Whether you’re staying at home for social distancing or to keep safe from bad weather, you need to engage your dog to keep them from becoming restless and destructive.
Here are 10 indoor activities you might want to try:
March 12, 2024
10 Fun Things To Do With Your Dog At Home
1. Create Puzzles
If you don’t already have puzzle games for your dog, you can make one from a muffin tin, some tennis balls, and some of your dog’s favorite treats. Hide treats in a few cups but cover all with tennis balls.
This simple game can be a great way to keep your dog entertained and engaged, while also providing them with a sense of accomplishment as they solve the puzzle. Plus, it's a great way to bond with your pet and show them some extra love and attention. So, get ready to watch your dog have a blast uncovering the correct cups and trying again for even more treats.
2. Play Finding Games
One of the easiest methods to tire your dog indoors is to play finding games, such as “Find the treats.” Or you can just use a dog toy your dog loves. Finding games stimulate your dog’s mind and scenting abilities. Hide a dog toy that excites them and teach them to “Find.”
Start with hiding places they can see and reward them when they give the toy back to you. Then, you can increase the difficulty of hiding places so they learn to use their sniffers. You can be creative, use cups, and hide a small treat or ball there. Let your dog watch you hide the treat, shuffle them, and let them guess where the hidden treat is.
Another option is to use a treat dispensing toy to increase your pup’s problem-solving skills. Most dogs love food dispensing toys because it alleviates boredom and promotes activity while indoors. This activity is something both you and your furry friend will surely enjoy.
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3. Brush Up on Dog Tricks
Obedience training is something you can easily do indoors. The five basic commands include sit, down, come, stay, and leave it. Tons of online videos will help you do this.
But if your dog has already mastered the basics, why not try teaching them some fun new tricks? From playing dead to high-fiving, there are endless options to choose from.
The key is to stay patient, use plenty of positive reinforcement, and have plenty of treats on hand to reward good behavior. With a little bit of time and effort, you'll be amazed at how quickly your dog can learn new skills and impress all your friends and family.
4. Learn How To Bake Dog Treats
If you're a dog owner who loves to spoil your furry friend with tasty treats, why not take it to the next level and learn how to bake your own homemade dog treats? Not only is it a fun and rewarding activity, but you can also control the ingredients to ensure your pup is getting the healthiest snacks possible.
From peanut butter biscuits to pumpkin pupcakes, there are endless recipe options to choose from. Baking dog treats is a great way to bond with your pet and show them how much you care. Plus, it's a great way to impress your dog-loving friends and family! So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and get ready to bake up some delicious treats for your furry best friend.
5) See How You Fare With Doga
If you enjoy yoga, try including your dog in your early morning yoga session.
Doga might sound silly, but there are genuine benefits to you and your dog if you can do it properly. Plus, it’s an incredible bonding experience you can continue doing regularly, just like a yoga practice.
6. Build A Makeshift Obstacle Course
Dogs love this sort of activity because it solves their boredom or they achieve physical exertion and mental stimulation at the same time. So, create an obstacle course in your home and have your dog weave through his toys or jump over some objects.
This is also a good way to teach your dog how to feel comfortable in an indoor dog park or an unfamiliar place as you practice on things they’ll likely encounter – hopping up on benches, jumping low branches, etc.
You may have to be creative at the start by using a dog's toys or a handful of dog treats to help him be motivated to move around and pass through obstacles.
7. Organize a Photoshoot
Style a portion of your home and turn it into a makeshift studio. Doing a photoshoot of your dog indoors can be a fun and creative way to capture your furry friend's unique personality and adorable moments. With some simple props and a bit of creativity, you can create a whole photo album of your pup's cutest and funniest expressions.
Dress them up in a cute outfit from Sparkpaws and add some fun accessories like hats or bow ties. Whether you use your phone or a professional camera, the key is to have fun and be patient with your dog's attention span.
With some treats and a little bit of training, you can turn your living room into a photo studio and create lasting memories of your beloved pet. So, strike a pose and get ready to capture your pup's best angles!
Although this activity is mainly for you, your pup will surely enjoy it for as long as it involves belly rubs and unlimited treats.
8. Start An Instagram Account
Are you stuck at home with lots of time on your hands? It’s the perfect time to start a social media presence for your dog. Puppies in dog clothes, like the SparkPaws Dog Pajama Onesies, are perfect for Instagram.
Document everything you’ve been doing at home and connect with other pet parents who are also indoors. Who knows? Your dog might end up being the next big social media pup-fluencer.
9. Play Tug of War
While you might struggle to play fetch indoors, playing tug-of-war can be a great way to burn off some energy and engage in a fun activity together. To get started, you'll need a durable tug toy that's specifically designed for dogs. Rope toys or rubber toys are great options.
Once you have the toy, encourage your dog to grab onto one end while you hold onto the other. Pull gently at first to avoid injuring your dog's teeth or jaws. You can gradually increase the intensity of the game as your dog gets more comfortable.
Remember to keep the game under control by setting some boundaries and rules. For example, make sure your dog knows to release the toy when you say "drop it." This will help prevent any accidental biting or aggressive behavior. Tug-of-war can be a great way to bond with your dog, but always remember to play safely and monitor your dog's behavior closely. And if your dog starts to lose interest, try switching up the toy or taking a break to avoid overstimulation.
10. Have a Dance Party
All you need is some music and a willingness to let loose and have fun.
Start by choosing music that you and your dog enjoy. You can play upbeat pop songs, classical music, or anything in between - the important thing is that you both enjoy it. Then, start dancing and encouraging your dog to join in. You can use treats or toys to entice your dog to dance with you, or simply use your enthusiasm and energy to get them excited. As you dance, remember to stay aware of your dog's needs and energy levels.
Dancing with your dog can be a fun way to bond with your pet, burn some energy, and promote a positive, joyful atmosphere in your home. So turn up the music, let go of your inhibitions, and enjoy a dance party with your furry friend!
Final Words
Staying at home with your dog need not be monotonous. There are always things you can do to have some fun indoors. But amidst all the fun indoor dog games, don’t forget to slow down and just hang out.
At the end of the day, your pup will just be happy to have you around.