How to Keep Dogs Entertained Indoors

One of the best things about having dogs is all the walks and outdoor adventures you get to experience together. However, there are plenty of things you can do to keep dogs entertained indoors. In fact, it’s an important skill for any dog to learn and practice regularly. You never know when you might have to miss an outdoor walk due to injury, illness or a sudden change in schedule. We thought we’d share our favourite tips for keeping dogs entertained indoors to help equip your dog with this important life skill.

Switch Up Their Toys

Dogs, like human children, can easily get bored of their toys. Instead of rushing out to buy new toys from the pet shop, why not rotate your dog’s existing collection instead? Divide their current collection up and store some toys away. In a couple of months time, swap them over and see how your dog reacts. You might be surprised how much more engaging your dog finds their collection!

Alternatively, you can also make new toys from common household items. Plaiting together old tea towels creates a great snuffle mat or tug toy for your dog to enjoy. Recyclables like plastic bottles, card board boxes and toilet roll tubes make amazing toys for dogs. Especially if they’re allowed to chew and destroy them. It’s a low (often no!) cost way to keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Teach Them Something New

I continue to be amazed by how intelligent dogs can be. When Woody was an only dog, I used to teach him all sorts of skills. He learnt everything from crate training to playing dead and even holding random objects in his mouth on command. Teaching your dog new tricks not only keeps their brains active, it’s also a great bonding exercise too.

It doesn’t have to be a fancy new trick or useful command either. There are so many opportunities for dogs to learn! Why not teach them how to fetch the post, or hide their kibble around the house so they have to sniff it out. Tie their favourite tug toy to the fridge and teach them how to bring your favourite fizzy drink to you – without shaking it up of course!

Let Dogs Play

If you have multiple dogs in your home, why not let your dogs play games together? So long as your pets tolerate each other, with no animosity, there’s nothing wrong with letting them play a game of rough and tumble, tug or chase. Be sure to supervise playtime between dogs, to ensure things remain in control and nothing gets out of hand. The last thing you want is a friendly game to take a turn for the worse!

If you live in a one dog household, why not invite a friend over for a playdate? Socialising is important for dogs whatever their age, they learn so much through playing with one another. In fact, this is one of the main reasons I adopted my second dog Hen. While it took a while for Woody and Hen to settle in, they’re now best friends. Watching them play together brings me so much joy every day!

Give Them Something to Chew

Chewing is a perfect stress-relieving exercise for many dogs. It’s also a great boredom buster, which is why some dogs take to chewing household items when their owners are out! Providing your dog with safe items for them to gnaw on is a great idea and gives them something they can use to entertain themselves. The added bonus is chewing on certain items also helps improve dental hygiene, as it reduces the build up of plaque on your dog’s teeth.

There are so many dog friendly chewing options on the market, from durable toys like Kongs to natural options such as cow ears, yak milk chews and certain types of treated wood. Depending on your dogs size, age and chewing strength, you’re bound to find a variety of products for them to try. Woody and Hen are both strong chewers, who love coming back to gnaw on something throughout the day. Their favourites include deer antlers, hairy cow ears and yak chews.

What are your tips for keeping dogs entertained indoors?

For more dog friendly UK holiday inspiration, follow us on Instagram!