As a dog owner, you understand one thing very well – dogs love to be busy. It is crucial to keep them active both physically and mentally to avoid destructive behavior and anxieties. However, sometimes it’s impossible to take your furry friend out for a walk or run, especially during bad weather. That’s why we’ve created a list of indoor activities that will keep your dog active, entertained, and mentally stimulated, even when they’re stuck inside.
So in this article, we’ll explore various ways you can keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated while indoors. From interactive toys to food puzzles and indoor games, you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep your dog busy and happy even when staying home. So, let’s dive in and help you discover new ways to make your dog’s indoor time as fun and fulfilling as possible.
1. Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are an excellent way to keep your dog occupied indoors. These toys come in different shapes, sizes, and complexities, and are designed to challenge your pet mentally. Your dog has to work to find the tasty treats hidden inside. Puzzle toys are great for keeping boredom at bay and for mentally stimulating your pet.
2. Indoor Agility Course
Create an indoor agility course for your dog. Use chairs, pillows, blankets, and other items available in your household to create the agility course. You can also use a hula hoop, cones, and tunnels that are appropriate for your pet’s size and age. Doing the same course multiple times will keep them engaged and motivated.
3. Hide and Seek
Dogs love to play hide and seek, which is also an excellent way of keeping them occupied indoors. You can hide treats around the house and encourage your pet to find them. You can also hide and call your dog by its name for a fun and interactive game.
4. Play Tug of War
Tug of War is an excellent game to play indoors with your dog. All you need is a rope, a towel, or an old shirt, and you’re ready. Make sure to play this game in a safe, open space where your pet won’t injure themselves.
5. Play Fetch
Depending on the size of your dog and the layout of your indoor space, you can play fetch with a ball, a soft toy, or a Frisbee. This game helps to keep them active and healthy.
6. Teach Your Dog New Tricks
Indoor time is an excellent opportunity for you to teach your dog new tricks. Start by teaching them basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. With time, you can teach other tricks like shaking hands, playing dead, and rolling over.
7. Set up a Playdate
Many dogs love having friends over, and a playdate can be an excellent way to keep your pet busy. Invite other pet owners over and let their dogs play with yours under supervision.
8. Have a Grooming Session
Grooming your dog is essential for their health and well-being. Use the indoor time to brush their hair, trim their nails, and clean their ears. This helps to build trust, and your pet will appreciate the bonding time.
9. Give Your Dog a Massage
Massaging your dog helps to improve their circulation, relieve stress and anxiety. Additionally, it builds a stronger bond between you and your pet. You should start slowly and gradually incorporating massages into your daily routine.
10. Set Up a Mini Photo Shoot
Dogs are naturally photogenic and love attention. Take some time to snap some pictures of your dog, alone or in different poses with you. Make sure that your camera settings are appropriate for your pet’s size and behavior.
11. Indoor Obedience Training
Obedience training indoors is an excellent way to keep your dog mentally engaged. Use treats to reward your pet for following commands such as sit, stand, and stay. As they learn, they can graduate to complex commands.
12. Play Music
Playing music can be a calming activity for dogs. Look for music that has calming rhythms or positive messages to help reduce stress and anxiety in your pet.
13. Provide Chew Toys
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and it’s essential to provide them with safe chew toys. These toys come in different shapes, sizes, and textures, and they are excellent for promoting healthy dental hygiene in your pet.
14. Create a Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are a great way to test your dog’s senses and intelligence. Hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your pet to find them.
15. Make Homemade Treats
Making homemade treats is an excellent way to keep your dog occupied and show them that you love them. You can easily find dog-friendly recipes online that are easy to make.
16. Watch TV Together
Your dog may enjoy watching TV with you. There are many pet-friendly channels, shows, and movies that you can watch together.
17. Provide a Variety of Toys
Dogs enjoy playing with toys, and it’s essential to provide a variety of them to keep them engaged. Different toys come in different materials, shapes, and sizes, so get creative.
18. Play Brain Games
Brain games are an excellent way to challenge your dog’s mind. These games range from simple to complex levels that require your dog to use their senses and intelligence to complete them.
19. Create a Relaxing Space
Dogs need a place to relax, just like humans. Create a relaxing space with comfortable bedding or blankets where your pet can rest and unwind.
20. Schedule Routine Playtime
Creating a daily or weekly routine for playtime is essential to keeping your dog occupied indoors. It provides your pet with consistent physical and mental stimulation while building a stronger bond between you and your pet.
21. Build a doggy jungle gym
Creating an indoor doggy jungle gym will encourage your dog to be active and tire them out mentally and physically. You don’t have to be an engineer to build one. You can design one with a sheet, cardboard, and chairs that can provide them with an obstacle course when jumping over or under.
22. Snuffle mats
Snuffling is a natural behavior for dogs, and snuffle mats are designed explicitly for this reason – to make meal times more entertaining and fulfilling. These mats have long, floppy strips of fabric or felt in various colors, and you can sprinkle your dog’s kibble onto them as if you were making a little bed. This helps to make mealtimes more engaging and slows down eating, allowing your dog to enjoy his meal peacefully.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog entertained indoors is essential to their overall well-being. The tips suggested in this article can help keep your pet stimulated, healthy and happy. Remember to keep it fun, safe, and engaging, and always supervise your pets during playtime. Lastly, make it a habit to engage in regular outdoor activities to keep your pet active and healthy.
Recommended Reading
- How To Stop Your Dog From Biting: 11 Simple Steps
- 30 Simple Dog Treat Recipes: Easy Made And Quick
- How To Train A Puppy To Walk On The Leash: Complete Guide
