A Busy Dog is a Happy Dog
Responsible dog owners know their pets need a certain level of physical activity every day, ranging from a walk or two to full-on obstacle courses. However, it’s not always possible to take dogs outside, or sometimes the dog has more energy than anticipated. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your furry friend content indoors too.
1. Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are an interactive challenge that tests your dog’s problem-solving skills. There are many different kinds to choose from, and of course, you can never go wrong with the kind that dispenses treats to keep them extra engaged.
2. Mini Obstacle Course
Obstacle courses don’t always have to be outdoors. If you have the room, you can move some furniture and boxes around to create your own impromptu mini obstacle course indoors.
3. Name Recognition
Being trapped indoors is also a great opportunity to work on some basic training. You can start simple with name recognition, but also test their sit and stay commands. Just be sure to have motivating treats on hand.
4. Indoor Fetch
Even if you don’t have miles of space to play with, you can still play indoor fetch with ideally a soft toy. Just find a hallway where you can roll the toy away before having it brought back to you. Be sure to avoid breakable furniture.
5. Dog TV
If you look up Dog TV on YouTube, you’ll find plenty of interactive videos you can put on for your furry friend. They might enjoy watching the various birds and squirrels that come on the show, and it can also be calming for certain anxious dogs.
6. Tug of War
Tug of war is another game that doesn’t require too much space to play. All you need is a rope toy, and you can even work on your take it and drop it commands in the meanwhile. Just be sure to come out the winner.
7. Chew Toy
A chew toy is a great way to mentally stimulate your dog while addressing his natural instinct to want to chew things. They’re proven to reduce stress and can also distract the pet from aiming at furniture instead.
8. Balance Discs
It turns out it’s very beneficial for dogs to work on their balance. This improves their coordination and core muscles and can even help seniors recover from injuries. With that in mind, all you’ll need is a balancing disc, or you could use some cushions to DIY it.
9. Hide and Treat
Hiding treats around the house is a great way to engage multiple senses for your dog. Not only do they have to use their nose, but they get some mental stimulation and are rewarded for their behavior too. You can adjust the difficulty of the game by mixing in some hard-to-reach spots.
10. Window Watching
If you have a nice big window in your house, pull up the curtains and plop your dog in front of it. You can even give him a chew toy so he can stay there for a bit and observe the outside world. Lots of dogs find watching outside activity to be quite entertaining.
11. Stair Climbing
If your home has a set of stairs, this is a great way to get your dog some physical exercise and hopefully tire him out. All you’ll need is a toy, which you throw up the stairs only for the dog to get it and bring it back to you. Repeat this process a few times, and they’ll be ready for bed sooner rather than later.
12. Scent Training
Being stuck indoors is also a great opportunity to work on some scent training. You can even use specific scents like lavender or peanut butter to help them differentiate between smells and improve their tracking abilities.
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13. New Tricks
You can also work on new tricks, and this kind of training strengthens their bond with you while stimulating them mentally. Some fun tricks could be spin or play dead. Just be sure to keep treats on hand to reward their dedication.
14. Blow Bubbles
If you have a bubble blower, you can find a slightly open space and go at it. Just be sure to use dog-safe bubbles so they don’t ingest any dangerous chemicals. Most dogs will be happy to wander about chasing and popping bubbles.
15. Keep Away
Keep away is another game in which you need two people. The idea is to toss a toy back between the two of you, letting your dog bound from one side to the other in attempts to intercept the object. Just be sure to reward them if they succeed in getting the toy.
16. Dog Massage
If you just want to plop down on the couch and relax, you can show your buddy the pros of downtime. When your dog comes to lay with you, you can give them a gentle massage by rubbing their shoulders, backs, and legs. This is especially beneficial for older and anxious dogs.
17. Impromptu IQ Test
There are plenty of fun dog IQ tests available online. You can do most of these tests with a few everyday objects and a handful of treats. Not only will it test your dog’s problem-solving skills, but now you’ll have a definitive answer on just how smart your dog is.
18. Shell Game
The shell game essentially requires three cups and a treat. You simply hide the treat under one cup, shuffle it around for the dog, and let them pick which cup to lift.
19. Frozen Treats
If you had some frozen treats stashed away in the freezer, this is the opportunity to take them out. Not only is this a great way to cater to teething puppies, but it will keep your dog busy for a while as they work through the enriching meal.
20. Dog Bath
If your dog is a fan of baths, then this might be a good opportunity to get that chore out of the way. Not only will it take some time, but it can be a great bonding activity and something to do. You can even follow it up with a brushing session to give them a full spa experience.
