No matter where you live, summer is likely going to be hot. If you live in an area where it can typically be between 80 and 100 degrees (or more), letting your dog play outside for too long can be hazardous. What do you do, though, if your dog has a lot of energy or gets bored easily? Well, it turns out there are plenty of indoor activities for your dog to keep them active, healthy, and happy. Read about a few below!
8 Indoor Activities Your Dog Will Enjoy
Playing interactive games with your dog are some of the best ways to not only keep them physically active but provide mental stimulation as well. These games can also help encourage the bond between you and your dog.
Tug of War
Contrary to popular belief, this does not encourage aggression in your dog, but can actually teach them manners and impulse control. It is also a lot of fun, and a great exercise for both of you.
Find the Treats
Teach your dog how to find hidden treats around the house. Start small, and then gradually make the hiding spots more challenging. A great treat to use (for this and any other game that uses treats) are small bite-sized pieces of carrots. Dogs love them, they are really easy to make, and they are super healthy. Feel free to also check out our list of the four best treats to use for dog training.
Play the “Which Hand?” Game
This can help teach your dog some scent work. Hide a treat in one hand, without your dog seeing which hand the treat is in, and let your dog sniff your hands to find the treat.
Cup Shuffle Game
The Cup Shuffle Game can help develop their scent work, while also test their problem solving skills. Put a treat under one of three or four cups, and then shuffle them around in front of your dog. Then stop and see if your dog can figure out which cup holds the treat.
Teach Your Dog to Clean Up Their Toys
If your dog has a lot of toys, as well as a designated bin or basket where they go when not being played with, teaching them how to clean up their toys can be a great game to play. Once they learn this, it is also one less thing that you have to worry about cleaning yourself!
One great way to teach them to clean is to first teach them the names of each toy. Maybe even come up with a cute name for each toy, something that will be easy to teach. Dogs are smarter than we give them credit for and are capable of learning a lot of words.
Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek can be a fun game for dogs. It is even better if you have a large house with many different places to hide. Your dog will have a blast running around the house looking for you. Also, if you have kids, this can be a fun indoor games for them to play with the dog too.
Refresh Obedience Skills
If you and your pooch are stuck indoors, consider a refresher course on their obedience skills. Even the most well-behaved dogs will need a refresher now and then. Pull out your handy treats and go through each skill one by one.
This can be a great way to not only reinforce these skills, but keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. Dogs love it when you praise them, so anything that makes you happy and gets a treat in their mouth is a win in their book.
Grooming & Massage
Once you have had a long and productive day of games and activities, finish up with some regular grooming sessions, and perhaps a doggie massage.
Dogs need to be washed, brushed, and have their teeth cleaned on a regular basis, just like we do. But hygiene is not something they can do by themselves, which is where you come in. Trimming their nails, if they let you handle their feet, is another element of grooming they will need.
Doggie massage, in contrast, is a great way to help your doggie relax after a long day. Also, if your dog is elderly and has arthritis, massage can help ease a lot of their discomfort and pain.
Contact Paw Pals For More Information
Keep your dogs cool and entertained with the above indoor activities for your dog that are perfect for those hot summer months.
Will you be going away soon and need someone to watch your dog? Or coming home late and need help taking your dog for a walk? Contact Paw Pals for more information – we will be happy to assist you with all your dog sitting and walking needs!