DogExpress
Sometimes, it may be too cold or hot for your pup to run outside and play to heart’s content. But they need a definite amount of playtime and daily exercise to be healthy overall. This is where you can consult pet professionals and find clever ways to keep them active without leaving the house.
Experts say that indoor games provide dogs with essential novelty and pique their interest which, in turn, helps boost their engagement with those games. In addition, indoor entertainment offers various tools to satisfy your dog.
Building an agility course
You can always create an agility course for your dog in your living room using objects that you use every day. This is especially helpful when you cannot use the agility course you have constructed in the backyard.
Following are some items that can be used for such a purpose:
- stacked blankets, pillows, and towels that they can jump over
- low step stool or ottoman they can jump on
- hula hoops that they can leap through
- broom or pole placed across two boxes for them to jump over
- big open-ended boxes that your dog can crawl through
- flying discs or balls that they can catch
- baskets and a few toys that they must place within the basket
First, you must clear some space so your dog does not get hurt by jumping and running. This way, no valuables would be damaged too. Then, when you create the course, please walk your dog a couple of times through it. Once they get the hang of these, you can start playing in full earnest.
Playing magic cups
You can find an open space with a hardwood floor or a surface similar to that material. Next, you can instruct your dog to lie down or sit while setting up the game. Next, get three big plastic cups along with a tennis ball.
Put the ball under a cup, then shuffle it before your dog. After this, ask them to find the ball. You may have to help your dog find the ball the first few times before they start doing it themselves.
Hide and seek
Hide and Seek is an indoor game full of fun. It would provide your dog with the necessary exercise and is also one activity that the entire family would enjoy. All you have to do for this is get the most favorite toy of your dog.
Then, ask your dog to stay in one room while you hide the toy in another. Once you are done hiding, call them to come and find you. Once they can find you, you must reward them using that toy.
Finding the treats
Nose work games are said to be among the easiest ways to tire out your dog, and you can play them indoors too. To play the game, you must get a few treats and have your dog stay in another room while you hide them.
Once you are done, you can cue them to come and find the treats. Remember that you must praise them every time they can find one. Once you are sure your dog is acing the present level, you can make it a bit harder for them.
Using food dispensing toys
Food dispensing toys are a fun brain game for your dog as well. Such a toy contains food – here, your dog is supposed to find out how to get the food from the same. If you want to use them, you must fill them up with treats and encourage your dog to come and engage the toys.
Your dog will start dispensing the goodies when it moves the toy around. Thus, they are a great way to stimulate your dog mentally.
Teaching them how to use the treadmill
There are a few things to keep in mind:
- Get your dog used to the noise of the treadmill
- If the machine is a new one, you must let it sit for a few days before your dog gets visually used to it
- Use treats to get your dog to go up on the treadmill
- Please turn on the device only when they are comfortable with it
- Start with a slow pace of walking and give your dog treats to keep them on the machine
- Increase the speed gradually
Read Also: 11 Training Games To Help Your Pooch Love His Crate
Playing a game of fetch inside the home with your dog
If you have a long basement or hallway at home, you can use it to play fetch with your dog. It is easy to play the game – all you have to do is grab one of their favorite toys, such as a tennis ball and start having fun!
It is one of the most popular activities of many dog parents when it is too cold outside or raining. But, unfortunately, it means they cannot take their babies for the regular walk.
Playing dog puzzles
It is common knowledge that dogs are intelligent. Therefore, it must not surprise you that they always prefer playing games where they have to use their problem-solving skills a bit.
You can choose from all types of dog puzzles, which are great for increasing your dog’s mental capacity. It also helps increase their attention span and helps them develop better behavior.
Playing tug of war
Playing tug of war is a great exercise source for your dog. Also, according to the experts, it helps strengthen the bond you share with them.
First, however, you need to make sure that you find a durable rope that can hold up to all the rough and tumble. This way, it would last many games and satisfy your dog even if they happen among the most aggressive chewers around.
Snuffle mat
You can be sure the snuffle mat will be your new best friend. This is when you are looking for ways to bust the boredom being experienced by your dog. The rug has pieces of felt cloth throughout where you can hide small treats to train your pup. Hence, your dog must depend on their smell training to find the hidden treats.
Conclusion
Apart from the ones mentioned so far, you can try playing ball games within your house. These days, you get various toys, such as automatic ball launchers, to help you and your dog have the best time.
This device would throw the ball for your dog, so you do not have to do it. All you have to do is set the machine up and watch your naughty one play fetch for hours, even as you catch up on some entertainment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which games can I play indoors with my dog?
A: Some of the most popular games that you can play with your dog indoors are as follows:
- muffin tin puzzle
- name game
- snack track down
- clean up, clean up
- hide and seek
Q: What do dogs love to play indoors?
A: Interactive games are a great way to keep your dog busy on rainy days. The most popular options that you have in this case may be enumerated below:
- tug
- find the treats
- puzzle games
Q: Are dogs happy when they are indoors?
A: In most cases, dogs love the comforts they find within their homes. It includes the likes of the following:
- cozy beds
- good food
- lots of toys
They may love spending entire days cuddling with you on the couch.
Q: How to entertain clever dogs when they are indoors?
A: The following are the best options that you have in this regard:
- practicing short spells of obedience training each day
- giving them food-dispensing puzzle toys or stuffed Kong toys
- teaching your dog new tricks
Q: What do dogs do when they are indoors?
A: Usually, dogs spend 50% of the day sleeping when they are indoors. They spend an extra 30% simply lazing around and are active for the remaining 20%.
in Chandigarh, India. 
