Indoor Activities: 6 games for active dogs

Indoor Activities For Dogs: Keeping energetic dogs entertained indoors can be a bit of a challenge, but with a bit of creativity, you can turn your home into a canine playground. Check out these six activities that get your pooch moving, thinking, and connecting with you.

1. Hide-and-Seek with Rewards

It’s a classic game that makes the most of dogs’ amazing sense of smell. Hide treats or toys in spots around the house that are easy for your dog to reach, like behind furniture or under cushions. Start with easy hiding spots and gradually make it more difficult. Reward your pooch with praise and treats when they find each item, and you’ll be amazed at how motivated they’ll be!

Benefits:

• It’ll help you develop tracking skills.
• It’ll stop them getting bored and anxious.
• It’ll make your pet more confident, too.

2. DIY Obstacle Course

Get creative with household items to make your own circuit. You can use book stacks as jumps, overturned chairs as tunnels, and blankets as crawling zones. Just guide your pooch with some basic commands and give them a treat each time they successfully complete a stage.

Safety Tips:

• Try to avoid sharp or unstable objects.
• Make sure you adjust the complexity to match the dog’s size and age.

3. Tug-of-War with Command Training

Use a strong rope for tug-of-war, but add in commands like “drop” or “gentle” to help teach self-control. If your dog gets too excited, pause the game and then start again when they’ve had a chance to calm down.

Why It Works:

• It’ll help you build muscle.
• Teaches obedience in a fun way.

4. Scent Treasure Hunt

You can hide treats in closed containers, like cardboard rolls or boxes, and scatter them around the house. For more advanced dogs, try using a snuffle mat (a folded scent mat) with hidden food to encourage exploration.

Variation:

• Just put the treats under the plastic cups and mix them up, so your dog can figure out which one is his.

5. Indoor Fetch Adaptation

Choose soft balls or lightweight toys to avoid accidents. Use hallways or rooms that are big enough for you to maneuver. And to make it more interesting, try adding a command like “sit” before you throw the toy.

Benefits:

• It’s great for improving motor coordination.
• Burns energy quickly.

6. Flirt Pole Play

Make your own version of a toy that moves like prey, using a flexible rod and a toy attached to the end. Move the object on the ground or in the air to get the dog to chase and jump. Just make sure to let the dog “catch” the toy sometimes to avoid any frustration.

Precautions:

• Just a heads-up: make sure you supervise to prevent any sudden movements.
• It’s perfect for high-energy breeds like Border Collies.

These activities mean that rainy days or busy schedules won’t be an excuse for your dog to get bored. Mix up physical and mental games to keep your pet happy and strengthen family bonds. Just remember to adapt activities to your dog’s needs and always prioritize safety!

See Also:https://techai230.com/canine-adventure-5-ideas-for-unforgettable-outings-with-your-dog/