How do you entertain your dog indoors? Although most dogs love to go outside for playtime and physical exercise, outdoor activities that are a lot of fun aren’t always possible. But just because there are rainy days and you don’t want to take your dog out into the bad weather, doesn’t mean your dog has to turn into a total couch potato.
Keep your precious pooch entertained with these seven enriching indoor activities for dogs.
1. Play Fetch With Your Doggie
If you have a long hallway or a large living room, take a few minutes out of your busy day to throw their favorite toy or tennis balls and have your dog retrieve it. Running back and forth with a new toy is a fun way to keep your dog occupied and you won’t have to set foot outside, making this one of the easiest indoor games to try.
2. Create Your Own Obstacle Course
Having a fun DIY obstacle course inside provides mental stimulation for your canine, and can be extremely useful if you want to do dog training yourself. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to create a basic obstacle course or indoor dog park in your home so that you can teach your dog basic commands and new dog tricks.
This training session approach works best if you have a large basement or rec room, but it can also work if you have a sizable living room. Before you begin, look for objects or your dog’s own toys that can be used as part of your obstacle courses.
To give your dog an opportunity to jump, for example, you can set two boxes about three feet apart and lay a mop or broom across them, or just simply hold up a hula hoop and teach your pup to jump through it. Create your own weaving event by setting up a series of objects 24 inches apart. Have your dog enter on the left side and then weave its way through the course without knocking over any of the items. Don’t forget to give them treats or other positive reinforcement after finishing an obstacle course.
3. Incorporate Exercise Equipment For Indoor Dog Activities
If you’re one of the dog owners on a budget, look for ways to use equipment you already have in your home, like a treadmill or a mini-trampoline. Your dog may not have as much fun walking on a treadmill as it would sniffing around outdoors, but it’s still a good way to keep your dog active if you have to stay inside. Be sure to keep the speed and incline at a manageable level for your dog. What works for a healthy puppy full of energy is likely to be too fast or too steep for an older dog or a dog with joint problems.
4. Have a Puppy Party
Many of these indoor dog activities are designed for you to do one-on-one with your dog, but if you have a popular pooch, ask your neighbors to bring their dogs to your home for a canine celebration filled with fun games like shell game, puzzles or chase bubbles. Your dog will have a chance to run around with its pals, helping it stay active and happy.
5. Hit the Stairs
If you live in an apartment building or a house with more than one floor, walking up and down the stairs is one of the great indoor dog activities for both you and your dog. Entice your dog to run down the stairs by throwing a nice and soft new toy and aiming for the landing. Once your dog retrieves the dog toy, have it run back to you. Just be sure you clean up the stairway so that it is free of obstacles before you begin.
6. Treat Puzzles
Playing games indoors can help your dog mentally and emotionally stimulate itself instead of getting tired. According to a study, some dogs perform better at brain workouts like puzzle games. Playing with food puzzles or treat dispensing toys is a great example of indoor activity. These are puzzle toys that dispense treats or kibble as your pet plays with them. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind active and engaged, and it can also help to slow down their eating. There are a variety of food puzzles on the market, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your dog’s size and abilities.
7. Play Hide and Seek
One indoor activity that your dog will love is hide-and-seek. This game is not only fun for your pet, but it also helps to mentally stimulate them. To play, simply choose a room in your house and have your dog wait in another room while you hide. Once you are hidden, call your dog’s name and let them find you. Be sure to give them lots of praise and treats when they find you!
These are just a few of the many indoor activities that you can do with your dog to keep them active and happy. Indoor dogs can sometimes get bored, but with a little creativity, you can find ways to keep them entertained.
Pride & Prejudoodles raises well-trained goldendoodle and labradoodle puppies to have fun with you indoors or outdoors. If you want to add one of these friendly and intelligent dogs to your family, contact us today. One of our knowledgeable team members will respond as soon as possible.
