Brain Games For Bulldogs
Let’s get something straight—Bulldogs are stubborn. They’re not the first to jump into a game or try something new. But just because they’re low-energy doesn’t mean they don’t need mental stimulation. In fact, Bulldogs can get bored easily, and when they do, they turn into little destructive monsters. So, if you want a Bulldog that’s calm, well-behaved, and happy, you better make sure their brain is getting a good workout.
As a veterinarian with over ten years of experience and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats, I’ve seen my fair share of Bulldog behaviors—both good and bad. These dogs need mental challenges that engage them without overwhelming them. Bulldogs are smart in their own way, but they’ll only work for rewards if you make the game rewarding enough.
Here are the best brain games for Bulldogs that will keep them engaged, calm, and well-behaved.
1. The Cup Game – Teach Them to Focus
Bulldogs may not be the fastest learners, but they can certainly get the hang of a good game. The Cup Game is simple but effective, helping them learn to focus and problem-solve—skills they need for better behavior.
How to Play:
🥤 Grab three identical cups and a treat.
🐶 Let your Bulldog watch as you place the treat under one cup.
🔄 Shuffle the cups around, then let them choose the correct one.
🎉 If they pick the right cup, reward them.
💡 Pro Tip: Bulldogs can be laid-back, so make sure they’re motivated enough to engage. Use high-value treats like cheese or hot dogs to keep them interested.
2. Treat-Dispensing Toys – Slow Down Their Eating and Engage Their Minds
Bulldogs can be food-driven, which means they’re perfect candidates for treat-dispensing toys. These toys force your dog to work for their food, turning mealtime into a challenge that keeps them mentally engaged.
Best Treat-Dispensing Toys for Bulldogs:
🦴 KONG Classic – Fill it with peanut butter, treats, or frozen food to keep them busy.
🎾 West Paw Zogoflex – These are durable and perfect for Bulldogs that like to chew.
🔄 Trixie Dog Activity Treat Maze – Let them figure out how to unlock treats.
💡 Pro Tip: Bulldogs are known for being chewers, so make sure the toys are durable enough to stand up to their jaws.
3. Hide and Seek – Keep Them Moving and Thinking
Bulldogs may seem like they’re all about lounging, but when you introduce a game like Hide and Seek, you’ll see them get up and engage their brains. It’s a great way to work on recall while also giving them a little exercise.
How to Play:
👤 Have someone hold your Bulldog while you hide in another room.
🗣 Call their name and say “Come find me!”
🐕 When they find you, reward them with treats and praise.
📍 Gradually make the hiding spots more challenging—behind furniture, outdoors, or upstairs.
💡 Pro Tip: If they seem uninterested, try using their favorite toy instead of a treat to spark their curiosity.
4. Tug-of-War – Teach Self-Control and Fun
Even though Bulldogs are usually calm and relaxed, they do enjoy a good game of tug-of-war. But here’s the catch—you need to teach them self-control. If you let them get too rowdy, you’ll end up with a dog that’s uncontrolled.
How to Play:
🦴 Use a strong rope toy that’s suitable for Bulldogs.
🛑 Teach the “Take it” and “Drop it” commands—only let them tug when you give permission.
🚫 If they get too rough or aggressive, stop the game and make them calm down before continuing.
💡 Pro Tip: Tug-of-war can be a great game for pre-bedtime to help them burn off any excess energy.
5. Name That Toy – Build Their Vocabulary
Bulldogs may not be as fast as Border Collies or Poodles, but they can learn names of toys—if you make it fun enough. Building their vocabulary with toys will help engage their minds and encourage them to think critically.
How to Play:
🧸 Pick one toy and give it a name (e.g., “Ball” or “Rope”).
🗣 Say the name every time you interact with it.
🎯 After a few days, put two toys in front of them and ask them to find the right one.
🐶 If they choose correctly, reward them.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with one toy and build up gradually. It’s all about keeping it fun and easy for them.
6. Puzzle Games – Keep Them Thinking on Their Own
Bulldogs are often content to lie around, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need to exercise their minds. Puzzle games that require them to figure out how to get a treat or solve a small problem can keep them occupied for hours.
Best Puzzle Games for Bulldogs:
🧩 Nina Ottosson Dog Puzzles – These toys challenge your Bulldog to slide, lift, or rotate pieces to uncover treats.
🎾 Trixie Dog Activity – A toy that requires them to move parts around to get to the reward.
🐾 KONG Wobbler – A treat-dispensing toy that also wobbles, making them work harder for their food.
💡 Pro Tip: Bulldogs tend to be persistent, so you might have to gradually make the puzzles more difficult to keep them challenged.
7. The “Find It” Game – Use Their Nose for Brain Power
Bulldogs are naturally scent-driven and enjoy using their noses when they have a task. The Find It game is a great way to tap into that instinct while challenging their brain.
How to Play:
🍖 Use a strong-smelling treat (cheese, chicken, or liver treats work great).
🔍 Let your Bulldog sniff the treat so they know what they’re looking for.
🛋 Hide the treat around the room or house.
🗣 Say “Find it!” and let them use their nose to track it down.
🎉 When they find it, reward them!
💡 Pro Tip: As your Bulldog gets better at the game, increase the difficulty by hiding the treat in harder-to-find places.
8. Obedience Training Games – Keep It Fun
Bulldogs are stubborn, but they’re also smart. Turning obedience training into a game will keep their brains engaged without making them feel like they’re being forced into something.
Fun Training Games for Bulldogs:
🎾 Fetch + Drop It – Only throw the ball again if they drop it when you tell them to.
🛑 Red Light, Green Light – Practice sit, stay, and come with fun, game-like commands.
🎯 Target Training – Teach them to touch your hand or an object to earn a reward.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short and fun—a bored Bulldog is a stubborn Bulldog.
Final Thoughts: A Mentally Engaged Bulldog is a Happy Bulldog
If you don’t give your Bulldog mental stimulation, they’re going to find their own entertainment—and you probably won’t like it. These games are designed to keep their brains sharp, help them stay calm, and reduce destructive behaviors.
✅ Use brain games daily—Bulldogs need mental stimulation just as much as they need physical exercise.
✅ Keep training fun—Bulldogs are smart, but they’ll only engage if it’s enjoyable.
✅ Challenge them progressively—start easy, then increase the difficulty to keep them thinking.
✅ Reward success—use high-value treats and praise to keep them motivated.
A mentally engaged Bulldog is a well-behaved, happy Bulldog. So, make time for brain games and see just how much more pleasant your Bulldog can be to live with.
