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Dogs are known for their boundless energy, and while outdoor adventures are great, there are times when staying indoors is the best option. Whether it’s a rainy day, a day when it’s too cold outside, or a quiet night at home, keeping your dog entertained indoors is essential for his health. Involving your dog in fun and mentally stimulating activities will burn off energy and prevent boredom. Here are 15 easy tricks to keep your dog entertained, happy, and healthy even when you can’t go outside.
hide and seek
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Hide and seek is not only a fun game for kids, but dogs love it too. This simple game stimulates your dog’s sense of smell, encourages mental activity, and provides training without requiring much space. Start by hiding somewhere in the house and calling your dog’s name. If they spot you, praise them or give them a treat. As they get better at the game, you can make the game more challenging by hiding in more inconspicuous places or hiding their favorite toys. This game keeps children’s minds active and active, making it an ideal indoor activity.
tug of war
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Tug of war is an energy-consuming game that can be played indoors using only a rope or dog tug toy. This is a great way for dogs to release pent-up energy, especially active breeds that need a little extra stimulation. This game allows your dog to show his strength and gives you a chance to strengthen your bond with him. Be sure to set clear boundaries so your dog understands the rules of the game, such as when to start and when to stop. It can also be used to teach your dog the “release” command and is useful in other situations.
puzzle toys
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Puzzle toys are a great way to stimulate your dog’s brain and keep them entertained for hours. These toys are designed to help your dog figure out how to reach the treats and toys hidden inside, providing mental and physical stimulation. There are different difficulty levels, so you can increase the difficulty as your dog becomes more proficient at solving the problems. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog occupied when you’re busy or unable to actively play, and they can help prevent destructive behaviors caused by boredom.
indoor fetch
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Fetch is not just an outdoor game. Dogs can enjoy playing fetch indoors as well. Softballs, toys, and even rolled up socks make great indoor takeaways. Please make sure to play in a safe and breakable area. Foraging indoors can help burn energy, especially for dogs that love to chase. You can also play variations of the game, such as rolling the toys down the hallway or hiding the toys for a fun hidden object game.
trick training
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Training your dog new tricks is a fun activity and a great way to mentally stimulate your dog. Start with simple commands like “sit,” “shake,” and “turn over,” and step up to more complex tricks like fetching specific items or remembering the name of a toy. Trick training reinforces good behavior and strengthens your bond with your dog. This is a great way to keep children’s minds active while teaching them new skills. Plus, it can be a fun challenge for both you and your dog.
cup match
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The Cup Game is a simple but engaging game where you hide sweets in one of three cups and shuffle them around. The dog must use its sense of smell to determine which cup contains the treat. This game is a fun and interactive way to challenge your dog’s brain and hone their memory and scent skills. First show your dog the treat, then place it under the cup. Shuffle the cups and encourage your dog to find the correct cup. It’s a great way to interact with your dog without taking up too much space.
obstacle course
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Set up an indoor obstacle course using pillows, chairs, tunnels, and other household items. You can create fun challenges to test your dog’s agility, speed, and obedience. Use treats and toys to guide your dog around the course, encouraging him to jump over pillows, crawl under chairs, and weave between obstacles. You can vary the difficulty depending on your dog’s size and agility level. This activity can be both mentally and physically exhausting and at the same time provide a sense of accomplishment.
scent work
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Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, and scent work is a great way to take advantage of that natural ability. You can hide treats and toys around the house for your dog to find. Start with easy hiding places and gradually increase the difficulty by hiding items in hard-to-find places. Scent work is a great activity to exercise your dog’s instincts while also tiring him out mentally. It’s also a great way to keep your dog occupied when they’re stuck inside the house.
fetch on the stairs
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If your home has stairs, they can be a great tool for more intense games of fetch indoors. Throw a toy or ball up the stairs and encourage your dog to pick it up and bring it back down. Stairs add an extra challenge and provide training for your dog without requiring much space. Make sure your dog can safely navigate stairs, especially if he’s a puppy or has joint problems. This game will help you burn off some energy while giving your dog a little extra exercise.
freeze dance
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Dogs love to follow their owners, so why not make it a fun dance party? Put on some music and start dancing with your dog. Every time the music stops, give your dog a command such as “sit” or “still.” When the music starts again, we start dancing again. This is a great way to exercise your dog and reinforce basic commands. The energy of music and movement will entertain both you and your dog, providing a fun way to keep your dog occupied indoors.
stuffed kong
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A classic indoor activity is to stuff a Kong or similar toy with a mixture of treats, peanut butter, or your dog’s favorite treat. These toys are designed to keep your dog busy for long periods of time as you retrieve treats. Freeze your Kong stuffed animal to last even longer. This activity will help keep your dog entertained, mentally stimulated, and satisfied, especially if you need some quiet time to yourself. From kibble to cheese, you can get creative with what you stuff inside the Kong to make it a fun treat for your dog.
interactive dog videos
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If you want to distract your dog, try playing an interactive dog video. Some videos on YouTube are specifically designed to appeal to dogs, often featuring moving animals or objects that capture the dog’s attention. This is not a replacement for physical exercise, but it is a fun way to stimulate children’s curiosity and provide entertainment. Your dog may not understand what’s happening on the screen. Still, many dogs find watching videos and audio appealing, especially if they see an animal they recognize, such as a squirrel or another dog.
DIY tugboat toys
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You don’t need to use commercially available toys for tug of war. Get creative and make your own tug-of-war toy using old t-shirts, towels, rope, and more. Simply cut the fabric into strips and weave them together to create a durable tow rope. You can also add knots or loops to increase grip. Homemade tow toys are just as fun as purchased ones, and you can engage in interactive play without having to buy expensive toys. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle old fabric while entertaining your dog.
Hide your dog’s favorite toy
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Hide your dog’s favorite toy somewhere in the house and encourage him to find it. You can start by showing them where it is and gradually move it to more difficult locations. This facilitates problem solving and keeps your mind active. You can also use this as an opportunity to enhance the “find it” command, which can be useful in other situations as well. This activity provides both mental and physical stimulation and is a great way to entertain your dog when they’re stuck indoors.
“Which hand” game
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In this simple game, hide a treat in one hand and hold out both hands to your dog. Encourage them to smell and choose which hand to hold the treat in. This game stimulates your dog’s sense of smell and helps with concentration and decision-making. It’s a great way to challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills without taking up much space. You can increase the difficulty by quickly switching hands or using different treats to help your dog guess and focus.
The ultimate indoor dog Olympics
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So whether it’s a rainy day or you just want to spend a quiet afternoon indoors, these activities can keep your dog entertained and mentally engaged. From stimulating their senses with fun games to teaching them new tricks, there are endless ways to bond while staying active indoors. If you use each other’s instincts to make the most of your space, you’re sure to have a great time. Your dog may also enjoy the fun so much that he never wants to stop. Because a tired dog is a happy dog.
