Top 10 Indoor Games for your Dog

Dogs love to play outside, no matter what the weather or situation. When circumstances won’t allow it, dog owners can get creative at home to entertain our furry friends! Here is a list of indoor games to stimulate your dog's brain and to keep your dog happy, healthy and to enhance the bond you share.

Where’s the Treat?

What You Need: 3-4 empty cups and dog treats

Have your dog start this game in a Sit/Stay, or Down/Stay position about 10 feet away from 3-4 empty cups. When you have your dog’s attention, place a treat or a toy under one of the cups. Then, excitedly ask, “Where’s the treat?” When your dog finds the correct cup, reward them with the treat and lots of praise! Once your dog has mastered the basics of this fun game, you can make it more challenging by moving the cups around after you hide the treat or pretending to put treats under multiple cups.

Name That Toy

What You Need: several different dog toys

Collect a group of visibly different toys from around the house. Hold one toy up for your dog to see, sniff, and get excited about. Next, toss it away, asking, “Where’s your [toy name]?” When your pet retrieves the toy, give them lots of praise, then repeat the process with the other toys (being sure to stay consistent with the naming each time). Once your dog has mastered a few names, set out multiple toys and tell them which one to get.

Find It!

What You Need: dog toys or dog treats

Start with your dog in a Sit/Stay position; show them a toy or treat, then place it on the floor where your dog can see it. Say “Find it!” and praise your dog when they do. Watch your dog as they search for additional treats and tap your foot or give an “Ooh!” to point them in the right direction. Continue this process with varying treat placements or set up a room of hidden treats in advance, for a fun surprise.

Stairway to Heaven

What You Need: a staircase and your dog's favourite toy

Start your dog next to you in a Sit/Stay position at the bottom of a staircase. Then, throw your dog’s favourite toy to the top of the stairs. Say, “Fetch!” or “Go!” After your dog runs up the stairs to grab their toy, call them to “Come” and ask them to “Drop” or “Release” the toy. Repeat the process until your dog is tired out from the fun! (Please note that this is not a good game for puppies, as their joints are still developing, elderly dog or dogs prone to injury.)

Recall Reprise

What You Need: a friend or family member, dog treats or kibble

This is a two-person game, so grab a friend or loved one! Stand a few feet apart from each other, each holding a handful of treats or kibble. One person calls the dog to “Come,” rewarding them with praise and a treat when they do. Then, the other person repeats the process. Take two steps back each time, and every fourth or fifth time, just offer praise; don’t call. See how far apart you two can venture!

Clean Up!

What You Need: toy box or basket, various dog toys

Have your dog pick up a toy while you hold up their toy box. Tell them to “Drop it!” and praise / reward them when they do. Repeat with the next toy. Once they understand the idea of the game, put the toy box on the floor and guide your pet over to it instead.

Come When Called

What You Need: dog toys or dog treats

Start this game by calling your dog to “Come” to you. Put your dog in a Sit/Stay position, then move away. Wait a minute or so, then call “Come.” Repeat the process, increasing the distance you move, the length of time before you call, or both factors each time. This is an excellent game for dogs with attention-seeking behaviours, as it teaches them to wait for your commands.

Circus Clown

What You Need: a dog lead, a pole or stick or similar object

This is a fun one! Start with your dog on a lead and hold a pole or a stick an inch or two off the ground. Have your dog walk over the obstacle, then praise them. Repeat, raising the pole or stick each time (be sure to move your pet back and let them get a running start). Once they master the pole, try your dog jumping through a hula-hoop!

Hide & Seek

What You Need: Your imagination!

Bring your dog into a room and tell them to “Stay.” Next, go into another room, hide, and call your dog. Try not to give away your location by laughing!

Work for Your Dinner

Treat-rewarding puzzles, such as Bark Busters GameChanger^®, and numerous others available in today's market, make your dog work for his treats. You can even use kibble with the toys to feed your dog his entire meal.

Due to Coronavirus, we may be temporarily stuck inside, but you and your dog don’t need to be bored!

Games and tricks can be a fun and rewarding bonding experience and help alleviate any stress you or your dog may feel. In addition, playing interactive games with your dog uses your dog's brain power, and like training exercises, help keep your dog's focus on you!