12 Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors
When you're stuck indoors — whether it's raining, snowing, or just one of those lazy days — keeping your dog entertained can be tricky. We’ve been there! But the good news is, you don’t need fancy gadgets or a huge space to keep your pup happy and mentally engaged. Here are some of our favorite go-to activities that have worked time and time again with our own dogs (and fosters!).
1. Hide-and-Seek with Treats or Toys
This one’s a classic in our house. Just hide a few treats or your dog’s favorite toy around the room and let them sniff it out. It taps into their natural hunting instincts and gives them a satisfying mental workout. Start easy — like placing a treat under a pillow — and gradually make it more challenging as they get the hang of it. Bonus: lots of praise when they find it!
2. Indoor Obstacle Course
You don’t need agility gear — just use stuff you already have. We’ve used chairs to crawl under, couch cushions to leap over, and broomsticks balanced on books for tiny jumps. Toss in a few treats along the course for motivation, and cheer them on! If your dog’s into it, you can even time their runs and try to beat their “high score.”
3. DIY Puzzle Toys
Empty toilet paper rolls, cardboard boxes, or muffin tins can become brain games with a little creativity. Just hide kibble or treats inside and let your dog figure out how to get to them. We’ve also used old socks tied in knots with treats hidden inside — just make sure your pup doesn’t eat the sock itself!
4. Teach a New Trick
Training doesn’t have to be serious or long. Even five-minute sessions teaching “shake,” “spin,” or “roll over” can be super stimulating for your dog (and a bonding moment for you). Just keep it positive — use treats, praise, and patience. We love breaking tricks into baby steps and celebrating the small wins.
5. Tug-of-War
Grab a rope toy or an old towel and let the games begin! Most dogs love a good tug, and it’s a great way to let out energy. Just remember to keep it controlled — teach them to “drop it” on cue and watch for signs of overexcitement.
6. Indoor Fetch
Yes, fetch can work inside — with the right toy and space. We like using soft, plush balls or rolled-up socks in a hallway or cleared living room. Pro tip: move any fragile items out of the way first!
7. Play Dates at Home
If your dog is social and you’ve got a dog-loving friend nearby, invite them over for a playdate. Supervise the dogs, provide toys, and make sure the space is safe and open. It’s a great way for them to burn off energy and practice social skills.
8. Calming Tunes or Upbeat Jams
Believe it or not, music can affect your dog’s mood. We've had great luck with classical music during thunderstorms or when our foster pups are a bit anxious. On the flip side, upbeat music can encourage playtime. Just watch your dog’s body language to see what they vibe with.
9. Laser Pointer Chase (With Caution)
Some dogs go nuts for the red dot — just like cats. But use it wisely. Keep sessions short and always end with them “catching” a real toy or treat so they don’t get frustrated. And never shine it near their eyes.
10. Massage and Chill Time
Sometimes, your dog just needs to unwind. A gentle massage — soft strokes around the ears, neck, and shoulders — can help them relax and feel secure. We’ve found this especially helpful for anxious pups or after a busy day of indoor play.
11. Plenty of Chew Toys
Chewing is a natural stress-reliever for dogs, and it helps with dental health too. Rotate a few safe chew toys to keep things interesting. We always keep a stash of different textures — rubber, rope, and even a frozen carrot now and then.
12. Keep Training Positive
Whatever indoor activity you’re doing — whether it’s a trick, puzzle, or play session — positive reinforcement is your best friend. Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play. Keep sessions short, fun, and consistent.
At the end of the day, your dog just wants to spend time with you. Mixing up activities keeps things fresh, but even simple games can bring a lot of joy. We've had rainy weeks where a cardboard box and a handful of kibble saved the day! Try a few of these ideas and see what clicks with your pup — every dog is different, and that’s part of the fun.
