Tricks for Treats: 6 Spooktacular Halloween Games for Dogs

Howl-oween Games to Bewitch Your Pooch

Haunted howls and spooky tails! Are you trying to come up with some fun Halloween dog games to play with your furry friend?

There’s no need to pull out your Ouiji board to ask a ghostly friend. We have conjured up a whole cauldron of Halloween fun that will have tails wagging the entire time.

Here’s a list of 6 games perfect for a Halloween dog party, fundraiser, and other pup-friendly ghostly gatherings and festivities. 

Halloween Games for Dogs

Halloween costume contests and pumpkin carving are great activities for pet parents and dog guests alike. However, if you want your canine guests to be more involved in the Halloween fun, these dog games are the way to go!

1. Musical Graves

“Musical Graves” is a safer version of musical chairs.  You’ll only need placemats and some fun spooky music for this game. Bonus if your placemats are Halloween-themed.

Count the number of dogs playing the game and subtract one. This is the number of mats you will need for the game. 

Place the mats in a circle and have the owners and their dogs stand outside of the mats. Once everyone is in position, you can start the music.

When the music stops the owners should have their dog sit on one of the mats. The dog/owner duo that didn’t get a mat, is out of the game. This will continue until there is only one pair left.

2. Reverse Pumpkin Patch Paw

Use chalk or tape to make the squares for the game tic-tac-toe. Then place a small pet-safe pumpkin, treat, or toy in each space.

Have each dog take turns going up and taking a pumpkin from the ‘board’. After each piece is removed write an ‘X’ or an ‘O’ in the space depending on what team the dog is on.

Standard tic-tac-toe rules apply. 

3. Pin the Tail on the Were-Pup:

 Get out your Pin the Tail on the Pup poster (make sure it’s protected) and some Kong paste or dog-safe peanut butter.  

Place a few dabs of the paste or peanut butter around the poster, including where the tail would go. Let each dog approach the poster one at a time. 

Wherever the dog licks first, is where he ‘pins’ the tail.  You can make your own or get one of our designs from our shop or Etsy Store!

4. Dunking for “Treats”

There are multiple variations to this game. Fill a tub or small kiddie pool with water and put balls or treats that float in it. 

Set a timer and the dog that gets the most items out of the pool in the allotted time wins. You can also mark one of the balls and the dog that gets the marked ball in the shortest time wins.

5. Ghost or Witch Hunt

Buy or make some ghost, broomstick, witch, or bat-shaped treats. Then, loosely tie each treat to a tree branch or stand. 

Let the dogs try to grab the treats as they sway back and forth in the wind. Let the pups approach the area one at a time. 

You will also want to watch the pups so they don’t accidentally ingest the twine or string around the treat. If your pup is struggling, you can hold the string to help them out.

6. Hide and Go Haunt

Owners can hide from their dogs, or you can hide toys or treats around the area. Let the dogs run around and find the hidden items. 

Safety Considerations for Your Halloween Dog Games

Whenever you are hosting a dog-friendly gathering, safety should always come first! This spooky season is scary enough without injuries and accidents. Here are the three things you should watch for:

• -Choking Hazards
• -Entanglement
• -Food or Toy aggression

Most of these can be avoided if you keep a close eye on your four-legged friends. If you have any doubt about how the dogs may interact with each other, you should keep them all on leash.

Prizes for Your Halloween Dog Games 

You can play these dog games during your event for fun and bragging rights.  OR you can award prizes or a special treat to the winners. 

Your prizes can be medals and certificates like the ones in our store. You can also buy dog treats and toys for the winning pups. 

You can even get prizes for the winning pet parent too! A spooky coffee mug, pet store gift card, or other small decoration would work perfectly.

Are You Ready to Brew Up Some Fun?

Get ready to make some boo-tiful memories!  With these fang-tastic games, Halloween isn’t just for humans anymore. It will be a howling good time for our four-legged friends too. These doggy games are perfect whether you have a few canine guests over or are looking to throw an epic Halloween party.

Feel free to get creative and include other types of dog party games at your event. And of course, take tons of pictures. Happy Howl-oween!

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