This time of year, the weather isn’t always the nicest (depending on where you live, of course). While we’ll often simply power through and brave the bad weather, there are times when it might not be safe to head outside with our dogs – or we might have to cut walks a little shorter.
For these times, it’s a good idea to have some fun indoor games on hand for your dog to enjoy, probably with some of the best dog treats involved! This way, they can get the physical and mental stimulation they require without heading outside in the process.
If you need some inspiration, Juliana DeWillems, expert trainer and the founder of JW Dog Training & Behavior, has some advice in a recent Instagram post – let’s take a look at some of her favorite indoor games for dogs here.
“Bad weather doesn’t mean your dog’s exercise and enrichment needs are magically gone,” DeWillems explains, “We still need to find creative outlets to prevent boredom and tire them out!”
DeWillems’ first piece of advice is to play a ‘find it’ game with your dog. To do so, simply place some tasty treats around the room and let your pup find them all. They’ll love to sniff them all out – and enjoy the reward too! You could put some treats on the floor, as well as on chairs, and under and behind pieces of furniture.
Similarly, treat snuffle boxes can be great for dogs stuck inside. Simply hide some treats or pieces of kibble in boxes filled with paper and let your dog sniff them out. You could even put treats or kibble in a muffin tin and cover them with balls or toys, or try these DIY snuffle mat ideas. If your dog enjoys this sort of challenge, check out our guides to the best snuffle mats and best puzzle toys.
DeWillems also recommends the use of long-lasting chews. Many dogs really enjoy working on a chew, and one of the best long-lasting dog chews can keep them occupied for even a few hours! Chewing helps your dog look after their teeth and keep their jaw clean, as well as tackle boredom and anxiety – what could be better?
If you’ve got some free time to spend with your dog while you’re both at home, why not take the time out to teach them a new trick? If there’s a trick you’ve been meaning to teach them for a while, or you’ve found one online that you think your pup would be good at, why not give it a try?
Or, of course, your dog might prefer a classic game of hide-and-seek! When they find you, make sure there’s plenty of praise and a treat or two too.
Looking for more ideas? Try these dog enrichment ideas that will keep your pooch entertained.
