Rainy day? Too cold to go out? No problem! Keeping your dog entertained indoors is not only possible—it’s fun, rewarding, and essential for their mental and physical health. Whether you live in a small apartment or a spacious home, these 10 indoor games offer a great way to bond and burn energy together.
Let’s dive in!
1. Hide and Seek
How to Play: Ask your dog to stay while you hide somewhere in the house. Then call their name and wait for them to sniff you out.
Why It’s Great: This game builds recall skills, engages their problem-solving abilities, and strengthens your bond.
Make It Better: Reward them with treats and excited praise when they find you.
2. Treat Treasure Hunt
How to Play: Hide small treats throughout different rooms and let your dog sniff them out.
Why It’s Great: Stimulates their natural foraging instincts and keeps them mentally engaged.
Make It Better: Start with easy hiding spots and gradually make the hunt more challenging.
3. Tug-of-War
How to Play: Use a sturdy tug toy and engage your dog in a gentle pulling match.
Why It’s Great: It’s great for releasing energy and strengthening muscles—plus, dogs love it.
Make It Better: Incorporate commands like “take it” and “drop it” to reinforce training.
Tip: Let your dog win sometimes—it keeps the game fun and balanced.
4. The Cup Game (Shell Game)
How to Play: Hide a treat under one of three cups, shuffle them, and let your dog guess where it is.
Why It’s Great: Encourages focus, nose work, and mental sharpness.
Make It Better: Add more cups or faster shuffling as your dog gets the hang of it.
5. Indoor Obstacle Course
How to Play: Build a course using pillows, chairs, broomsticks, and boxes. Guide your dog over, under, and around each item.
Why It’s Great: Provides a full-body workout and helps boost confidence and agility.
Make It Better: Time their runs and track improvement—or turn it into a race if you have multiple dogs!
6. Find the Toy
How to Play: Let your dog see a toy, ask them to wait, then hide it somewhere nearby.
Why It’s Great: This game taps into scent tracking and memory.
Make It Better: Use different toys each time to keep the game exciting and challenging.
7. The “Which Hand” Game
How to Play: Hide a treat in one hand, close both fists, and ask your dog to choose.
Why It’s Great: A quick, brain-teasing game that builds impulse control and nose work.
Make It Better: Add cues like “guess” or “find it” to increase your dog’s engagement.
8. Indoor Fetch with Soft Toys
How to Play: Toss a soft toy down a hallway or into an open space for your dog to retrieve.
Why It’s Great: It’s fetch without the need for a big backyard, and it helps burn off extra energy.
Make It Better: Try bouncing the toy off walls or mixing in tug-of-war between throws.
9. Trick Training Session
How to Play: Teach or reinforce tricks like “roll over,” “spin,” “sit pretty,” or “high five.”
Why It’s Great: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise, and trick training enhances obedience.
Make It Better: Keep sessions short and end on a high note with plenty of praise and treats.
10. Doggy Dance Party
How to Play: Turn on some music and move around with your dog—encourage them to follow, spin, jump, or bounce with you.
Why It’s Great: It’s a fun, silly way to exercise and bond.
Make It Better: Incorporate simple cues into your dance routine like “twirl” or “boogie.”
Final Thoughts
Indoor playtime doesn’t have to be boring. These interactive games will help you keep your dog physically active, mentally sharp, and emotionally connected—even when the weather keeps you inside. Rotate games regularly to keep things fresh and fun.
