15 Easy Tricks To Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors

Hide and seek is not just a fun game for kids—dogs love it too! This simple game engages your dog’s sense of smell, encourages them to use their brain, and gives them a workout without needing too much space. You can start by hiding somewhere in your house and calling your dog’s name. When they find you, offer praise or a treat. As they get better at the game, you can make it more challenging by hiding in more obscure places or hiding their favorite toys. This game will work their mind and keep them active, making it an ideal indoor activity.

Tug-of-War

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Tug-of-war is an energy-busting game that can be played indoors with just a rope or dog-friendly tug toy. It’s a great way for dogs to release pent-up energy, especially for active breeds who need a little extra stimulation. This game allows your dog to use their strength and gives you the chance to bond with them. Make sure to set clear boundaries so your dog understands the game’s rules, such as when to start and stop. You can also use it to teach your dog the “release” command, which will be useful in other situations.

Puzzle Toys

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Puzzle toys are a fantastic way to engage your dog’s brain and keep them entertained for hours. These toys are designed to challenge your dog to figure out how to get a treat or toy hidden inside, providing both mental and physical stimulation. They come in various levels of difficulty, so you can increase the challenge as your dog becomes more adept at solving them. Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog engaged when you’re busy or unable to play actively, and they help prevent boredom-induced destructive behaviors.

Indoor Fetch

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Fetch isn’t just an outdoor game—your dog can have just as much fun playing fetch indoors. A softball, a toy, or even a rolled-up pair of socks can be a great indoor fetch object. Just ensure you’re playing in an area that’s safe and free of anything breakable. Indoor fetch helps burn off some energy, especially for dogs who love to chase. You can also play variations of the game, such as rolling the toy down the hallway or hiding it to turn it into a fun search-and-find game.

Trick Training

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Training your dog in new tricks is a fun activity and an excellent way to stimulate them mentally. Start with simple commands like “sit,” “shake,” or “rollover,” and work your way up to more complicated tricks, like fetching specific items or learning the names of their toys. Trick training reinforces good behavior and strengthens your bond with your dog. It’s a great way to keep their mind active while teaching them new skills. Plus, it can be a fun challenge for both you and your dog.

The Cup Game

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The cup game is a simple but engaging game that involves hiding a treat under one of three cups and shuffling them around. Your dog must use their sense of smell to determine which cup holds the treat. This game is a fun and interactive way to challenge your dog’s brain and sharpen their memory and scenting skills. Start by showing your dog the treat and then place it under one of the cups. Shuffle the cups around and encourage your dog to find the right one. It’s a great way to engage your dog without needing too much space.

Obstacle Course

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Set up an indoor obstacle course using pillows, chairs, tunnels, and other household items. You can create a fun challenge for your dog to test their agility, speed, and obedience. Guide your dog through the course with treats or toys, encouraging them to jump over pillows, crawl under chairs, or weave between obstacles. Depending on your dog’s size and agility level, you can vary the difficulty. This activity will tire them out both mentally and physically while giving them a sense of accomplishment.

Scent Work

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Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and scent work is an excellent way to put that natural ability to use. You can hide treats or toys around the house and encourage your dog to find them. Start with easy hiding spots and gradually make it more challenging by hiding the items in harder-to-find locations. Scent work is an excellent activity to tire out your dog mentally while also encouraging them to use their instincts. It’s also a great way to keep your dog engaged when you’re stuck indoors.

Fetch on the Stairs

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If you have a staircase in your home, it can be a great tool for a more intense indoor fetch game. Simply toss a toy or ball up the stairs and encourage your dog to fetch it and bring it back down. The stairs add an extra challenge, giving your dog a workout without requiring too much space. Just ensure the stairs are safe for your dog to navigate, especially if they’re a puppy or have joint concerns. This game helps burn energy while giving your dog a little extra exercise.

Freeze Dance

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Dogs love to follow their owners around, so why not turn it into a fun dance party? Play some music and start dancing with your dog. Give your dog a command every time the music stops, like “sit” or “stay.” When the music resumes, start dancing again. This is an excellent way to get your dog moving and also reinforce basic commands. The energy of the music and movement will keep both of you entertained and provide a fun way to engage your dog indoors.

Kong Stuffing

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A classic indoor activity is stuffing a Kong or similar toy with treats, peanut butter, or a mixture of your dog’s favorite goodies. These toys are designed to keep your dog busy for longer periods as they work to get the treats out. You can freeze the stuffed Kong for an even longer-lasting challenge. This activity helps keep your dog entertained, mentally stimulated, and satisfied, especially if you need some quiet time to yourself. You can get creative with what you stuff inside the Kong, from kibble to cheese, making it a fun treat for your dog.

Interactive Dog Videos

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If you need a quick distraction for your dog, try playing interactive dog videos. Several videos on YouTube are designed specifically to engage dogs, often featuring moving animals or objects that capture your dog’s attention. While this won’t replace physical exercise, it’s a fun way to stimulate their curiosity and provide some entertainment. Your dog might not understand what’s happening on screen. Still, many dogs find it fascinating to watch moving images and sounds, especially if they see animals they recognize, like squirrels or other dogs.

DIY Tug Toys

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Tug-of-war doesn’t have to involve store-bought toys—get creative and make your own tug toys from old t-shirts, towels, or ropes. Simply cut the fabric into strips and braid them together to form a sturdy tug rope. You can even add knots or loops for extra grip. A homemade tug toy is just as fun as a purchased one and allows you to engage in interactive play without buying expensive toys. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle old fabric while entertaining your dog.

Hide Your Dog’s Favorite Toy

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Hide your dog’s favorite toy somewhere in the house and encourage them to find it. You can start by showing them where it is and gradually move it to more difficult locations. This encourages problem-solving and keeps their mind active. You can also use this as an opportunity to reinforce the “find it” command, which can be useful for other situations. This activity provides both mental and physical stimulation and is a great way to keep your dog entertained when they’re stuck indoors.

The “Which Hand” Game

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For this simple game, hide a treat in one of your hands and present both hands to your dog. Encourage them to sniff and choose which hand holds the treat. This game engages your dog’s sense of smell and helps with focus and decision-making. It’s a great way to challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills without taking up much space. You can increase the difficulty by switching hands quickly or using different treats, keeping your dog guessing and engaged.

The Ultimate Indoor Dog Olympics

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So, whether it’s a rainy day or you’re simply looking for a quiet afternoon indoors, these activities will keep your dog entertained and mentally engaged. There are endless ways to bond while staying active indoors, from stimulating their senses with fun games to teaching them new tricks. You’ll both have a blast by tapping into their instincts and making the most of your space. Your dog might even enjoy the fun so much they’ll never want to stop—because a tired dog is a happy dog!