Indoor Activities for Dogs: 10 Fun Ways to Beat Boredom

Rainy days, hot afternoons and busy weeks happen to every dog owner. The good news is that indoor activities for dogs can burn energy, build skills and keep your best friend happy without leaving the house. Here are ten fun ideas you can start today.

Why Indoor Activities for Dogs Matter

Dogs need both physical exercise and mental stimulation. A bored dog may chew furniture, bark or become restless. Good indoor activities for dogs give their brain a workout too, and mental effort can tire a dog as much as a walk.

10 Indoor Activities for Dogs

1. Hide and seek

Ask your dog to stay, hide somewhere in the house, then call their name. Celebrate when they find you. It practices recall and is lots of fun.

2. Find the treats

Hide small treats around a room and let your dog sniff them out. Start easy, then make the hiding places harder as your dog improves.

3. Puzzle feeders and food toys

Instead of using a bowl, feed some meals from a puzzle toy or a stuffed rubber toy. It slows down eating and keeps your dog busy. Remember to count the calories, as explained in our guide on how much to feed your dog.

4. Snuffle mat

Scatter kibble in a snuffle mat or a rolled-up towel so your dog has to forage. Sniffing is naturally calming.

5. Short training sessions

Spend five to ten minutes practicing known commands or teaching new tricks. Our basic dog training commands are a great place to start, and tricks such as spin, paw and roll over are easy to add.

6. Indoor fetch

If you have a long hallway, roll a soft ball or toss a soft toy. Keep the space clear and avoid slippery floors.

7. Tug of war

Tug is a good way to burn energy when played with rules. Let your dog win sometimes, stop if the game gets too rough and teach a “drop it” cue.

8. Obstacle course

Use cushions, a low broom handle or boxes to create a simple course. Guide your dog over, under and around with treats.

9. Cardboard box treasure hunt

Put treats or a toy in a sturdy box with some crumpled paper and let your dog dig it out. Supervise so no cardboard gets swallowed.

10. Rotate the toys

Keep a few toys out and swap them every week so they always feel new. See our guide to the best dog chew toys for safe options.

Safety Tips

• Supervise play, especially with toys, ropes and boxes.
• Remove small items your dog could swallow.
• Avoid hard jumps and sudden stops on slippery floors, particularly for puppies and older dogs.
• Match activities to your dog’s age and health. Seniors may prefer slow games, as discussed in our senior dog mobility guide.

Keep a Routine

Even with plenty of indoor play, most dogs still need regular outdoor walks and toilet breaks. If you are away from home, a comfortable resting spot such as a good dog bed helps your dog settle. For more general advice on enriching your dog’s life, you can browse the American Kennel Club website.

Try a few of these indoor activities for dogs this week and see which ones your dog loves best.