10 fun indoor games for you and your dog
Does your dog turn up his nose at the thought of going for a walk when it's pouring rain outside?
Or maybe your illness, convalescence or other circumstances mean you have to spend more time at home? Regardless of the reason, your four-legged friend needs a dose of exercise and mental stimulation.
When you have a puppy, it's hard to do without organizing entertainment for them. Young dogs have inexhaustible reserves of energy and the lack of something to do can quickly end in... creative mischief. It's worth remembering that intellectual games often tire a dog more than physical activity itself, so they're a great way to release excess energy in a home environment.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to have fun within your own four walls!
Here are some ideas that will not only brighten up your pet's day, but also strengthen your bond.
Sniffing games – great for a dog's nose
Dogs love to use their noses to explore the world. You can use this to your advantage by organizing a sniffing game for them. Hide a treat under one of several cups or in different corners of the house and let your dog find it. This is a great way to stimulate their mind and keep them occupied for longer. If your dog is particularly clever, you can try more complicated interactive toys that require you to slide a flap or press a lever to get to the reward.
Another option is to hide treats in a rolled towel or in our plush croissant with hidden pockets. The dog not only has to sniff out the treats but also figure out how to get them out, which is a great intellectual challenge for him and engages his senses.
Tug-of-war – great fun and learning
Properly conducted, the game is a great way to engage in joint activity. It is important to match the tug to the size and strength of the dog and remember the rules - the dog should release the toy on command, and the tugging should be done horizontally, without tugging up and down. It is also a great alternative reward for quadrupeds who do not like treats.
The "circle" trick - development of coordination and concentration
If you want to teach your dog a new skill, start with a simple trick, such as spinning around your legs. Just a few minutes a day, and after a week or two, your pet will have mastered this skill. At first, guide your dog with a treat, and when he starts to understand the command, replace it with an empty hand and add the command "spin". Remember to practice the movement in both directions. This trick is not only great fun, but also a great stretching exercise for the dog's back.
Slalom between legs – spectacular and engaging fun
Slalom is a trick that involves your dog walking between your legs with each step. Start by guiding your dog with a treat, gradually increasing the number of steps after which he will receive a reward. This is a great way to improve your pet's coordination and concentration. Training in the park can also attract the attention of passers-by, and your dog will gain a new skill.
Distinguishing directions – a practical everyday trick
Does your dog know basic commands yet? You can teach him to recognize directions! Just put two toys in front of him - one on the left, the other on the right. Point your hand in the right direction, giving the command "left" or "right", and reward your dog for correctly completing the task. Such a game is a great mental workout and can be helpful on walks when you want your dog to turn in a chosen direction.
Agility at home
If you have enough space, you can create an obstacle course at home. Cushions, chairs, tunnels – anything you have on hand can become part of agility training. Overcoming obstacles improves the dog's fitness and strengthens its relationship with its owner. It's a great way to provide your pet with exercise in a limited space.
A treat ball
Interactive toys, such as treat balls, are a great way to keep your dog busy for longer. By placing food or treats in them, you encourage your pet to actively seek out food. They are also a great solution for dogs who eat too quickly – they force them to eat their meal more slowly and make eating a form of entertainment.
Hide and seek with your dog – the whole family gets involved!
One of the best indoor games to get the whole family involved in is hide and seek. Have everyone find a hiding place and then call the dog one by one. The dog's job is to find everyone. This is a great way to strengthen the bond and make the owners even more interesting to the dog - which can also help on walks.
Creative play = happy dog
Playing indoors can be just as exciting as playing outdoors. The key to a happy dog is the right amount of exercise, training, and time spent together. With these simple games, your pet will be healthy, happy, and perfectly entertained - regardless of the weather outside.
What about you? Do you have your own tried and tested methods for playing with your dog at home?
