When it’s too rainy, cold, or just plain inconvenient to go outside, your energetic pup can start bouncing off the walls. As a dog owner, you might feel the challenge of keeping your furry friend entertained indoors, especially if your dog is used to plenty of outdoor time. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative and fun ways to keep your dog’s mind and body active even when the weather keeps you stuck inside. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of activities to keep your dog entertained indoors, and we’ll suggest some popular and highly-rated products available on Amazon that can help make these activities even more enjoyable. Let’s dive in!
Play Interactive Puzzle Games
Dogs are intelligent creatures who thrive on mental stimulation. Interactive puzzle toys are perfect for keeping your dog’s brain active and entertained, and they are especially helpful when you want to redirect that excess energy.
One popular option is the Outward Hound Hide N’ Slide Puzzle Toy. This toy has compartments that hide treats or kibble, and your dog needs to figure out how to slide and move pieces to reach the tasty reward. It’s an excellent way to keep your dog mentally challenged for an extended period. The best part is that you can adjust the difficulty to suit your dog’s abilities, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced puzzle solvers.
Another great choice is the Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle Toy, which features rotating layers that hide treats. Many dog owners have found these types of puzzle toys effective in keeping their pups entertained for long periods, reducing boredom and anxiety.
Teach New Tricks or Reinforce Old Ones
Training doesn’t have to be restricted to basic commands like “sit” and “stay.” Use indoor time to teach your dog more advanced tricks or fun skills. Consider teaching your dog how to spin, play dead, or even give a high-five. Not only will these tricks impress your friends, but they will also help your dog get a good mental workout.
You’ll want to have some high-quality treats on hand for this purpose. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats are a great choice since they are small and low-calorie, making them ideal for frequent rewarding during training sessions. Using a clicker, like the PetSafe Clik-R Trainer, can also help reinforce commands and encourage your dog to pick up on new tricks faster.
Create an Indoor Obstacle Course
Who says an agility course is only for the backyard or park? Use common household items like chairs, broomsticks, and cushions to create an indoor obstacle course for your dog. Let your dog weave through chair legs, jump over broomsticks, or crawl under coffee tables.
If you’d like to invest in something a little more durable, you can purchase the Outward Hound Indoor Agility Kit. This set includes an adjustable high jump, tunnels, and cones to make your living room feel like an agility arena. It’s perfect for getting your dog’s body moving and also gives you a chance to work on those agility commands.
Play a Game of Hide and Seek
Dogs love to use their noses, so hide-and-seek is an excellent game for getting them to put their natural sniffing abilities to work. One fun way to play is by hiding yourself in another room and calling your dog to find you. This game is not only entertaining but also great for reinforcing recall commands.
You can also use treats or favorite toys and hide them around the house. Consider using Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Treats to add some extra excitement for your dog. Start with easy hiding spots and gradually make the game more challenging as your dog becomes an expert seeker.
Tug-of-War
Tug-of-war is a classic indoor game that helps burn off some of that extra energy. Make sure you have a sturdy toy for this activity—the Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Tug is highly rated and durable enough to withstand lots of tugging. It’s a great choice if you want to enjoy an interactive play session that requires both physical strength and engagement for your dog.
While playing tug-of-war, it’s important to remember that you are in control. If your dog gets too rowdy, you can end the game and have them calm down before starting again. This teaches good manners and self-control.
Use a Snuffle Mat
Snuffle mats are fantastic for stimulating your dog’s natural instincts. These mats are designed with soft fabric folds where you can hide pieces of kibble or treats, encouraging your dog to use their sense of smell to locate them. The Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat is one of the most popular options on Amazon and has excellent reviews from pet owners.
This type of activity can slow down fast eaters and also provide a satisfying way to help dogs relieve boredom. The mat’s soft design also means it’s safe for indoor play, even in small spaces.
Rotate Your Dog’s Toys
Dogs can get bored with the same old toys day after day. One way to keep your dog entertained is to rotate their toys every week. Take out a few toys at a time and hide the others—this way, every time you bring out the “old” toys, they’ll feel brand new and exciting again.
Consider adding some variety to your collection with the KONG Classic Dog Toy. This toy is perfect for stuffing with peanut butter, kibble, or other treats. Freezing it before giving it to your dog will make the fun last even longer.
Enjoy Scent Work Activities
Dogs have incredible noses, and scent work is a great way to keep them entertained indoors. You can create a scent work game by hiding different scents around the house. Start by using a few drops of Pure Snout Sniffer Training Scent on a cotton ball and placing it somewhere easy for your dog to find.
If your dog gets the hang of it, you can gradually increase the difficulty of the game by placing scents in more hidden or challenging spots. This activity can give your dog a sense of accomplishment while providing both mental and sensory stimulation.
Play Fetch Indoors with Soft Toys
Fetch is usually an outdoor game, but you can make it work indoors with the right toy. Opt for a lightweight toy that won’t damage anything if it gets thrown across the room—the Chuckit! Indoor Ball is perfect for this purpose. It’s made of soft, lightweight material that’s gentle on furniture and floors.
You can play fetch in a hallway or any open area inside your home. If your dog gets a little too excited, consider shortening the session or switching to another activity to help calm them down.
Engage with Interactive Pet Cameras
If you’re working from home and need to keep your dog entertained while you’re busy, consider investing in an interactive pet camera like the Furbo Dog Camera. This camera lets you toss treats to your dog remotely, talk to them, and even keep an eye on them throughout the day.
The Furbo is especially helpful if your dog gets anxious when left alone, as you can reassure them with your voice and provide treats to keep them occupied. The treat-tossing feature can also be used to create a game while you’re at your desk, rewarding your dog for good behavior.
Bake Homemade Dog Treats
Why not turn a rainy day into a baking day? Your dog will love being part of the kitchen action while you make homemade dog treats. It’s a fun way to bond with your dog, and it also gives you full control over the ingredients.
Use a simple recipe with ingredients like peanut butter, oats, and pumpkin. You’ll need a cookie cutter to make fun shapes—the Wilton Bone Cookie Cutter Set is ideal for this. Once the treats are baked and cooled, let your dog sample a few, and watch their excitement as they savor the goodies you made just for them!
Set Up a Doggy Play Date
If you know another dog who gets along well with yours, you could arrange an indoor play date. You’ll want to set up a safe, dog-proofed area with plenty of toys and space for them to interact. Just be sure to supervise the play to prevent any accidents or disputes over toys.
The PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-a-Jug is a great toy for two dogs to share since it encourages interactive play and dispenses treats while they tug on it. Your dog will love the company, and it’s also a good way to help them maintain social skills.
Provide a Comfortable Place to Rest
Keeping your dog entertained indoors is great, but they also need a cozy spot to rest once playtime is over. A comfortable dog bed like the Furhaven Plush Orthopedic Pet Bed can help your dog unwind and get the rest they need.
If you’ve been keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated, they’ll appreciate having a quiet place to settle down. Many dogs enjoy lounging in their bed with a chew toy like the Benebone Wishbone to relax after an activity-filled day.
Try Doggy Yoga (Doga)
Have you ever tried yoga with your dog? Doga is an interesting way to bond with your dog while practicing gentle stretches and poses. Your dog may not exactly replicate the poses, but they will enjoy being close to you and mimicking your energy.
A Yoga Mat for Dogs, like the Pawfect Stretch Mat, provides a comfortable space for both of you to practice together. You can include your dog in simple stretches and encourage them to relax alongside you while you’re doing breathing exercises. It’s a fun, calming experience that’s particularly useful for high-energy dogs who need some quiet bonding time.
Use Food-Dispensing Toys
Food-dispensing toys are a great way to turn mealtime into an entertaining activity. Instead of simply putting food in a bowl, use toys like the KONG Wobbler or the Bob-A-Lot Interactive Pet Toy to make your dog work for their meal. These toys provide both mental and physical stimulation as your dog figures out how to knock or move the toy to release their food.
This can be especially useful if you have a fast eater. Slowing down their eating process can help prevent issues like bloating, and it makes mealtime a lot more interesting for them.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog entertained indoors doesn’t have to be a struggle. By mixing up activities and using a combination of toys, puzzles, training, and games, you can keep your dog happy and stimulated even when outside adventures aren’t possible. Whether it’s teaching a new trick, using an interactive puzzle, or simply playing a game of hide-and-seek, there’s no shortage of ways to ensure your dog stays mentally and physically engaged.
Remember, the key is to be creative and understand what kinds of activities your dog loves best. With a little bit of effort and some high-quality products, you’ll both be able to enjoy your time indoors—no matter the weather outside!