With the recently introduced quarantine and social distancing, people are adapting their habits to the new rules. Responsible pet parents are reducing their dogs’ exercise to short walks. Leaving their furry kids without many fun street and park activities that keep pups happy. We came up with some great indoor activities for dogs that will help your pup stay healthy and entertained and give him some mental stimulation.
Quarantine is not the only thing that can keep you indoors. The cold season can be challenging both for dogs and their parents. In areas where temperatures get very low, it’s ill-advised to take a dog out for long walks. And consistent exercising becomes a rare occurrence.
From time to time, you may simply get sick. And have no one else to give your pup a long walk full of energetic outdoor exercise. In all these cases, knowing how to entertain a dog at home and what games to play indoors can be crucial to keep your pooch fit and happy.
1- Run your dog up and down the stairs
In homes with big flights of stairs, running up and down can be a great exercise for your dog. However, it’s not recommended if your dog is old or has health issues, especially the ones related to joints.
2- Set up obstacle courses
In rooms that are spacious enough you can easily set obstacle courses for your dog. Jumping over chairs, going under tables, circling around pillars – most things you see on dog shows can be replicated at home.
3- Hide & seek with treats
It is a great indoor exercise for dogs that trains both the body of your pooch, as well as their nose. Stash treats in hidden places in your home and teach your dog to find them. You can change the hiding places each day to keep the game interesting.
4- Fetch
With a long corridor or a spacious living room, you can also play fetch at home. Just throw an object and let your pup bring it back to you. Although we think it’s a great indoor dog exercise, don’t overestimate the size of your house!
5- Shell game
This is one of the coolest mind games for dogs that will train your pups attention and problem-solving skills. Take several cups or bowls, let your dog watch you putting a treat under one of them, then shuffle them thoroughly and let your pup find the right treat place. The reward is well-deserved!