9 Fun Indoor Games to Play With Your Dog

Being stuck at home for any reason can be frustrating for both you and your dog. Whether it’s due to bad weather, illness, or other circumstances, staying inside for long periods can make your dog restless and bored. But even if you’re confined indoors, there are still plenty of ways to keep your furry friend entertained and happy.

Dogs need both mental and physical stimulation, and without it, they may become anxious or develop bad habits. Instead of letting your pup lounge around all day with nothing to do, try some fun and engaging activities that will keep them active and entertained. Here are some great indoor games and exercises that will help keep your dog’s body and mind sharp.

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Hidden Treasure

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. In fact, they have about 45 times more scent receptors than humans! That’s why scent-based games are a fantastic way to stimulate their minds while keeping them entertained. One of the easiest ways to engage their sense of smell is through a simple game of “Hidden Treasure.”

To play this game, gather a few small boxes, cups, or containers and arrange them upside down. Place a tasty treat or a favorite toy under one of them, then encourage your dog to start sniffing around. When they correctly identify the container with the hidden prize, celebrate their success with praise and, of course, let them have the treat! This game is not only fun but also a great way to reinforce problem-solving skills in dogs.

Another great option is a snuffle mat. These mats have multiple pockets and hiding spots for treats, encouraging your dog to use their nose to find hidden rewards. Many snuffle mats allow you to adjust the difficulty level, making it a great long-term activity to keep your dog engaged.

Hide and Seek

Most of us loved playing hide-and-seek as kids, and guess what? Your dog will love it too! This is a great way to reinforce recall training while also providing mental and physical exercise.

To play, first ensure that your dog understands basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Have them sit in one room while you hide in another part of the house. Once you’re in a good hiding spot, call their name and wait for them to come find you. When they locate you, reward them with enthusiastic praise and maybe a treat. This game is an excellent way to bond with your dog while keeping them mentally sharp.

Obedience Training

If you’re spending more time indoors, why not use it to reinforce or teach new commands? Obedience training is not only beneficial for your dog’s discipline, but it also provides mental stimulation that prevents boredom.
Dogs love to learn new things, especially when you make it fun. Even a few minutes of training can help them feel happy and calm. Teaching new commands also helps you and your dog work better together.

You can work on basic commands like sit, stay, down, come, and leave it, or try more advanced tricks like rolling over, spinning, or shaking paws. If your dog enjoys retrieving, an obedience-retrieving dumbbell is a great tool to incorporate into training sessions. Training doesn’t have to be long; just 10 to 15 minutes a day can make a big difference in your dog’s behavior and responsiveness.
Start with easy tricks if your dog is new to training. Always use treats, praise, or toys to make learning fun. Remember to be patient because every dog learns at their own speed.

Play Wild Sits

This is a fun and helpful way to teach your dog impulse control. The idea is to get your dog very excited, then quickly ask them to sit. You can do this by jumping around, waving your arms, or even running in circles to get their energy up. Once they’re excited, say, “Sit! ” in a clear and friendly voice. If your dog sits right away, give them lots of praise or a treat.

If they don’t, just try again until they understand the game. It’s a simple way to teach your dog to listen even when they’re full of energy. Practicing regularly will help your dog stay calmer in exciting situations.

 

 

Indoor Obstacle Course

You don’t need a backyard or expensive equipment to create a fun obstacle course for your dog. With a bit of creativity, you can use simple items found at home to make a playful and exciting challenge. For example, you can make a tunnel using an old cardboard box or a blanket draped over chairs. Stack some pillows or books to create hurdles for your dog to jump over.

You can also set up a weaving path using chairs or water bottles. For balance training, have your dog walk across a yoga mat or a sturdy piece of cardboard. Changing the setup from time to time keeps the course interesting for your dog. It’s a great way to keep them active, entertained, and mentally sharp, even when going outside isn’t an option.

Training Platform and Agility System

A more structured way to engage your dog is by using a dog training platform and agility system. These platforms help improve coordination, confidence, and obedience. Many training platforms are adjustable, so you can customize the height and difficulty level to match your dog’s abilities. Plus, some are waterproof and washable, making them great for both indoor and outdoor use.

Using agility equipment helps your dog build confidence, improve balance, and stay physically active. If you have space, consider setting up a small agility course inside. It’s a great way to keep your dog engaged and reinforce their training in a fun way.

Cardio Twist

Cardio isn’t just for people; dogs need it too! You can easily add fun cardio exercises to your indoor routine to keep your dog active. One great activity is creating a simple agility course at home.
Dogs enjoy running and moving around, even inside the house. They feel happy when they get to use their energy. Keeping them active also helps them sleep better at night.

Use chairs, cones, or even family members standing in a line to make a weaving path. Start slow and guide your dog through the obstacles, then gradually increase your speed to turn it into a fun workout. This type of game helps improve your dog’s coordination, focus, and burns off extra energy.
You don’t need special equipment to make this work. Any safe items at home can be part of your course. Just make sure there’s enough space so your dog can move around safely.

It’s a great way to keep your dog healthy and happy, even when outdoor play isn’t possible.
A happy dog is also a calm dog. Playing together helps build a stronger bond between you and your dog. Even short indoor workouts can make a big difference for their health.

Mental Games and Puzzle Toys

Physical activities are important, but mental exercises are just as important for your dog’s overall well-being. Dogs love solving problems and figuring things out, which helps keep their minds active and sharp. Puzzle toys are a great option because they make your dog work to find a hidden treat.

You can also try filling a Kong toy with peanut butter, yogurt, or kibble and freezing it for a tasty and challenging activity. Another fun game is the cup game, where you hide a treat under one of three cups and let your dog guess which one has the treat. These simple activities are perfect for dogs who may not be able to run around but still need something to keep them busy and happy.

Tug of War

Tug-of-war is a fun and classic game that many dogs enjoy. It’s a great way to help strengthen their jaw muscles while also giving them some mental exercise. Playing tug-of-war can also be a great bonding moment between you and your dog. To make the game even better, you can teach simple commands like “Drop it” or “Let go” to help your dog learn self-control. Just make sure to keep the game friendly and avoid rough pulling to prevent any injuries. This simple game is a fun way to keep your dog active and engaged indoors.

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Wrapping Up with Fun Indoor Games

Just because you’re stuck inside doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored. With a little creativity, you can turn any indoor space into a fun and stimulating environment for your furry friend. Whether it’s playing hide-and-seek, setting up an obstacle course, or practicing obedience training, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog engaged and happy.

The key is to mix things up and try different activities to see what your dog enjoys the most. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, so incorporating a variety of games will keep them both physically active and mentally sharp. And most importantly, these activities provide a wonderful opportunity for you and your dog to bond, strengthening your relationship and creating lasting memories.

So next time you’re homebound, don’t let it spoil the fun; get creative and keep your dog on their toes with these exciting indoor activities.

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