Fun indoor activities to keep your dog busy

We’ve all been there: it’s been raining for hours and your pup is giving you that look — the one that says, “I'm bored.” When the weather isn’t cooperating, there are plenty of fun things to do with your dog at home that can be just as tiring as a walk around the neighborhood. In fact, engaging your dog's mind with indoor games can be even more enriching than a simple stroll. We've broken down some of the best ways to get in some quality indoor play, from gentle activities for senior dogs to stimulating games for puppies and high-energy pups.

Why indoor activities are important for dogs

You might think that your dog's only need is physical exercise, but a happy dog needs a balanced routine of physical, mental and sensory stimulation. Providing enrichment is a great way to do that. Think of it like a triangle with three equal sides: physical, mental and sensory. If you're only focusing on long walks, you're leaving a lot of your pup’s needs unmet. Plus, without a constructive outlet, a dog’s natural instincts and energy can lead to unwanted behaviors like destructive chewing, barking or even anxiety. Indoor games provide a constructive outlet for your dog’s cognitive and emotional needs.

It's important to remember that engaging a dog's brain can be just as effective as a run around the park. Fetch Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Aliya McCullough shares that “Mental exercise can tire a dog out just as effectively as physical exercise. Engaging a dog’s brain through problem-solving toys or scent games forces them to focus and expend mental energy, leading to a calmer, more relaxed pup.”

Scent-based brain games

A dog’s sense of smell is their superpower. Playing scent-based games is a fantastic way to engage this sense and provide valuable mental stimulation for dogs indoors.

Here are a couple of games to try:

• Find the treat: This is a simple but effective game. With your dog in a “stay,” place a high-value treat on the floor in plain sight. Give a release command like “Find it!” As they get the hang of it, you can increase the difficulty by placing treats behind furniture legs or in a different room.
• The shell game: This game is fun and easy to set up. Place three plastic cups upside down on the floor. With your dog watching, place a treat under one cup. Shuffle the cups around and encourage your dog to indicate which one hides the treat. This challenges their nose and focus.

Using a snuffle mat — a textured mat with strips of fabric for hiding treats — is another great way to provide indoor dog enrichment. It encourages your dog to use their nose to hunt for their food, turning a simple meal into an engaging puzzle.

Puzzles and problem-solving

Puzzle toys are another great way to provide mental stimulation that taps into your dog's natural desire to work for their food. But you have to introduce them the right way to prevent frustration.

When introducing a new puzzle toy, start by making it very easy. For example, if the toy has sliding panels, leave them all open with treats inside so your dog immediately associates the toy with a reward. Once they understand the concept, you can slowly increase the difficulty. A common mistake is giving a dog a puzzle that’s too difficult too soon. This can lead to frustration and cause them to chew or destroy the toy rather than solve it.

For an easy DIY option, you can take a cardboard box, fill it with crumpled paper, and sprinkle your pup's kibble or small treats inside. 

Games for high-energy and smart dogs

Even if you have a dog with seemingly endless energy, there are still plenty of fun indoor activities that don't involve a lot of space. The key is to turn physical games into mental ones.

• Indoor obstacle course: Use household items like pillows, blankets or even a line of chairs to create a simple indoor dog obstacle course. Guide your dog over or around the objects, using a treat to lure them and a verbal command to keep them engaged.
• Hallway fetch: For a dog that loves to run, play fetch in a long, narrow hallway. This confined space prevents your dog from making sharp, high-speed turns that could lead to injury. A soft, lightweight toy like a plush ball or a rolled-up sock are ideal to prevent damage to your home.
• Hide-and-seek: Hide-and-seek is great for reinforcing your dog's recall command. With a friend holding your dog in one room, go hide behind a couch or in a different room. Once you're hidden, call your dog's name excitedly. When they find you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise!

Tailoring games to your dog's needs

Indoor exercise for dogs can be adapted for any pup, regardless of their age or physical condition. For senior dogs or those with mobility issues, focus on low-impact games that challenge their mind without stressing their joints.

A simple game of “Find the Treat” can be adapted by hiding treats at nose level or in a small, confined area. Lick mats smeared with dog-safe yogurt or peanut butter are also excellent for providing calming, low-effort enrichment. For puppies, remember that their attention spans and bodies are still growing. Keep indoor puppy play ideas short and sweet — typically just 5 to 10 minutes at a time.

No matter the game, always pay attention to your dog's body language. Look for a relaxed, wiggly body and a soft, open mouth as a sign of healthy engagement. If they seem frustrated, stop the game and try something easier. Happy playing!