Feeling restricted to just your home for you and your dog can be disappointing. We all know a happy dog is an active dog, but even if you find it challenging to take them out as often as you’d like, there are plenty of things you can do at home to keep your dog interested and engaged. Check out our suggestions below for some creative indoor entertainment ideas for your furry friend.
The Importance of Activities for Dogs
Meeting the Physical and Mental Needs of a Fit, Healthy, and Happy Dog
To keep dog fit, healthy, and content, they require stimulation both physically and mentally. Physical exertion comes from walking, running, and playing, while various activities can provide mental stimulation.
From keeping an eye on outdoor scents to focusing on obedience training or attempting to figure out a puzzle toy, engaging in challenging mental activities leads to a tired yet happy dog.
A dog lacking stimulation, whether physical or mental, often finds undesirable ways to release pent-up energy, such as chewing on their owner’s shoes or destroying furniture. That’s why ensuring your dog receives adequate stimulation both mentally and physically is crucial.
1. Teach Your Dog a New Trick
Explore Endless Possibilities by Teaching Your Dog a New Trick
Make an effort to teach your dog a new trick. Whether it’s shaking paws, learning the names of favorite toys, or crawling under a chair, the possibilities are endless!
A great technique to try is shaping. First, teach your dog what “leave it” means by asking them to pick up one of their toys, placing it in a box, and then letting it go. Then, you can advance to scattering toys around the room and pointing in the direction of picking them up one by one until, eventually, they do it solely on command.
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2. Teach Your Dog to Fetch His Toys
Help Your Dog Engage Mentally by Teaching Him to Fetch His Toys
Teaching your dog to keep his toys away can provide him with significant mental stimulation, especially if his toys are stored in containers. While teaching your dog to tidy up after himself might seem odd, it’s actually quite enjoyable. Giving your dog new skills to practice boosts their self-esteem and provides mental stimulation.
If your dog is already familiar with the command “leave it,” instruct him to take a toy and give it to you when he’s standing over the container. Praise him lavishly, then repeat the process. With consistent training, your dog will eventually become adept at handling it on his own.
3. Fragrant Games
Engage Your Dog’s Sense of Smell with Fragrant Games
AnimalKind dog trainer, Alison Schaefer, uses the term “scent work.” Fragrant games are an entertaining way to utilise your dog’s innate smelling ability. These games are fantastic because they require very little or no preparation at all. You just need some tasty and fragrant treats.
Start by enticing your dog to search for hidden rewards behind blankets or towels. As soon as they indicate they’ve caught a scent, assist them in uncovering it. Increase the difficulty by enlarging the size of the blankets you use and hiding the rewards inside. You can also try five different scent challenges by downloading Alison’s Fragrance Games at Home PDF.
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4. Online Dog Training Classes
Make Learning a Joyful Experience with Your Dog at Home
If you have some spare time at home with your dog, why not utilise it as an opportunity to learn and have fun together?
There’s a wide variety of online options available from AnimalKind training companies. From self-paced courses addressing specific challenges by Sit Pretty Behaviour and Training, to options provided by Proud of My Dog, including free online canine enrichment courses for parents, you can experience what it’s like to train your dog before committing to long-term enrolment in online training classes.
In addition to these courses, many AnimalKind trainers also offer one-on-one private online training sessions. Keep in mind that these accredited companies only use reward-based training methods, so the time you spend with your dog practising what you’ve learned transforms into a strong bond and happy times for both of you.
5. Teach Your Dog to Assist with Tasks
Engage Your Dog in Productive Activities
Dogs enjoy having a job to do, even if it’s as simple as bringing you a slipper. You can make them feel even more useful by teaching them the names of certain items, allowing them to feel even more helpful when retrieving them for you without any objection upon returning them.
Teach your dog to fetch items from the refrigerator for you, and you’ll amaze all your friends. Attach a towel to the handle of the refrigerator so that opening the door becomes easy for your dog, and simultaneously, you can train them to do so. And if you’re feeling really good about it, you can train your dog to assist with everyday tasks regularly.
Summary: Keeping Your Dog Entertained Indoors
Just like humans, dogs also need a balance of physical and mental exercise. While this might not entirely replace their outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to entertain your furry friend indoors. From indoor obstacle courses and name recognition training with toys to scent work and food puzzles, we hope this list provides you with some inspiration and helps you keep it engaging for your pup.
If you ever need more ideas to keep your dog active indoors, your Small Door team is here for you. And if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health or well-being, our app is available 24/7 for assistance….Read more
