Keeping an energetic dog indoors can be a challenge. If you don’t have time to walk them several times a day or if weather conditions don’t allow, it can be helpful to learn how to keep them entertained.
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So, what do you do when outdoor exercise isn’t possible? Check out nine ideas to keep your dog entertained at home, according to experts Nicole Ellis, a dog trainer and specialist from Rover.com, and Lorraine Rhoads, director of health and safety at Dogtopia:
1. Tire them out with training
According to Ellis, dogs love to learn. “You don’t have to do crazy training. It can be fun things like teaching your dog to shake, greet, or spin in circles. You can find free videos for them online,” suggested the expert in a conversation with AARP.
She says just five to 15 minutes can make a big difference. “You’ll build a stronger bond with your dog, and at the same time, you’ll tire them out.”
2. Let them lick
“Licking is really soothing and relaxing for dogs,” explained Ellis, who suggested spreading peanut butter or yogurt on a licking mat and offering it to your anxious dog. “We can stick them on the wall or floor and let our dogs lick and calm down.”
Instead of a licking mat, you can also use a Kong toy. Once again, peanut butter and yogurt make great fillings, according to Ellis, who suggests freezing stuffed Kongs to make them last longer, as well as providing a refreshing treat on hot days.
3. Play hide and seek
Dogs enjoy walks not only because they exercise their legs but also because they exercise their noses. Therefore, playing hide and seek with treats or kibble is a great idea to keep them mentally stimulated indoors.
“Hold your dog and place a treat a meter away so that he can see you hiding it, then let him go get it. When dogs use their innate desire to sniff, it really tires them out,” instructed Ellis.
She also emphasized that you can gradually move the treats farther away and into more creative hiding spots to make the game more challenging, holding your pup while you hide treats if necessary.
4. Rotate their toys
You can buy mentally stimulating games for dogs online, including toys and puzzles that dispense treats. “This keeps them moving and thinking. They kind of forget about us while they’re busy figuring out how to get these tasty items out,” said Ellis.
You don’t need to spend a lot on fancy toys. Even cheap supermarket toys can be a welcome distraction. “I like to put a basket full of toys but regularly swap them so that they’re always new and interesting,” suggested Rhoads.
5. Play fetch
Fetch is the favorite game of many dogs and can be easily played indoors with a tennis ball, according to Rhoads, who suggests playing in a long hallway or, even better, on a staircase. “Using the stairs to go up and down will raise the heart rate and get a nice and pleasant respiratory rate,” she said.
6. Invest in a safe dog treadmill
While not cheap and often taking up a lot of space, pet treadmills can be great for large breeds that need a lot of activity, according to Rhoads, who, for safety reasons, recommends models without electric motors. “A safe dog treadmill is specifically designed to be activated by the dog’s own force,” emphasized the expert.
7. Try doggy daycare
Doggy daycare is not just for pet parents who work and travel; it’s for everyone. According to Rhoads, dogs at home typically take fewer than 5,000 steps a day, while dogs in daycares often take up to 60,000 steps a day.
Along with organic play, many daycares offer structured activities that facilitate physical and mental exercise. Plus, daycare doesn’t have to be an everyday task. Just a few days a week can make a big difference, according to Rhoads.
8. Try agility courses
Because they exercise the mind and body simultaneously, agility courses are favorites in many dog daycares. Try creating your own course at home. “Can you create a tunnel between your armchair and your sofa with a blanket? Can you encourage your dog to walk around it? Can you go up and down? That kind of thing is a lot of fun,” suggested Rhoads.
9. Make friends with other dogs
Instead of daycare, consider inviting another pet to play or maybe even adopting another dog so your pets can entertain each other. “You can also consider fostering a dog through a local shelter or rescue,” suggests Ellis, noting that shelters usually cover food and veterinary care.
It’s a win-win situation. You help a dog find a home, and your own dog gets a friend for a few months without you permanently taking on the responsibility of a second dog.
