Indoor activities for dogs with a lot of energy are a great way to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, especially during bad weather or when you can’t go outside. Here are five fun and creative activities to do indoors with your energetic dog:
- Hide and Seek: This classic game can be adapted for dogs. Have your dog sit and stay while you hide in another room. Then call your dog and let them search for you. Use treats or toys as a reward when they find you. You can also hide toys or treats for your dog to discover.
- DIY Agility Course: Create a mini indoor agility course using household items like chairs, broomsticks, and cardboard boxes. Teach your dog to jump over obstacles, weave between objects, and go through tunnels. This can be a great way to expend their energy and teach them new skills.
- Puzzle Toys and Treat Dispensers: Invest in puzzle toys or treat dispensers designed for dogs. These toys require your dog to work to get treats or food out of them, keeping them engaged and mentally stimulated. Some popular options include Kong toys and interactive feeders.
- Indoor Fetch: Play a game of fetch in a large, dog-friendly room in your house. Use soft toys or tennis balls to avoid damaging your home. Fetch is a great way to burn off energy, and you can even incorporate some training by working on commands like “drop it” and “stay.”
- Obedience Training and Tricks: Spend time working on obedience training and teaching your dog new tricks. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Teach them commands like sit, stay, lie down, roll over, or even more advanced tricks. You can also use clicker training to make the process even more engaging for your dog.
Remember to always consider your dog’s safety and well-being during these activities, and ensure that they have enough space to move around without knocking over objects or causing any accidents. Additionally, break up the playtime into shorter sessions to prevent your dog from getting overstimulated or tired.
