When the weather outside is less than ideal, keeping your dog entertained indoors becomes essential. Luckily, there are plenty of fun activities you can do with your furry friend to keep them happy, engaged, and mentally stimulated.
From interactive games to DIY toys, here are 6 ways to entertain your dog inside the home.
1) Puzzle Toys:
Dog puzzle toys are a great way to challenge your dog’s mind and keep them entertained. These toys are designed to dispense treats when your dog figures out how to solve the puzzle. Not only do they provide mental stimulation, but they also encourage problem-solving skills.
I have this for my pup but put 1 or 2 small treats in each section. It can be found on Amazon. (Click image)
2) Hide and Seek:
Hide and seek is a fun game that dogs love. Start by hiding behind furniture or in another room, then call your dog’s name and wait for them to find you. You can also hide treats around the house for your dog to sniff out. I will also use coffee or plastic cups (and reuse them) to hide treats under. I’ll spread them around the room and they must figure out how to tip the cup to get the treat.
3) Indoor Fetch:
If you have a bit of space indoors, playing fetch can be a great way to burn off some energy. Use a soft toy or ball to avoid damage to your furniture and be mindful of any fragile items in the room. I also have a self-fetch toy which my little one LOVES! (THE TENNIS BALLS ARE SMALL, SO RECONSIDER IF YOU HAVE A LARGE DOG) You need to teach them how to use it, but it’s worth it!
This is safe for indoors since the balls just roll out, but please be careful IF YOU HAVE LARGER DOGS since the balls are small and become a choking hazard. (click the image to find it on Amazon)
4) Training Sessions:
Use indoor time to work on training with your dog. Teach them new tricks, practice obedience commands, or work on agility skills using household items like chairs and broomsticks. After having dogs for over 25 years, the one treat that is a go-to for all breeds and sizes of dogs is liver treats. They are small, all dogs love them, and you can break them up and are not as filling as normal dog treats. They are perfect for training.
Highly Recommend (click image to find on Amazon)
5) Tug-of-War:
A good old game of tug-of-war can be a great way to bond with your dog and provide them with some physical exercise. Just make sure to use a sturdy toy that is designed for this purpose.
6) Snuffle Mat:
A snuffle mat is a mat with pockets where you can hide treats or kibble. Your dog will have to sniff and search for the treats, keeping them mentally engaged and satisfied.
Encourages Natural Foraging Skills & Helps Relieve Stress in Dogs (click on image to find on Amazon)
Conclusion:
Keeping your dog entertained indoors is not only important for your dog’s physical health but also for their mental well-being. By incorporating these fun activities into your routine, you can ensure that your furry friend stays happy, healthy, and entertained, no matter the weather outside.
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