Dogs get bored. This varies by breed, but if you have a moderate or high energy dog, you understand the how quickly boredom can creep up. My mixed-breed dog is pretty pushy when he gets bored; he will not hesitate to “voice his opinion” when he wants attention.
When the weather’s bad or you’re short on outdoor space, your pup still needs playtime. The good news? There are plenty of fun and stimulating games to play with your dog indoors. Whether you have a high-energy puppy or a chill senior dog, indoor games help keep their minds sharp and tails wagging.
Here are 12 indoor games that you and your dog will both love, from easy DIY challenges to energy-burning fun.
1. Tug-of-War
It’s a classic for a reason! Tug-of-war builds strength, burns energy, and reinforces your bond. Use a sturdy rope toy or an old towel, but remember, always let your dog win sometimes to keep them engaged.
Also, be sure not to pull too hard as you don’t want to injure your dog. If you have a puppy, it is best to avoid this activity as their teeth and jaw are still developing. Gentle play is okay, though.
2. Hide and Seek
Dogs love using their noses. Hide somewhere in the house and call your dog’s name. When they find you, reward them with praise or a treat. You can also hide their favorite toy or a treat instead of yourself!
3. Find the Treats
Hide treats around the living room and let your dog sniff them out. This game stimulates their brain and taps into their natural hunting instincts. Start easy, then increase difficulty as they get better. Dogs absolutely love this sort of stimulation. Just be sure that they are able to find all of the treats; I’d hate for you to stumble upon a moldy science project during spring cleaning!
4. Indoor Fetch (With a Soft Toy)
If you have a hallway or open area, use a plush toy or soft ball for indoor fetch. This works well if you have an open space in the living room or basement. Fetch is such a classic and is on so many lists that it is easy to overlook, but there’s a reason it is a classic and the “quintessential” game for dogs.
5. Obstacle Course
Create a mini agility course using pillows, laundry baskets, chairs, and blankets. Teach your dog to jump, crawl, or weave through obstacles for a great physical and mental workout. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube that you can utilize for this one.
6. Shell Game (Cup Game)
Place a treat under one of three cups and shuffle them around. Can your dog guess which cup hides the snack? It’s a great mental challenge and super fun to watch. Seriously, this one is really fun to watch and as a bonus, you’ll get a good laugh out of it.
7. Training Sessions
Turn training into a game! Teach new tricks or reinforce old ones using positive reinforcement. Dogs love the mental challenge, and the treats don’t hurt either.
8. The Muffin Tin Puzzle
Place treats in a muffin tin and cover each one with a tennis ball. Your dog has to figure out how to move the balls to get the reward underneath. Cheap, easy, and fun!
9. Interactive Puzzle Toys
Don’t underestimate the power of a good puzzle toy. Brands like Kong, Outward Hound, and Nina Ottosson offer excellent options to keep dogs engaged indoors.
10. The Name Game
Teach your dog the names of their toys, then test them! Ask them to “Bring Mr. Squeaky” or “Find the Ball.” It is another way to stimulate their mind and keep them busy.
11. Follow the Leader
Walk around the house doing different movements like sitting, spinning, or lying down. Encourage your dog to mimic you or follow commands as you go. This one is fun but be warned that some dogs tire of this quickly.
12. Bubble Chase
Buy pet-safe bubbles and let your dog chase and pop them! It’s surprisingly entertaining, especially for puppies and playful adult dogs. Some dogs will jump pretty high at a chance to catch a bubble. They enjoy bubbles as much or more than many children!
Why Indoor Dog Games Matter
Rainy days, cold winters, or extreme heat can make outdoor play impossible. But dogs still need exercise and mental stimulation. By having a few indoor games ready, you’re not just preventing boredom, you’re improving your dog’s behavior, confidence, and quality of life.
Final Tips for Indoor Dog Play
- Use positive reinforcement to keep the games fun.
- Keep sessions short (5–15 minutes) for puppies or older dogs.
- Rotate games to prevent boredom.
- Supervise closely in tight spaces to avoid accidents.
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🐾 Happy Playing!