Just like humans, dogs need exercise to stay healthy and happy. While regular walks are a great way to keep your furry friend active, water games offer a fun and refreshing twist to traditional exercise routines.

Here are some of the best canine water games that can help improve your dog’s physical health.

1. Fetch

Fetch is a classic dog game, and it can easily be adapted to the water. A game of water fetch can help improve your dog’s swimming ability, as well as build up their endurance.

Throw a toy into the water and have your dog fetch it, or use a specially designed water toy that floats. Remember to stay in shallow water and supervise your dog at all times.

2. Swimming

Swimming is a low-impact form of exercise that is perfect for dogs with joint problems or older dogs. It’s also a great cardiovascular workout that can help improve your dog’s breathing and circulation.

If your dog is new to swimming, start off in shallow water and gradually progress to deeper water. Keep a close eye on your dog’s body language and watch out for signs of fatigue.

3. Diving

Diving games can help improve your dog’s diving skills, as well as their lung capacity and breath control. Start off with shallow water and gradually move to deeper water, using a toy or ball as a target for your dog to dive after.

Reward your dog with treats or praise when they successfully retrieve the toy.

4. Tug-of-War

A game of tug-of-war in the water can help build your dog’s strength and improve their grip. Use a rope toy that floats and make sure to keep a firm grip on your end to prevent it from getting tangled in the water.

As with other water games, always supervise your dog to ensure their safety.

5. Dock Jumping

Dock jumping, also known as dock diving, is a popular water sport for dogs. It can help improve your dog’s jumping ability and coordination, as well as build up their leg muscles.

In dock jumping, dogs jump off a dock or platform into a body of water, aiming for distance or height. This game can be competitive or just for fun, and it’s suitable for dogs of all sizes.

6. Hide and Seek

A game of hide and seek in the water can help improve your dog’s problem-solving skills and mental agility. Start off by hiding a toy or treat in shallow water, and encourage your dog to find it.

Gradually increase the difficulty by hiding the toy in deeper water or behind obstacles. Remember to reward your dog with treats or praise when they successfully find the toy.

7. Canoeing

If you enjoy paddling, why not bring your dog along for the ride? Canoeing is a great way to bond with your furry friend, as well as improve their balance and coordination.

Make sure to provide a life jacket for your dog, and start off in calm, shallow water to allow them to get used to the sensation of paddling.

8. Water Obstacle Course

A water obstacle course can help improve your dog’s agility, coordination, and problem-solving skills. Set up a series of obstacles in the water, such as buoys, floating platforms, and tunnels, and encourage your dog to navigate through them.

Make sure to keep the obstacles within your dog’s abilities and always supervise them to ensure their safety.

9. Water Balloon Fetch

A game of water balloon fetch can add a new level of excitement to a classic game. Fill up some water balloons and throw them into the water for your dog to fetch.

The splashing of the balloons can also help improve your dog’s coordination and reaction time. Just make sure to pick up any leftover balloon pieces to prevent choking hazards.

10. Surfing

If you live near the beach, why not try surfing with your dog? Surfing can help improve your dog’s strength, balance, and coordination, as well as provide a fun and exhilarating experience.

Make sure to use a specially designed dog surfboard and provide a life jacket for your dog, as well as plenty of praise and treats for their efforts.