Do you want to become your dog's favorite person? Regular play is a shortcut to a better relationship, less stress, and a more fun everyday life together. Here are 5 simple outdoor games that will be the highlight of the day for both you and your dog.

5 fun outdoor activities

1. Hide some dog treats in the snow, build a snow lantern with treats in (or hide under leaves/sticks). Let your pup find it with its nose.

2. Hide treats under the bark of a tree. If you want to make it more challenging – hide the treat at a height so the dog can stand on two legs and sniff the reward.

3. Take the food outside. Spread the kibble (or whatever food your dog gets) out in nature. Let your dog sniff and munch on the meal out in the green (or white if it's winter).

4. Get off the beaten path and walk over logs and rocks. Find rocks to sit on, fallen trees to balance on, branches to sneak under. Be one step ahead of your dog, so you can play together. Turn nature into an activity trail.

5. Be on the lookout. Sit down together and look out over the fields, the forest or the city. What do you see – isn’t that a hare far away? And what was that sound – was it a bird in the tree nearby? Act a bit like a dog and activate your own senses. Your furry one will love that you do it.

Elisabet Broome works as a writer and editor, has a five-year-old hunting cocker spaniel named Daisy, perfectly described as dynamite disguised as a sugar cube!