Keeping a dog entertained indoors can be a real challenge, especially when you’re dealing with a high-energy pup. Dogs, like people, need both physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. When outdoor activities aren’t possible—whether due to weather, time constraints, or other reasons—it's essential to find ways to keep your dog active indoors. Wondering how to play with a dog indoors in ways that will tire them out and keep them mentally stimulated?
Here’s a guide to some fun and creative indoor activities that will keep your dog entertained.
1. Short, Regular Training Sessions
Training doesn’t have to be limited to outdoor walks or obedience classes. In fact, short, consistent sessions at home can do wonders for both your dog's mind and your relationship with them.
Start with basic commands such as sit, stay, or come. If your dog already knows these commands, challenge them with new ones, like "spin," "roll over," or even "fetch the remote." Using positive reinforcement with treats or praise will encourage them to stay focused and engaged.
Training sessions should only last about 5 to 10 minutes at a time. This prevents your dog from getting bored or overwhelmed. Plus, the mental stimulation can tire them out just as much as physical exercise.
Freepik | Keep your dog engaged and happy with short training sessions at home.
2. Interactive Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are an excellent way to keep your dog mentally engaged. These toys come in various designs, from simple treat dispensers to more complex puzzles that require your dog to solve problems to access the reward. Many food-dispensing toys can also help slow down dogs who tend to eat their meals too quickly.
Kong toys, for example, are a popular choice. Stuff them with your dog’s favorite treats, peanut butter, or even mashed bananas, then freeze them for extra fun. The puzzle aspect of these toys encourages your dog to work for their food, keeping their brain active and their attention focused.
3. Teach New Tricks or Games
Learning new tricks is not just for dogs that are new to training. Even older dogs can enjoy learning new behaviors. This can range from a simple shake of the paw to more complex tasks like organizing their toys or playing "hide and seek."
Start with something simple. For instance, teach your dog to pick up their favorite toy and bring it back to you. Then, gradually increase the difficulty. A fun game to play indoors is teaching your dog to "put away" their toys. This can start with them dropping a toy into a basket on command and later progressing to a more complex game of collecting toys from all over the room and putting them in the box.
4. Tug-of-War
One of the easiest indoor games that is both physically and mentally challenging for your dog is tug-of-war. All you need is a sturdy rope or dog-specific tug toy. This game can be played in small spaces, and it’s a great way for both you and your dog to burn off some energy.
Tug-of-war is not only fun but also a great way to bond with your dog. Just remember to let your dog win occasionally to keep them engaged and motivated. If your dog tends to get overly excited or aggressive during the game, it’s a good idea to establish rules, such as stopping the game when the toy is dropped or when the dog’s excitement gets too high.
5. Scent Games
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and you can tap into this natural ability by playing scent-based games. Hide treats or favorite toys around your home and encourage your dog to find them. You can also try hiding a treat under a cup or a piece of cloth to challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills.
One fun game is the “Which Hand?” trick. Place a treat in one hand and close both fists. Let your dog sniff your hands and choose which hand the treat is in. When they pick correctly, reward them. You can also use muffin tins, tennis balls, and treats to create more complex puzzles for your dog to solve.
6. Obstacle Course Fun
If you have enough space, setting up a homemade obstacle course can be a fun and physically challenging activity for your dog. Use pillows, furniture, or even books to create hurdles or tunnels for your dog to navigate. Start with simple jumps and tunnels and increase the difficulty as your dog becomes more skilled.
Obstacle courses not only offer physical exercise but also provide mental stimulation as your dog figures out how to tackle the challenges. This is a great way to keep your dog physically active indoors while working on agility.
7. Interactive Play With Favorite Toys
Sometimes, all it takes to keep your dog entertained indoors is a bit of creative play with their favorite toys. Whether it’s fetching a ball down a hallway or playing with a squeaky toy, these simple activities can provide both physical and mental stimulation.
To make playtime even more engaging, try hiding toys in different places and encouraging your dog to find them. Rotating toys so that your dog always has something "new" to discover can also keep interest high.
8. Create a Relaxing Space for Window Watching
Freepik | Dogs are natural observers; create a cozy window perch for them to enjoy the sights.
Dogs love observing the outside world. If you can, set up a comfortable spot for your dog by the window where they can watch the world go by. Whether it’s seeing other dogs, people, or vehicles, the variety of sights and sounds will keep your dog entertained and stimulated.
If you’re able to open the window just a crack, even better! Let your dog enjoy the smells of the outdoors, which will further satisfy their sensory curiosity.
9. Play Hide and Seek
Hide and seek is a fun game that helps reinforce the "come" command while providing both mental and physical stimulation. Start by having your dog stay in one spot while you hide somewhere in the house. Once you're hidden, call your dog’s name, and let them find you.
This game is also great for dogs who are a bit shy or need some extra confidence-building. When your dog finds you, reward them with praise and treats to reinforce the positive behavior.
There are countless ways to engage your dog indoors and keep it active and entertained. From training sessions and puzzle toys to games like tug-of-war and scent work, your dog can stay happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated even when stuck indoors. Remember, balance is key—mental and physical stimulation are both important, and regular playtime can help prevent boredom and unwanted behavior.
With these fun and simple activities, you’ll never have to worry about how to play with a dog indoors again!
