7 great ways to keep your dog occupied indoors

Sometimes it can be tricky keeping your pup entertained indoors. And it’s important to find solutions, as bored dogs can resort to destructive behaviors, like chewing furniture and shoes. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to entertain your pup at home.

Read on to learn 7 ways to help stop your dog from being bored indoors.

1. Obstacle Course

An obstacle course is the perfect activity to help your dog burn off some excess energy. The best bit is that you can create a course to suit your pup’s abilities using household items, including chairs, stools, cardboard boxes, and pillows. Once your pooch becomes comfortable, you can also encourage your doggy to build up speed, or add new challenges, such as a hula-hoop for your dog to jump through.

2. Learn a New Obedience Skill or Trick

A rainy day can be the perfect opportunity to teach your dog a new obedience skill or trick.

If your fur baby is new to training, start with simple commands such as sit, stay, lie down, roll over and come. When your dog has mastered these skills, you can try more advanced tricks, such as teaching your dog to high five or fetch your slippers. Whatever you decide, give your dog lots of praise and some treats while you practice (remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

3. Game of Fetch (or Catch)

Playing fetch with a soft toy or ball can be a great source of exercise for both you and your dog. If you have limited space and it is safe, try playing in your hallway or instead opting for a game of catch. Before you start, make sure to remove any items that could be broken or damaged while you play.

4. Hide and Seek

If your dog is familiar with a few basic commands, a game of hide and seek is a fun way to keep your dog active indoors. To start, tell your dog to sit and stay while you go and find a hiding place. When you are ready, call your pup to start the search. Your dog may need some guidance while you play, so make sure to keep giving your dog verbal encouragement from the comfort of your hiding spot. Multiple people can play this game, so encourage the whole family to join in the fun.

5. Interactive Toy or Feeder

Interactive feeders and toys that encourage dogs to find hidden food or treats can provide a mentally and physically stimulating challenge for your pooch. And not only can they make your pup’s mealtimes more exciting, but they can also help stop your dog from eating food too quickly.

6. Treat Hunt

Turn your dog into an expert sniffer by creating a treat hunt. While your pup is out of sight, place treats or pieces of kibble in places that your furry friend can safely access, for example, under pillows, behind doors, or in the corners of rooms. At first, your dog may need some assistance finding the treats, but with time you can increase the difficulty of your hiding spots. Let the search begin!

7. Tug of War

Tug of war is one of the easiest games to play with your dog if you have limited space inside your home. All you need is an appropriately sized tug toy for your pup, and you are ready to play.

TIP: If you don’t have a tug toy handy, you can create one yourself from an old shirt or pair of jeans. To make the toy, first remove any buttons or hardware on your selected piece of clothing. Then, cut the item into strips and braid or knot the pieces. And there you have it – your very own, homemade tug toy.

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