No, I’m not being flip with that title…Do You Mind? is the name of a game for people and their dogs!

Photo courtesy of Darf, Inc. - Avalilable for $24.95 - Click to Purchase

Read more to see why this game has been Gift Detective APPROVED!

I first saw the game advertised in a dog magazine and, being the curious sort, I wanted to learn more. Would it be fun or is it just trying to fit into a niche? I knew that Isabelle’s fabulous trainer, Bette Yip, would be the first person I asked about it.

Well, Bette had a game called Funagle, by the same company, Darf, Inc., at her training studio, so I was able to take a sneak peak at it during a party she hosted to benefit homeless pets. As Alex and I were looking at it, a boy of about 10 years mentioned that he had Do You Mind? at home and really loved playing it with his own dog. Someone had given the game to him as a gift, no less. Already and endorsement for the product!

I was able to speak to his mom later, who is also a dog trainer, and she spoke highly of the game and made a really interesting point – she said that for him, being able to play Do You Mind? with their dog was a really great way for him to be able to interact with the dog because it wasn’t as if he could walk their dog (I’m guessing it is a big dog for a ten year old to handle).

Well, thanks to Darf, Inc., I was able to try the game for myself and I love it! More importantly my dog, Isabelle, loves it too! Great concept, great execution, compact, portable packaging and FUN! I was going to wait until I took it to the dog park and tested it there (which I still plan on doing, as well as letting a PetSmart trainer I know try it is as well to get her opinion) but after playing it I couldn’t wait to write about it.

Do You Mind? would make an excellent gift for anyone who loves to do things with their dog.

And this is why – here are some details along with my thoughts…

Portability – The game comes in a plastic container, about 6.5″ high and 3.5″ wide.  The top of the container screws on (ensuring all your pieces stay inside if you toss this in your backpack or car!) and doubles as the handle.  I think the portability really increases your recipient’s chances of being able to make the most out of this game, because it would be so easy to bring this to the dog park or a friend’s house to have some fun.

Fun! – The tasks range from super easy (get your dog to sit) to moderately difficult (get your dog to fetch something and drop it through your arms formed into a hoop).  The game isn’t designed to stump you with impossible tasks, rather, it really seems to be designed for people to have fun and help both owner and dog grow – both the relationship and training will improve by playing this game.

Ease of Use/Time Efficient – Roll a die, pick a card and try to get your dog to perform the task on the card.  How easy is that?  If you have one minute you can play this game (the time you are allotted to try to get your dog to do the trick).  Guess what?  You are going to want to play it for longer!  Easy to set- up, no complicated rules…just open it and play!  This ease of use will allow you to easily get people involved and playing this game.

Variety – Not only are there 60 different activity cards to give you and your dog variety, there are also 5 different ways to play this game – Solitaire, Quick Play, Competition, First Dog and Not My Dog.

Good for one or more people and one or more dogs! This versatility reminds me of the game SET, only this one is for people and dogs.  Really versatile with how many people and dogs can play – the score pad has 4 columns for names but this game could easily accommodate more than 4 people/dogs.  Great game for a dog birthday party or any party!





This is a game that I will play with Isabelle often. At the park to help her train with distractions, with my boyfriend to have a little fun competition, at the dog park to meet people, their dogs and have fun, inside on a rainy day…I see so many opportunities to enjoy this game.  I love that I have to be creative to try to get her to complete an activity she’s never encountered, while at the same time she has to think and focus – I think this kind of mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise.

Great gift for a friend! With the number of dog birthday parties, play dates and dog parks on the rise – this gift will make you stand out from everyone else and will provide lasting fun for both recipient and dog.

If you have a dog, this would make a great gift for them from you! Sure, dogs love treats and toys, but this toy IS a treat because dogs love interaction and attention and this gift will give them both.

What kinds of games or activities do you love to play with your pet?  Could you see yourself playing this game with a group of people or by yourself?  Let me know by leaving me a comment!

Happy gifting!