Let’s play a game.
Question: What do you get when you cross a trivia night, a pantomime challenge, a dog encyclopedia, and a laughing fit?
Answer: Canine Capers; the world’s first game-night-in-a-book that turns every player into a howling, giggling, tail-wagging good time.
And we mean that literally.
It’s a Book. It’s a Game. It’s a Doggone Riot.
Created by author and game designer Gary Althaus, Canine Capers is what happens when someone says, “Why hasn’t anyone turned a group game into a paperback?”
Each of the 16 games in this book features 25 offbeat, hilarious, and dog-themed activities that test your brain, your reflexes, and sometimes your dignity. We’re talking:
It’s part board game, part improv comedy, and part canine trivia throwdown.
So… How Do You Even Play?
Here’s the setup:
The oldest player starts by reading an activity. But instead of choosing who plays, the book tells you how to choose. “Ask the person wearing the most blue.” “Pick the player closest in age to 40.” “Who has the longest fingernails?”
There’s no order. No fairness. Just delightful, messy unpredictability.
Every activity has four parts:
Do it right? You earn points. Flop spectacularly? The reader might steal your glory. Then pass the book and keep the chaos going.
Brainy, Barky, and Built for Fun
At first glance, Canine Capers might seem like it’s just for kids or dog superfans. But after a single round, you’ll realize this book is sneaky-smart and laugh-out-loud clever.
Some examples:
These aren’t your average trivia cards. They’re a full-body, full-brain experience.
And yes, it includes physical challenges like balancing a pencil on your nose like a treat — because why wouldn’t it?
Real Talk from the Creator
When asked what inspired the book, Gary Althaus keeps it real:
“I wanted to design a unique game and present it in a different way. So I made a book out of it. There’s no other genre like mine.”
He’s right. This isn’t a board game. It’s not a story. It’s a genre-bender — a book that doesn’t sit still. It gets up and chases its tail.
And honestly? That’s exactly what makes it work.
The Experience: Laughter on Every Page
Picture this:
You’re sitting around the table. Someone howls like a dog (and wins). Another person is flapping their hands while trying to pantomime “dog catching a frisbee.” Your uncle is still arguing that “K9” doesn’t count as a pun. And your teenage niece just pulled up a video of a dog wearing Crocs.
It’s ridiculous.
It’s unexpected.
And it’s the most fun you’ve had all month.
That’s Canine Capers in action.
Who Is This Book For?
If you’re wondering whether this book is a good fit, here’s a helpful sniff-test:
Whether you’re playing with your family, friends, coworkers, or total strangers, Canine Capers is a guaranteed good time.
And yes, it travels well. (Book > Board Game = no missing pieces.)
Why It Stands Out
Let’s break this down with a chew toy analogy.
Most game books are like dry biscuits: fine, predictable, gone in two bites.
But Canine Capers? It’s the peanut butter-filled, squeaky, bouncy toy your game shelf didn’t know it needed.
Plus, it might just teach you something cool. Like the fact that the Norwegian Lunde Hund has six toes and can bend its neck backward. (Yes, that’s real.)
Get It, Gift It, Game On
Whether you’re looking for:
This is the book.
So next time you walk into a room and hear howling, someone shouting “Poodle!” and three people laughing uncontrollably — don’t worry. You probably just walked into a round of Canine Capers.
And trust us…
You’re gonna want to play.
