Just like us, our furry friends need mental and physical stimulation to thrive. Research even suggests that animals, like humans, can experience boredom, which motivates them to explore and learn.1 This means that keeping our dogs entertained isn’t just about fun—it’s about their overall well-being.
So, if your pup is spending more time indoors, here are fun and engaging indoor dog activities to keep your canine companion entertained, stimulated, and happy within the comfort of your own home.
1. Hide-and-Seek
Hide treats or toys around the house for your dog to find. This stimulates their sense of smell and provides mental stimulation as they search for their reward.
2. DIY Obstacle Course
Create an indoor agility course with household items like chairs, blankets, and boxes. This is a great way to burn energy and challenge your dog’s physical abilities.
3. Tug-of-War
Play a friendly game of tug-of-war with a durable rope toy. This provides a bonding experience and allows your dog to express their natural instincts in a safe and controlled way.
4. Interactive Puzzle Toys
Invest in puzzle toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving skills. These keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained while rewarding their efforts.
5. Indoor Fetch
If space allows, play fetch with a soft toy or ball indoors. This is a classic game that most dogs love and provides much-needed exercise.
6. Training Sessions
Use indoor time to practice basic obedience commands or teach new tricks. This reinforces positive behavior and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
7. Stuff a Kong
Fill a Kong toy with peanut butter, kibble, or other dog-friendly treats. This keeps your dog busy trying to extract the goodies and can even be frozen for a longer-lasting challenge.
8. Nose Work Games
Hide treats or scented objects around the house for your dog to find using their sense of smell. This taps into their natural instincts and provides a rewarding mental workout.
9. Indoor Agility Course Apps
There are various apps available that simulate agility courses on your phone or tablet. These can be a fun way to challenge your dog’s mind and body indoors.
10. Play with Bubbles
Blow some bubbles for your dog to chase and pop. This is a simple yet surprisingly entertaining activity for many dogs.
11. Snuffle Mat
Provide a snuffle mat filled with treats or kibble. This encourages your dog to use their natural foraging instincts and can provide a calming and enriching experience.
12. Stairway Dash
If you have stairs, encourage your dog to race up and down for a quick burst of exercise. This can be particularly beneficial for smaller or older dogs who may not need as much space to run.
13. Homemade Dog Treats
Bake some healthy, homemade treats with dog-friendly ingredients. This can be a fun activity to do together, and your dog will love the delicious reward.
14. Doggy Massage
Give your dog a relaxing massage to relieve tension and improve circulation. This can be a bonding experience and help your dog feel calm and loved.
15. Interactive Food Dispensers
Use puzzle feeders or slow feeders to make mealtime more engaging for your dog. This can help prevent boredom and slow down fast eaters.
16. New Tricks Training
Teach your dog a new trick like “shake,” “roll over,” or “play dead.” This provides mental stimulation and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
17. Indoor Agility Drills
Practice basic agility skills indoors, such as weaving through your legs or jumping over low obstacles. This helps improve coordination and provides a fun challenge.
18. Doggy Dance Party
Put on some music and have a dance party with your dog. This is a great way to get some exercise and have fun together.
19. Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Hide treats or toys in different rooms and give your dog clues to find them. This game provides mental stimulation and encourages problem-solving skills.
20. Cardboard Box Fun
Give your dog a cardboard box to explore. They can rip it up, hide in it, or even use it as a makeshift bed.
21. Dog-Friendly TV or Music
Put on some calming music or a TV show with dog-friendly sounds and visuals. This can help keep your dog entertained and relaxed while you’re busy with other tasks.
22. Muffin Tin Challenge
Place treats or kibble in a muffin tin and cover each cup with a tennis ball. Your dog will have to figure out how to remove the balls to get their reward.
23. Doga (Dog Yoga)
Try some simple yoga poses with your dog, incorporating them into stretches and gentle movements. This can be a relaxing and bonding experience for both of you.
24. Blanket Fort Fun
Create a cozy blanket fort for your dog to explore and relax in. They might enjoy hiding in it or simply snuggling up for a nap.
25. DIY Food Puzzles
Create simple food puzzles using household items like cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, or toilet paper rolls. Fill them with treats or kibble and let your dog figure out how to get them out.
26. Indoor Swimming (if applicable)
If you have a bathtub, fill it with water and let your dog splash around. This can be a great way to cool down and get some exercise on hot days.
27. Grooming Session
Give your dog a thorough brushing, nail trim, or ear cleaning. This not only helps maintain their hygiene but can also be a relaxing bonding experience.
28. Paw Painting
Dip your dog’s paws in non-toxic paint and let them create a masterpiece on a canvas or paper. This can be a fun and creative activity for both of you.
29. Indoor Gardening
Create a small indoor garden with pet-safe plants that your dog can sniff and explore. This can add some greenery to your home and provide a stimulating environment for your dog.
30. Story Time
Read aloud to your dog in a soothing voice. This can be a calming activity for both of you, especially before bedtime.
31. Shell Game
Use three cups and a treat to play the classic shell game with your dog. This tests their memory and problem-solving skills as they try to track the hidden treat.
32. Sock Tug
Stuff an old sock with another sock or fabric scraps and let your dog have a tugging good time. This can be a great way to release energy and provide a safe chewing outlet.
33. Follow the Leader
Walk around the house, changing speeds and directions, and have your dog follow you. This can be a fun and simple way to get them moving and practicing their obedience skills.
34. Have a Photoshoot
Set up a backdrop with fun props and costumes for your dog, and capture their unique personality in a series of adorable photos. You can even try different poses and expressions to make the photoshoot even more memorable.
35. Relax on the Couch
Create a cozy space on the couch with your dog’s favorite blanket and some calming music, and let them cuddle up and relax by your side. A gentle massage or a few ear scratches can also enhance their relaxation and strengthen your bond.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.