Socializing: Indoor Games for Dogs

Whether it’s cold outside or if you live in an apartment, it’s great to have a few simple and fun games to keep your dog entertained, active and stimulated.

Try these 10 indoor exercises and games to make the most of playtime.

Hide

Ask your dog to stay while you choose a hiding spot. Now seek!

Where’s the Treat?

Ask your dog to stay while you hide treats.

Tug of War

Does your dog know, “drop it” / “leave it”? Great! Don’t reward rough play and let your dog win a few times.

Choose a Hand!

It’s as simple as that. Hide a treat in one hand and let your dog choose the right one. Don’t encourage or reward mouthing or pawing.

Toy Storage

Train your dog to pick up toys and drop them in their storage box. Lots of rewards required!

Shaping

Dogs can learn with physical cues. Use a clicker. If your dog does what you want (e.g. moves a ball), without instruction, click, praise and treat immediately. Keep going: if he picks up the ball: click, praise and treat immediately.

What’s this Toy Called?

Dogs are able to learn about 200 words or more. Use this great ability to stimulate your dog in a playful way. Grab one toy, give it a name and keep repeating it daily during playtime. Eventually they should remember it. Add adjectives to distinguish toys, e.g. “blue bunny” or “round ball”.

Treat Dispensers

A treat dispenser filled with treats are great when it comes to entertaining dogs. Few toys are indestructible so take your time to pick one that will last and supervise your dog when you give him his new toy.

Puzzles and Other Interactive Dog Toys

Toys come in many shapes with many functions. Some are for chasing and others for chewing; there are even stimulating puzzles to figure out! Ropes are popular (and often function as chew toys as well). Just keep checking the rope and take it away if it starts coming apart. You don’t want your pooch to swallow pieces of string. Buy or make your own.

Three Cups

So easy: hide a treat and shuffle! Praise and reward him every step of the way (when he guesses correctly, of course).

That’s it. Have fun with your favourite furry friend!