Training Games for Dogs and Cats Using Treats and Toys
Looking for creative ways to keep your dog or cat active, happy, and mentally stimulated? We get it — Kiwi pet parents want more than just sit and stay. Smart and playful pets thrive on fun, and that’s where training games using treats and toys come in. Whether you’re working on obedience, building a bond or simply burning off energy, these interactive games make learning feel like playtime.
In this guide, we’ll share easy and engaging training games that make great use of treats and toys to create a positive experience for your furry friend.
Why Treats And Toys Make Excellent Training Tools
Treats and toys are more than just fun – they’re key motivators. For dogs and cats especially, positive reinforcement using high-value rewards makes training more effective and enjoyable. Using training treats or favourite toys helps reinforce good behaviour with immediate and clear feedback.
And let’s face it, most pets will work a little harder when there’s something tasty or fun at stake. With repeat play, you can help build your pet’s confidence, sharpen their brains, and even ease boredom-related behaviours (like scratching couches or digging up the garden).
Game 1: Hide And Treat
This is a great game for both dogs and cats with a keen nose. Start easy by hiding a few freeze-dried treats or dehydrated cat treats around a room and encourage them to “find it!”. As their skills grow, increase difficulty by hiding treats under cushions, inside cardboard boxes, or behind furniture.
Top tip: Keep rotating your hiding spots to keep your pet guessing!
Game 2: Treat-Or-Toy Puzzle Time
Puzzle toys are a fantastic investment in your pet’s mental health. Stuff a toy with treats and let your dog or cat work to figure it out. For dogs, try KONG toys filled with wet food or treats. For cats, we love interactive cat toys that reward taps or nudges with a treat.
Need a challenge upgrade? Try a multi-compartment puzzle board that requires sliding and spinning for a reward – perfect for curious canines and clever kitties!
Game 3: Target Training With Toys
This one’s great for improving communication and focus. Use a soft toy or wand as a target. Hold it out and reward your pet whenever they ‘touch’ it with their nose or paw. Over time, you can build on this to guide them through obstacle courses or cue direction changes on walks.
Using a wand teaser from our cat teaser toy range works wonders with curious felines!
Game 4: Tug And Trade
Dogs especially love a good game of tug. It taps into their natural prey drive — and makes for an energetic bonding session. Use a sturdy tug toy and practise cues like “take it”, “drop it” and “swap” using a treat to trade. This helps reinforce good manners and prevents possession issues.
Always supervise, and if your dog gets overly excited or mouthy, take a break to cool things down.
Game 5: Obstacle Course With Rewards
Set up a mini obstacle course in your backyard or lounge using household items (tunnels, cushions, low jumps) or specialty equipment. Lure your pet through with a training treat or toss a ball to motivate them through the ‘finish line’. You can use this game to teach agility basics or burn off energy on dreary days.
Short legs? No worries! Adjust the course based on your pet’s size and abilities for safe, tailored training.
Choosing The Best Training Rewards
The key to success lies in the motivation. Some pets are food-focused, others go wild for squeaky toys. Try a mix of soft, chewy dog treats or cat treats to see what makes your pet tick. For longer activities, use something extra rewarding — like New Zealand-made treats from brands such as K9 Natural or Nutreats.
Check out our full selection of top rated picks to find what gets your pet’s tail wagging or whiskers twitching.
Make Training Times Rewarding And Fun
Training games bring out the best in pets and deepen your bond. Using treats and toys turns learning into play, helping you work on focus, confidence and good behaviour – all while having a blast. And because we get pets, you’ll find everything you need at Petdirect to make training rewarding, enriched, and exciting.
Ready to level up your routine? Browse our huge range of toys, treats and smart training tools. Want to save on your regular rewards? Sign up to our Autodeliver service or join our Pet Perks loyalty programme — because great pets deserve great perks!