Best games for dogs to play indoors this winter

While you might be content to snuggle up and watch a movie on a cold, wet day, spare a thought for your dog. They need stimulation, too – but it doesn’t always have to involve going outside. Indoor games for dogs can be just as rewarding for a stir-crazy pooch, especially if you’re engaging their brain. And mentally stimulating challenges are equally as important as physical exercise for your dog, says Hayley Goodwin, national head of dog training at Hanro.

“The benefits for your dog include reducing stress, promoting cognitive activity and giving them an outlet for their breed-specific behaviours,” she says. “It has an overall benefit of promoting more desirable behaviours.” Try these ideas to keep your pup happy on indoor days.

Best games for dogs to keep them active and entertained indoors

• Tug-of-war: Likely you’ve had many games of tug-of-war with your dog. Get a fresh toy to ‘tug’ over and let the fun begin.
• Scent tests: See if your dog can sniff out certain scents or tasty treats around the house.
• Obstacle course: Using household items like brooms, boxes, chairs and blankets, safely guide your dog through each obstacle with a treat as a reward to keep them engaged.
• Puzzle feeders: These are a great way to make mealtime more engaging.
• Teach a trick: Begin with the basics (sit, stay) and progress to harder ones (shake).

Activities to stimulate your dog’s nose

A dog’s sense of smell is about 40 times better than ours, so scent enrichment activities can be a good brain workout. “Scents such as birch, anise, clove and cypress are used for scent work trials but whatever essential oil you use, ensure your dog cannot ingest it,” warns Hayley. “Dilute the scent on a pad in a sealed container with small holes to let the odour out.” You could also play hide and seek – they’ll use their nose to find you! Then reward your dog with a toy or treat when they find their mark.

Give dogs a tasty treat

Gustatory (or taste) enrichment is the most widely used form of enrichment. Present your dog’s normal diet, as well as new food items, in a variety of ways, such as in a puzzle feeder, hidden or scattered throughout the house, or in a way that makes them work for their food. This could mean poking small treats into snuffle mats or giving them chew toys that have space for treats inside. 

Tip: If you’re investing in new dog toys, it can be a good idea to have a place to put them. Here’s a great guide to custom-building your own storage solution.

Think about teaching your dog a new trick

Take the opportunity to teach your dog a new trick. Start by revising the basics (sit, stay) and progress to tricks such as roll over or spin. Balancing tricks can also encourage core stability – for example, teach your dog to stand with one front paw (or both) on a small stool or upturned bowl.

Make time for your dog to play

Play can be both physically and mentally stimulating. Flirt poles (a lure on the end of a rope attached to a pole) can be good for small spaces, as can tug toys, herding balls (larger balls that need to be pushed rather than picked up) and ball launchers, depending on how much space you have. Try a game of fetch with a special soft indoor ball or plush toy. Obstacle or agility courses can also be made using cushions, boxes, hoops and broom handles.

Keep in mind...

• No toy is indestructible - always supervise your pet with new toys, inspect toys regularly and remove if they become damaged or unsafe.

Want nothing but the best for your furred, feathered and fishy friends?

Take a look at our series of articles about taking care of your pets. 

 

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