throw the toy over your dog’s head
in a random direction. Don’t let your dog chase
it immediately! Make them stay sitting until you
give a command like “Find it!” This game works
especially well with a toy like the Target Jack, which
bounces erratically, or the Wapple Ball, which will
continue to roll.
TIP:
Start by pretending to throw. If your dog jumps or
moves, correct them and show them you still have
the toy. Don’t actually throw the toy until they show
that they will sit until you give the command word.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
29
MONKEY IN THE MIDDLE
WAPPLE BALL (any toy)
SPACE: Large area
Keep your dog sharp and attentive with this
tantalizing fetch variation.
HOW TO PLAY:
Grab a friend and stand at a comfortable throwing
distance apart with your dog in the middle. Throw
or roll a toy back and forth, trying to get it past
your dog.
TIP:
Make sure it’s tricky but not impossible for the
dog to win. If you’re rolling, try and put it between
their legs. If you’re throwing, make it no more than
a foot or two over their head (or higher if your dog
is a big jumper!)
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
30
MUFFIN TIN GAME
WAPPLE BALL
SPACE: Small area
Keep your dog busy on a rainy day.
HOW TO PLAY:
Take a muffin tin and place a few treats at the
bottom of a few random cups. Place balls over the
top to hide the treats and let your dog try to sniff,
dig and nudge them out.
TIP:
Make your dog sit until it’s ready. Try to use a lot of
balls and just a few treats.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
31
THIMBLERIG
WAPPLE BALL (+ cups)
SPACE: Small area
The fun favorite of street-side gamblers
the world over.
HOW TO PLAY:
Set up three cups open side down and place the ball
under one. Move the cups quickly and randomly,
trying to make your dog lose track of which cup
contains the ball. Once you stop moving, let
your dog knock over one cup, if they guess right
they get the toy.
TIP:
Encourage your dog to smell each cup before they
choose. If they immediately start knocking them
all over, make them sit and move slowly until they
understand they only get one chance.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
32
DISTANCE THROW
WINGA TOSS & FETCH
SPACE: Large area
Challenge yourself and your dog!
HOW TO PLAY:
Set up a base throwing line. Throw the Winga Disc
as far as you can. Once thrown, encourage your dog
to retrieve the Disc and bring it all the way back
across the throwing line.
TIP:
Challenge yourself and your dog. Give yourself
three opportunities and take the best distance out
of those three as the distance to beat. Pay attention
to your dog’s energy level and be sure to give out
lots of treats, praise and most importantly - water!
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
33
RELAY THROW
WINGA TOSS & FETCH
SPACE: Large area
A great game for your high-energy dog!
HOW TO PLAY:
Set up a base throwing line. Throw the Winga Disc
quickly. Once thrown, encourage your dog to retrieve
the Disc as fast as he can - then throw it again.
TIP:
Set a timer for two minutes. See how many times you
and your dog are able to throw and retrieve the disc
during that time. Always try to beat your best time.
SKILLS:
Attention - Communication - Reasoning
Fitness - Hunting
GAME NOTES:
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Thank you for your interest in our new line
of Classic Yard Toys. Since 2003 we have been
creating innovative products that help people and
their dogs get out and explore the world together.
Check out our full line of products at kurgo.com
Have an idea for a game?
Submit it to [email protected] and, if we
publish it, you’ll receive a $50 Kurgo gift card.
813146-01739
Kurgo Products
2D Fanaras Drive, Salisbury, MA, 01952 USA
877-847-3868 | [email protected] | kurgo.com