Are you worried that your pet is becoming lazy and bored? Worry no more! As much as it may be hard to engage your dog indoors, there are several effortless ways to revert this. Engaging your dog is enormously beneficial as it helps avoid dog obesity.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats in the US are obese or overweight. Obese pets are more prone to diseases than their counterparts. What’s more, engaging your dog is mutually beneficial to you and the dog.
The Best Ways to Engage Your Dog Indoors
1. Tug of War:
Have you ever heard of tug of war? Tug of war is a contest where two teams pull the rope’s end in the opposite direction. It is one of the fun things to do with your dog at home during quarantine. The activity is even more fun if you have two or more dogs of the same breed. However, there is no problem if you have one dog as you can act as its opponent.
Tug of war is an ideal fun indoor activity for dogs because it requires minimal space. And before you ask, tug of war won’t make your dog aggressive in any way. It will build a dog-owner interaction and, therefore, more obedience. However, you need to set up a few basic rules to avoid harm, just in case.
2. Obstacles Course:
If your indoor is a little expansive, the obstacle course is, without a doubt, a perfect indoor dog activity. However, you need several obstacles in this game but don’t worry; you can source them locally. The type and size of the obstacles will depend on the dog’s breed. For example, if your dog is a Great Dane Chihuahua mix, you can use the average items. That wouldn’t be the same for a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Some of the common obstacles you can use in this game are chairs, tables, and dog tunnels. The fun in this indoor dog activity is seeing your pet jump over and through, go under, and circle. Celebrate each of the pet’s achievements.
3. Hide and Seek:
Hide and seek is one of the most popular games among children. Most people, and possibly you too, have played it. Surprisingly, hide and seek works with dogs too. The rules in this game are the obvious ones that the owner hides and the dog seeks.
The game may enormously improve your dog’s sense of sniffing and improve how the two of you relate. Ensure you make it hard for the dog to find you. Praise it every time it finds you to motivate it and make the game enjoyable.
4. Hidden treats:
Hidden treats are similar to hide and seek. However, in the hidden treats, you stash foods. Apart from the fun engagement, the game helps the dog improve its pooching skills. Additionally, hidden treats boost its smell sensitivity. You can stash the obvious goodies but ensure it’s something worth finding. It keeps your dog motivated and the game entertaining.
Ensure you stash different treats to make the smell a little unpredictable. Also, change the hiding places to make finding the treat a hassle.
5. Workout Stairs:
Are you wondering how to play with your dog without toys? If you are, running your dog up and down the staircase would be perfect. However, this game is exclusively perfect for those owners with a flight of stairs. The exercise is mutually beneficial for the dog and the owners.
However, if your dog has health issues primarily related to joints, you should consult your vet first. Exercising too hard may strain older and pregnant dogs too. Otherwise, the game is entertaining, especially if you take break intervals.
6. Practice Obedience Skills:
Are you looking for a training game to do with your dog? If you are, why not practice the basic obedience skills? Practicing obedience skills is one of the indoor dog activities with no special requirement. It might be time-consuming, but it helps you engage your dog more effectively. Also, you get to compare different breeds’ ease of learning.
You can train the dog using basic commands like sit, stay, wait, high-five, and others. But you might be wondering, how do I entertain my dog for hours using basic commands? Well, you can opt to treat the dog on every skill he gets right. Practicing obedience skills is the best option for pet owners with condensed apartments.
7. Fetching:
One of the fun things to do with your dog at home outside is playing the fetching game. However, the game is also a perfect indoor dog activity. You just need to limit the distance you throw away the ball. Dogs love this game, and therefore, there’s a guarantee you’ll enjoy it too. You only need a plastic or rubber ball and a small space. Keep the area clear so that you don’t incur losses by breaking items.
8. Shell Game:
Most activities for dogs demand space which is certainly not available indoors. However, one of the fun things to do with your dog at home during quarantine is playing the shell game. The shell game is a mind game that focuses on teasing your dog’s attention and problem handling.
You take several cups, mainly two or three, and put a treat under one. Ensure the dog is watching out for the whole process. Then, gradually reshuffle the cups intending to confuse the puppy. Lastly, let the dog find the cup with the treat. Praise your dog for every right guess it makes.
9. Food Toying:
People love keeping dogs engaged for various reasons, including work. So, are you wondering how to keep a puppy busy while at work? Try out food dispensing toys. These toys can keep your puppy stimulated, purposeful, and entertained while you work. All you need to do is stuff the food dispensing toy with some treats and leave the dog doing the rest. Depending on the dispenser, some require the dog to push or pull. You can easily purchase a food dispenser online.
10. Use Pet Training Equipment:
Just like humans, pets also have their training equipment. Owners can opt to own one depending on their preferences. Some of the most common pet training equipment includes treadmills and agility tunnels. Your dog may be uncomfortable at first, but gradually, they will appreciate the fun. Buying equipment may not be an ideal indoor dog activity as it may be expensive and space-consuming.
Conclusion for 10 Ways to Engage Your Dog Indoors:
Staying indoors is undoubtedly boring, but it does not have to be. There are dozens of games you can play with your dog to ensure you both engage and have fun. What’s better, the indoor dog activities don’t have to be expensive but need commitment and passion.
