Games to play with dogs indoors

Alright, let’s talk about those days when the weather’s cruddy, or maybe your dog’s just recovering from something, or heck, maybe you just don’t feel like braving the elements. Whatever the reason, you’re stuck inside with a dog that’s got energy to burn and a brain that needs a workout. And believe me, as a vet with ten years under my belt, running my sanctuary here in Jersey, I’ve seen enough cabin-fever-induced dog disasters to know you can’t just let ’em stare at the walls. A bored dog indoors is a destructive dog, plain and simple. So, let’s get serious about some fun, indoor games that’ll keep your dog stimulated, happy, and out of trouble.

Brain Over Brawn: Mental Workouts for Any Dog

You’d be surprised how much mental exercise can tire a dog out. It’s often more effective than just physical running, and it’s safer indoors.

• “Find It!” Extravaganza: This is a top-tier game. Start simple: hide a high-value treat (think a small piece of cheese or cooked chicken) where your dog can easily see it, just a few feet away. Say “Find it!” and encourage them. When they get it, praise like they won the lottery. As they catch on, make the hiding spots increasingly difficult: under a blanket, behind a cushion, inside a cardboard box they have to nudge open, eventually in another room. This game uses their nose and their brain, and it’s surprisingly exhausting.
• Puzzle Toys and Treat Dispensers: Every dog owner should have a few of these. Don’t just dump food in a bowl! Make mealtime a mental challenge. Load up a durable puzzle toy or a classic KONG with kibble, xylitol-free peanut butter, or wet food, then let them work for it. Freezing it makes the challenge last longer. It keeps them occupied, thinking, and out of trouble when you can’t actively play.
• “Which Hand?”: Simple, quick, and effective. Hold a high-value treat in one closed hand. Present both closed fists to your dog. Let them sniff and paw. When they choose the hand with the treat (even if it’s a gentle nudge), open it up and reward. This teaches discrimination and gets those little gears turning.

Indoor Agility Lite: Controlled Movement & Coordination

You can absolutely get your dog moving indoors without tearing the house down. It’s about controlled, short bursts of activity that also build their confidence and body awareness.

• Mini Obstacle Course: Get creative with household items! Lay a broomstick or mop handle flat on the floor for them to step over. Have them weave through the legs of chairs or a line of water bottles. Have them crawl under a blanket draped over two dining chairs. Lure them with a treat and praise them enthusiastically for each successful “obstacle.” This builds their body awareness and teaches them to navigate different environments carefully.
• “Fetch” with Rules: Even in a small space, you can play fetch. The key is adding rules. Make them “Sit” and “Stay” before you toss the toy. Teach a solid “Drop it” or “Give” when they bring it back. You can also toss it a short distance and then call them back, reinforcing their recall in a contained space.
• “Chase the Toy” (Flirt Pole Fun): A flirt pole (a stick with a rope and a toy attached) is fantastic for indoor play. You can get them running and pouncing in a small area without you having to run. This taps into their prey drive in a safe, controlled way and burns off energy quickly. Just remember to let them “catch” the toy periodically to satisfy that drive.

The Learning Curve: Building New Skills

Indoor time is perfect for teaching new commands or polishing old ones. This is about engaging their intelligence and strengthening your bond.

• “Touch” for Focus: This is a foundational trick. Hold out your open palm (or a target stick). When your dog touches it with their nose, say “Touch!” and give them a treat. Repeat. Once they get it, you can move your hand around, making them walk a few steps to touch it. This teaches them to focus on you and a target, which is a building block for so many other tricks.
• “Spin” & “Twirl”: Fun, low-impact tricks. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly move it in a circle, luring them to follow their nose and spin their body. As they complete the circle, say “Spin!” (or “Twirl!”). Reward them immediately. This teaches body awareness and is a great way to get them moving without a lot of space.
• “Name That Toy”: Gather a few of their distinct toys. Teach them their individual names (“Ball,” “Rope,” “Squeaky”). Say the name of the toy, and reward them when they pick up the correct one. Over time, you’ll be amazed at how many toys they can distinguish by name. It reinforces their listening skills and memory.

My Jersey Straight Talk: Consistency is King

Listen up. These games aren’t just for passing time; they’re vital for a dog’s mental health and your peaceful home. Keep sessions short – 5 to 15 minutes, a few times a day – especially for puppies or older dogs. Always end on a positive note, even if it’s just for a small success. Use high-value treats and enthusiastic praise. Never get frustrated or use harsh methods; it breaks trust and makes them shut down.

You put the effort into engaging your dog’s mind indoors, and you’ll have a calmer, happier, and much more well-behaved companion, no matter what the weather’s doing outside. Trust me, it’s worth every minute.