If the weather isn’t cooperating or you’re caring for Fido while working full-time, you may need some ways to entertain your dog indoors. Luckily, you don’t need a lot of space or expensive toys to make indoor playtime exciting. Here are some easy and engaging activities to keep them happy and entertained while indoors.
Play Hide and Seek
Hide and seek isn’t just a game for humans—letting your furry friend join in is a great way to entertain them without leaving the house! To play, have your dog sit and stay while you find a hiding spot. Once you’re ready, call their name and let them search for you. Then, reward them with praise, treats, or their favorite toy each time they find you.
Set up an Indoor Obstacle Course
You don’t need a backyard to set up a fun agility course—your living room will do just fine! Use pillows to create small jumps, arrange chairs as weaving obstacles, or set up blankets for your pup to crawl under. Guide them through the course using treats or their favorite toy, and adjust the setup to match their comfort level. If you have a senior dog, keep the obstacles low and gentle to ensure they can participate safely. It’s a fantastic way to provide both physical and mental exercise without ever stepping outside!
Have Fido “Find It”
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so why not put it to good use with a fun indoor scent game? Show your pup a treat or favorite toy, then place it somewhere nearby while they watch. Give them the cue to “find it,” and watch as they track it down! Once they get the hang of it, step up the challenge by hiding the item in another room or under objects. This game is perfect for keeping their brain engaged and works especially well for scent-driven breeds.
Play with Puzzle Games
If you’re looking for a way to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated, puzzle games are a great option. There are plenty of interactive toys designed to challenge their problem-solving skills, from treat-dispensing balls to sliding puzzle boards. No puzzle toys on hand? No problem! Try making a DIY version by placing treats inside a muffin tin and covering them with tennis balls—your pup will have to figure out how to move the balls to get their reward. Adding a lick mat into your dog’s routine is another simple yet effective way to keep your dog occupied while making treat time last longer.
Have a Treasure Hunt
A treasure hunt is a great way to turn your home into a fun adventure zone for your pup. To set it up, hide small treats in different rooms and encourage your dog to sniff them out. Once your pup gets used to the game, shift from easy hiding spots to more challenging ones. You can also create a scent trail by rubbing a treat along surfaces in your home, leading to a big reward at the end. Another great way to make mealtime more exciting is to make a treasure hunt using a snuffle mat, which encourages your dog to “hunt” for their kibble.
Get Creative with DIY Games
Homemade games are a great way to entertain your pup without spending a dime. Try playing a game with a cup by placing a treat under one of three cups and shuffling them around. Then, your dog will have to figure out which cup holds the prize! Another easy DIY game is to roll up some treats inside an old towel and let your dog work to unroll it.
Keeping your dog entertained indoors doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little creativity, you can turn everyday household items into fun and engaging activities that will keep Fido busy for hours. So, the next time you’re stuck inside, try out a few of these ideas—you might just discover your dog’s new favorite game!
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