A Fun, Toy-Free Game to Play with Your Pomeranian
If your Pomeranian is anything like my three girls, they might not understand the concept of playing with toys. That was the case with my girls, Maggie, Yoki, and Sophia. All three were rescued from an abusive home and had no idea what it meant to “play.” Today, I’ll share a fun, easy game you can play with your Pomeranian that doesn’t involve toys, providing both mental and physical exercise.
When Maggie, Yoki, and Sophia first arrived at the Pommy Mommy home, they weren’t interested in stuffed animals or rubber toys. I wanted them to live a joyful and fun life, so I started making up games for them. Through these games, I discovered that play is not only a way to bond but also essential for their well-being. Play helps Pomeranians get the exercise they need while keeping their minds active and stimulated.
Introducing the “FIND IT” Game
Our favorite game is called “FIND IT,” and it’s a simple, interactive game of hide-and-seek for treats. This game doesn’t require any toys, and your Pomeranian will love it. The best part is that it’s not only fun but also provides a great mental workout.
What You’ll Need:
- 4-5 small treats (I like using Pommy Mommy “Snaks” since they’re the perfect size)
- A bit of patience and lots of enthusiasm
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing “FIND IT”
Step 1: Gather Treats
Start by grabbing 4-5 small treats. You’ll want to use something small so that your Pom can enjoy multiple rounds without overindulging. I recommend using tiny, healthy treats like the Pommy Mommy “Snaks” to keep the game light and fun.
Step 2: Get Your Pomeranian to Stay
The key to this game is having your Pomeranian stay in one place while you hide the treats. If your Pom knows the “STAY” command, this will be easy. If not, you can either have someone else hold them in place or practice the command a few times beforehand. The idea is to keep them in one room so they can’t see where you’re hiding the treats.
Step 3: Hide the Treats
Once your Pom is staying in one place, go into another room and start hiding the treats. Make sure to hide them in low spots where your Pomeranian can sniff and easily reach them during the hunt. Avoid overly tricky hiding spots—this game should be fun, not frustrating!
Step 4: Introduce the “FIND” Command
Now that all the treats are hidden, call your Pomeranian into the room. Ask them to sit and be calm before you introduce the “FIND” command. Say the word “FIND” and encourage them to start looking for the hidden treats. During the first few rounds, you might need to show them where the first treat is so they understand the concept. Be patient—it might take some time for them to get the hang of it, but once they do, they’ll be excited to start hunting.
Step 5: Celebrate the Finds
As your Pomeranian starts to find the treats, encourage them with lots of praise and excitement. Use phrases like “Good job!” or “Good girl!” in your happiest voice to let them know they’re doing well. Positive reinforcement makes the game more fun for them, and they’ll be eager to keep playing.
Step 6: Signal the End of the Game
Once your Pom has found all the hidden treats, it’s important to signal that the game is over. I like to say “All gone!” while holding my hands up in the air. This lets them know that the hunt is complete and prevents them from continuing to search for treats that aren’t there.
Why This Game Is Great for Your Pomeranian
The “FIND IT” game is not just a fun activity; it’s also great for your Pomeranian’s overall well-being. Here’s why:
- Physical Exercise: Even though it doesn’t involve running around a lot, the act of searching for treats gives your Pom some much-needed movement.
- Mental Stimulation: The game encourages your Pomeranian to think and problem-solve as they sniff out the hidden treats. This is excellent for keeping their brain active and engaged, which is important for Pomeranians of any age.
- Bonding Time: Playing a game like this strengthens the bond between you and your Pom. You’re working together, and the game reinforces trust and communication.
- Confidence Building: For rescues like Maggie, Yoki, and Sophia, who may not have understood play before, the “FIND” game is a great way to build confidence. They learn new commands, explore their surroundings, and feel a sense of accomplishment when they successfully find a treat.
Tailoring the Game for Your Pom
Every Pomeranian is different, and you can adjust the game based on your Pom’s personality and skill level. For example, if your Pomeranian is new to the “STAY” command, you can start by hiding the treats in plain sight and gradually work up to more challenging hiding spots. If your Pom is already familiar with games, you can make the hiding spots trickier to keep them on their toes.
My Experience with the “FIND IT” Game
When I first introduced this game to Maggie, Yoki, and Sophia, it took a little time for them to understand what was happening. After a few rounds of practice and lots of encouragement, they started getting really excited when I said “FIND.” Now, whenever I prepare the treats and say the command, they jump up and start searching with enthusiasm.
It’s heartwarming to see my rescued girls, who once didn’t know what play was, now actively participating in a game they love. It’s not just about the treats—it’s about the fun, the exercise, and the bond we’ve built together.
Final Thoughts
If your Pomeranian isn’t interested in toys or if you’re looking for a new way to bond, the “FIND IT” game is a fantastic option. It’s simple, doesn’t require any special equipment, and is great for both mental and physical exercise. Plus, it’s a fun way to watch your Pom’s natural hunting instincts come to life.
Give it a try, and see how much fun you and your Pomeranian can have together. Remember, patience and encouragement are key to making the game enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. Happy playing!