Ways to entertain your dog indoors

Dogs need a lot of stimulation. Whether it comes in the form of walking, playing, or training sessions, these mental and physical interactions go a long way in keeping your pup happy and healthy. When it comes to outdoor activities, unfortunately, sometimes the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Thankfully, there are many ways to entertain your dog indoors. Here are some fun ways to interact with your pup when going outside isn’t an option.

When staying inside might be essential

Weather or other environmental reasons may cause you to need to keep your pets indoors, but other situations make it safer or more convenient to play inside. When it comes to safety, there could be:

• Construction. Dust, nails, and other debris are a risk if there’s construction occuring on your property or in your community.
• Wild animals. If you live in a more secluded area, you may notice wild animals sniffing around. It’s important to keep your pets away from them to prevent injuries and discourage them from running away.
• Allergies. If your pet has specific allergies, being outside may cause an allergic reaction or at the very least, discomfort during certain times of the year.
• Dog temperament. Your dog may do better in one-on-one play, and if you live in a place where your dog area is constantly busy, you’ll want to consider indoor play.

8 tips for entertaining your dog indoors

Indoor play doesn’t have to be boring and can be as fun as running around outside.

1. Stock up on interactive toys

From electronic fetch games to engaging pet puzzles, there’s no shortage of interactive dog toys on the market. They keep your dog focused, entertained, and active.

• If your pup loves nothing more than playing with a ball. Opt for a Wobble Wag Giggle Ball, which giggles and makes noise when rolled or shaken.
• If you want something less noisy. The Tuwicx Automatic Rolling Ball moves and bounces when your dog touches it. A bonus? You can control it with a small remote.
• If your dog needs to let energy out. Check out the All for Paws Automatic Ball Launcher. All Fido needs to do is drop a tennis ball inside and the machine will throw it up to 30 feet. Indoors, this works great down a long hallway.

2. Switch up your games

While fetch and tug o’ war are some of the more popular games, there are plenty of other options.

• “Chase the Prey.” You use a flirt pole and slowly move it around as your dog tries to catch it. Pups love this because it unleashes their prey drive and requires focus.
• “Doggy Basketball.” Find a basket or trash can and a ball and show your pup how to drop the ball inside, while saying “drop.” Every time you say the drop command and your dog successfully puts the ball in the basket, give them a treat.
• “Round Robin.” Each person sits in a different location around the room and has treats ready. Take turns saying your dog’s name or the “here” command, and when your pup arrives where they’re supposed to go, give them the treat.
• “Hide and Seek.” While your dog stays in one room, go hide in another. Bring one of their toys or some treats to help them find you faster and give it as a reward when they do!

3. Turn on dog-friendly TV

YouTube channels like PetTunes – Music for Pets and Calm Your Dog – Relaxing Music and TV for Dogs were created just for the purpose of entertaining our furry friends. The music uses repetitive rhythms to help relax and calm your pet and the visuals are just as soothing.

There’s also DOGTV, which is a television channel made specifically for dogs.

4. Give them a chew toy

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs because they use their mouths to explore the world around them. It provides sensory input, relieves stress and anxiety, and cleans teeth.

Giving your pup a chew toy can help keep them stimulated if you don’t have the time to play a game or do a training session. Choose one that is engaging, durable, and safe. It should also be appropriate for your dog—if it’s too small, it can become a choking hazard. You could even give them vet-recommended healthy natural chews, which are specifically designed to improve your dog’s oral health and keep them stimulated.

5. Introduce scent work

When it comes to enrichment, vets think that just 20 minutes of sniffing is equivalent to a one-hour walk. Scent work is a great way to entertain your dog indoors if a long walk isn’t an option.

You can introduce sniffing exercises by hiding treat trails around the house or through treat puzzles and snuffle mats. These toys are designed to stimulate a dog’s senses and curiosity through their various textures, shapes, and movements.

6. Try new training exercises

While some pet parents may assume that dogs don’t like training, most dogs actually do! Training gives dogs an outlet for mental and physical stimulation, strengthens the bond with their owner, provides predictability and routine, and builds confidence.

Don’t know where to start? Begin with basic commands and work your way up to more challenging tricks. When in doubt, reach out to a professional trainer for guidance.

7. Arrange doggy play dates

If your dog is good with other dogs, you can never go wrong with arranging a doggy playdate. Just make sure that both dogs are properly socialized and up to date on their vaccinations. Once you confirm this with the other owner, you can let your pups play to their heart’s desire.

“Most dogs are up to date on vaccines around 4 months of age, this would be a safe age for them to go on play dates. Also, it is important dogs don't have any orthopedic issues that this excessive play could exacerbate.” - Dr. Dwight Alleyne

8. Create an obstacle course

You can create your own homemade agility course using couch cushions, chairs, blankets, doggy gates, and toys. Once it’s set up, lead your dog through each step with treats so they understand the course. If they master it quickly, you can get creative and try different furniture arrangements and obstacles.

No matter how you entertain your dog indoors, giving your pup the enrichment they need will only improve their life and strengthen your bond.