5 Fun Things to Do With Your Dog at Home
Keep Your Pup Happy, Healthy, and Entertained Indoors
Rainy days, hot summer afternoons, or busy work schedules don’t have to mean a bored pup. Dogs need both mental stimulation and physical exercise, and you can give them both without stepping outside!
In this guide, you’ll discover five fun, safe, and easy indoor activities to keep your dog happy and active. Plus, we’ll share top-rated Amazon picks to make playtime even more exciting.
1. Indoor Fetch with Soft Toys
Fetch isn’t just for the park you can make it a safe, indoor game by using soft, lightweight toys.
How to Play
Why it works
Burns energy, improves recall skills, and is great for quick play sessions.
Product Pick:
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats
- 【Safe and Durable】Unlike regular rubber or plastic, we’ve opted for more advanced E-TPU, formed through vapor compressio…
- 【Colorful and High-Bouncing】You will get 2 pcs dog ball. The blue and yellow color combination makes it easy for your do…
- 【Interactive Dog Toys for Games】The nearly indestructible dog ball floats on water, making water play a breeze—your dog’…
- Soft, safe for indoor play
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Squeaky for extra fun
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Gentle on furniture | ✘ Not ideal for aggressive chewers |
| ✔ Encourages exercise indoors |
2. DIY Puzzle Games for Mental Stimulation
Dogs love using their nose, and puzzle games are perfect for keeping their brains busy.
Simple Version
- Use 3 paper cups and hide a treat under one.
- Shuffle the cups and let your dog guess.
Why it works
Encourages problem-solving, prevents boredom, and helps with focus.
Product Pick (Editor’s Choice)
Outward Hound Hide N’ Slide Puzzle Game
- BUILT TO LAST! Whether your pet is a gentle cuddler or a playful companion, Snuggle Puppy dog toys are engineered for lo…
- SAFE, HYPOALLERGENIC MATERIALS and MACHINE WASHABLE. Designed with your pet’s health in mind, the Snuggle Puppy undergoe…
- THE ORIGINAL DOG ENRICHMENT TOY AND COMFORT AID. Check out our amazing reviews! Since 1997 our puppy toys successfully r…
- Durable wood construction
- Non-slip base for stability
- Multiple difficulty levels
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Long-lasting fun | ✘ Works best with small treats |
| ✔ Engages brain and nose |
3. Create a DIY Indoor Obstacle Course
Turn your living room into an agility arena with things you already have!
Ideas
- Pillows to jump over
- Blanket tunnel between chairs
- Broomstick balanced on boxes for low jumps
Why it works
Builds confidence, coordination, and gives a great workout.
Product Pick
PawHut Adjustable Dog Agility Set
- Set of 6 Bar Jumps: This dog agility starter kit includes 6 dog agility jumps in total, which allows you to conduct more…
- Adjustable Heights: The height of the dog jumping bar can be moved up and down with a clip, meaning you can adjust it fr…
- Fixed Bottom Bar: The bottom bar of this dog agility kit is made specifically to work on almost any surface. From concre…
- Easy to set up indoors or outdoors
- Adjustable jump height
- Lightweight and portable
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Great for training | ✘ Requires some floor space |
| ✔ Fun for all sizes of dogs |
4. Hide and Seek — With You or Their Toys
Hide and seek isn’t just for kids, it’s a fun way to practice recall commands.
How to Play
- Have your dog stay.
- Hide behind a door, curtain, or furniture.
- Call them and reward them when they find you.
Why it works
Strengthens your bond and stimulates their natural hunting instincts.
Product Pick
KONG Classic Dog Toy
- Perfect for stuffing with KONG treats
- Unpredictable bounce for games of fetch
- Recommended Worldwide by veterinarians, trainers and dog enthusiasts
- Fill with treats or peanut butter
- Perfect for hide and seek
- Long-lasting, durable rubber
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Keeps dogs busy | ✘ Needs cleaning after use |
| ✔ Great for chewers |
5. Trick Training & Doggie Dance Party
Teaching tricks keeps your dog’s mind sharp, and adding music makes it even more fun!
Trick Ideas
- Spin in a circle
- High-five
- Weave between your legs
- Jump on cue
Why it works
Boosts confidence, improves obedience, and adds variety to training.
Product Pick
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats
- Natural dog treats made with added vitamins and minerals and no corn, wheat, or soy at only 2 calories per treat
- Keeps dogs begging for more with soft dog treats featuring real ingredients like cherries and chicken
- Excellent dog training treats dogs can enjoy on the trail, or on any adventure, while encouraging bonding
- Low-calorie, healthy rewards
- Perfect for quick training sessions
- Soft and easy to chew
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Ideal for repeated rewards | ✘ Needs to be stored in airtight container |
| ✔ Natural ingredients |
Final Thougts
Keeping your dog happy indoors is all about creativity and interaction. Whether it’s a quick game of fetch, a brain-teasing puzzle, or a silly dance party, these activities will help your pup stay happy, healthy, and entertained — no matter the weather outside.
Rotate activities daily to keep things fresh and exciting for your dog.
