Are you worried that your pet is becoming lazy and bored? Worry no more! As much as it may be hard to engage your dog indoors, there are several effortless ways to revert this. Engaging your dog is enormously beneficial as it helps avoid dog obesity.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats in the US are obese or overweight. Obese pets are more prone to diseases than their counterparts. What’s more, engaging your dog is mutually beneficial to you and the dog.
1. Tug of War:
Tug of war is an ideal fun indoor activity for dogs because it requires minimal space. And before you ask, tug of war won’t make your dog aggressive in any way. It will build a dog-owner interaction and, therefore, more obedience. However, you need to set up a few basic rules to avoid harm, just in case.
2. Obstacles Course:
Some of the common obstacles you can use in this game are chairs, tables, and dog tunnels. The fun in this indoor dog activity is seeing your pet jump over and through, go under, and circle. Celebrate each of the pet’s achievements.
3. Hide and Seek:
The game may enormously improve your dog’s sense of sniffing and improve how the two of you relate. Ensure you make it hard for the dog to find you. Praise it every time it finds you to motivate it and make the game enjoyable.
4. Hidden treats:
Ensure you stash different treats to make the smell a little unpredictable. Also, change the hiding places to make finding the treat a hassle.
5. Workout Stairs:
However, if your dog has health issues primarily related to joints, you should consult your vet first. Exercising too hard may strain older and pregnant dogs too. Otherwise, the game is entertaining, especially if you take break intervals.
6. Practice Obedience Skills:
You can train the dog using basic commands like sit, stay, wait, high-five, and others. But you might be wondering, how do I entertain my dog for hours using basic commands? Well, you can opt to treat the dog on every skill he gets right. Practicing obedience skills is the best option for pet owners with condensed apartments.
7. Fetching:
One of the fun things to do with your dog at home outside is playing the fetching game. However, the game is also a perfect indoor dog activity. You just need to limit the distance you throw away the ball. Dogs love this game, and therefore, there’s a guarantee you’ll enjoy it too. You only need a plastic or rubber ball and a small space. Keep the area clear so that you don’t incur losses by breaking items.
8. Shell Game:
You take several cups, mainly two or three, and put a treat under one. Ensure the dog is watching out for the whole process. Then, gradually reshuffle the cups intending to confuse the puppy. Lastly, let the dog find the cup with the treat. Praise your dog for every right guess it makes.
9. Food Toying:
People love keeping dogs engaged for various reasons, including work. So, are you wondering how to keep a puppy busy while at work? Try out food dispensing toys. These toys can keep your puppy stimulated, purposeful, and entertained while you work. All you need to do is stuff the food dispensing toy with some treats and leave the dog doing the rest. Depending on the dispenser, some require the dog to push or pull. You can easily purchase a food dispenser online.
10. Use Pet Training Equipment:
Just like humans, pets also have their training equipment. Owners can opt to own one depending on their preferences. Some of the most common pet training equipment includes treadmills and agility tunnels. Your dog may be uncomfortable at first, but gradually, they will appreciate the fun. Buying equipment may not be an ideal indoor dog activity as it may be expensive and space-consuming.