Five of our favourite dog birthday party games

11 November 2024 - 3 min read
Dog Sports

Your pet's birthday is a big day, and you want to make it as memorable as possible! The reasons for this are obvious: you love your pet, and pets know when (and appreciate) being celebrated.

If you're hosting a big birthday party or having a chilled one, a birthday game can help liven up your dog's big day, especially if other pets are involved.

Here, we list our five games to play at a dog's birthday party.

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Should you play a dog birthday party game?

Great dane sleeping

It depends on your dog's personality. While it may be fun for the other dogs and humans involved, if you have a pup that's low-energy or prefers "me time" over anything else, then consider not having a party or hosting any games.

Your dog's birthday should be a celebration of all the things that make your dog great. If that's a big meal and a quiet walk, so be it!

Paw print painting

Image of a Border Collie on a teal background with its paw raised

Paw print paintings are a cute idea that most dogs will love. You put some non-toxic paint on your dog's paws and let them express themselves on an empty canvas.

Here's what you'll need:

  • Non-toxic paint.

  • Paper or a canvas.

  • Pens, pencils, crayons and anything else for people to embellish your dog's painting. All good artists need an editor, after all!

  • Wipes, non-toxic cleaning products and a damp cloth.

  • Ample space like a garden or patio - it can get messy.

A few safety things first though:

  • Use a non-toxic, dog-friendly paint.

  • Observe your dog and any party guests, so they don't eat paint or chew on something they shouldn't.

  • Try to prevent your dog from rolling in the paint - it's not great when it gets in the fur.

  • Make sure your dog is well-socialised if they're doing this with other pets.

  • Your dog should be comfortable with having their paws handled.

To get started, you should:

  1. Put some paint on a canvas or paper plate.

  2. Cue and ask your dog to give you their paw and dip it into the paint gently. Make sure the paw pad is well-coated.

  3. Lift the paw and press it on the paper.

  4. Repeat as much as you want, or let your dog walk around the canvas if it's big enough.

  5. Draw, paint and add detail to the drawing.

  6. Wash your pet's paws well with a non-toxic wipe or dishcloth. Remember to praise your dog and give them a treat after.

  7. Snap a picture of your dog with their masterpiece!

The best thing about this is you get a keepsake from your dog's birthday, plus it shows that dog birthday games don't need to be too exercise-focused.

Musical sit

bernese mountain dog puppy on a red leash sits on grass

Think musical chairs but for dogs! It's a way of showing off how well-trained your dog is, but it's also good fun for them, too.

Get your dog and their friends to walk in a circle with a song playing. Then, when the music stops, the last dog to sit is out!

Give the dog party guests lots of treats for participating and make sure the surface isn't too slippery.

Fetch tournament

mixed breed yellow dog fetching stick from water

If your dog's the sporty kind, then a fetch tournament is a great idea! Set up some games for dogs to compete in with fetch toys or balls, and split up other dogs based on size, age or skill level. Then compete away!

It's a great way to inject fun into your dog's party while giving dogs ample time to exercise and socialise.

Obstacle course

A cheerful black and white dog sitting on a polished wooden floor indoors, tongue out and looking up with a joyful expression. The background is softly blurred, showing people and agility equipment, suggesting the setting is a dog training facility or event.

Like the fetch tournament, setting up an obstacle course with cones, tunnels and jumps is a great way for high-energy dogs to express themselves and have fun.

Just make sure the course is set up with consideration for your dog's size and fitness level. This is extra true if you're inviting other four-legged participants.

If you're doing this outside which, let's be honest, you probably are, we recommend checking your garden is safe and secure first. Oh, and remember that dog insurance can cover incidents like accidents from jumping and climbing.

Treat hunt

Dog biscuit that says ManyPets

This one's easy. Get some of your dog's favourite treats, hide them and then watch them follow their noses and wag their tails.

The only thing we recommend here is making sure the treats are appropriate for your dog's diet and allergies. If you're hosting other dogs, accommodate their needs too. 

How dog insurance helps

The main thing on your dog's big day is to make sure they have a good time. We recommend doing something that your dog will like, so if they're low-energy and would prefer to chill, don't feel too pressured to host games or a big party.

No matter what you choose, dog insurance can help. We have up to £15,000 vet fee cover, unlimited 24/7 vet calls with FirstVet and a host of ManyPets Perks that'll help your dog no matter their age.

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Ben Newman
Editorial Content Lead

Ben is a writer and editor with years of experience in insurance. After spending a long time creating content for some of Britain's biggest brands as part of a marketing agency, Ben began to focus on insurance and hasn't looked back since. When he's not consuming copious cups of tea, you can find him reading a book, daydreaming about having an Australian Shepherd and shouting at Liverpool on the TV.