Keeping your dog busy indoors will keep them entertained and prevent them from getting in trouble by misbehaving. Whether the weather is too cold, frosty or If you are just simply feeling under the weather yourself and want to stay inside, you and your dog will benefit from these activities, we’ve put together 12 ways that you can keep you and your dog entertained even from indoors!
Teach Your Dog Some New Tricks
Using A Stuffed Kong Toy
Play ‘find the treat
Make Your Dog Work For Their Meals
Teach Your Dog the Names of Their Toy
Start by playing with one specific toy and give it a name whilst you play with it. Once you have practised this and praised them, they will soon know that that specific name is for that specific toy. Once they get to this stage, you could further their skills by seeing If they can pick out that toy out of a pile with other toys.
Teach Your Dog to ‘Go Find’ their Toys.
Play a scent game
- Place a treat in one of your hands.
- Close both fists and hold them both out in front of your dog.
- Let the dog sniff out the treat and choose which hand it is in.
- When they sniff/paw/lick the correct hand, open it and give them the treat, along with some praise.
- If they chose incorrectly, don’t discourage them, it might take a few attempts to grasp it.
Obstacle Course – Indoor Agility
Create a mini agility course right in your living room using household items. Arrange chairs to weave through, blankets over tables to create tunnels, and pillows to jump over. Guide your dog through the course with treats and lots of encouragement. To up the ante, use puzzle toys at certain “pit stops” to add even more mental stimulation. This keeps them physically active and sharpens their listening skills and focus.
Benefits:
- Stimulates your dog’s brain, keeps them occupied, and satisfies their natural puzzle solving instincts
- The faster or more difficult you make the course, the more physical activity your pup receives
- This is particularly good for dogs that need a lot of mental and physical stimulation and can help prevent boredom-related behaviors
