50 Games to Play With Your Dog Indoors

Discover fun and engaging games to play with your dog at home. Playing games with your dog is a great way to bond and keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Whether it’s raining outside or you just want to stay indoors, there are plenty of fun games you can play with your furry friend. From basic obedience training to more advanced agility courses, there are games for dogs of all ages and skill levels.

In this article, we’ll explore 50 games you can play with your dog indoors. So, grab your pup and let’s get started!

1. Hidden Treasure: Hide a treat under one of several boxes and encourage your dog to sniff it out. This game engages your dog’s sense of smell and problem-solving skills as they use their nose to locate the hidden treasure. It’s a fun and rewarding way to keep your dog mentally stimulated.

2. Hide-and-Seek: Hide from your dog and encourage them to find you. This classic game provides mental stimulation as your dog uses their senses to track you down. It also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.

3. Obedience Training: Teach your dog basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Obedience training not only enhances your dog’s behavior but also offers a mental challenge, helping them learn and understand your cues.

4. Play-Wild Sits: Rile up your dog and then instruct them to sit. This game combines excitement and obedience, teaching your dog to control their energy and respond to your commands even in the midst of play.

5. Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course using household objects such as boxes, chairs, and books. Designing an indoor obstacle course provides a physically and mentally stimulating activity for your dog. They’ll have a blast navigating the various challenges.

6. Training Platform and Agility System: Use a training platform and agility system to teach your dog new tricks. This advanced form of training incorporates agility exercises, helping your dog develop coordination and problem-solving abilities.

7. Cardio Twist: Encourage your dog to run in circles around you. This game gets your dog’s heart rate up, offering exercise and fun at the same time. It’s great for dogs with lots of energy.

8. Tug-of-War: Play tug-of-war with your dog using a rope or toy. Tug-of-war is an excellent way to bond with your dog and provide them with a physical outlet for their energy. Ensure you follow safe and fair play rules.

9. Fetch: Play fetch with your dog using a ball or toy. Indoor fetch allows your dog to burn off energy and exercise without having to leave the house. Make sure you have enough space to play safely.

10. Chase: Chase your dog around the house. Dogs love to be pursued in a playful manner. It’s a great way to engage with your dog and give them some exercise, especially in colder or rainy weather.

11. Puzzle Toys: Give your dog a puzzle toy to play with. Puzzle toys challenge your dog’s problem-solving abilities as they figure out how to get the treats or kibble inside. They provide both mental stimulation and a tasty reward.

12. Snuffle Mat: Use a snuffle mat to engage your dog’s sense of smell. Snuffle mats are designed to hide treats or kibble in the fabric, encouraging your dog to use their nose to find them. It’s like a canine scavenger hunt indoors.

13. Kong Toy: Fill a Kong toy with treats and let your dog work to get them out. Kong toys are durable and designed to keep your dog mentally engaged as they work to extract the treats from inside. It’s a great boredom-buster.

14. Scent Work: Teach your dog to identify different scents. Scent work engages your dog’s olfactory senses and can lead to advanced activities like tracking or search and rescue training.

15. Musical Chairs: Play a game of musical chairs with your dog. Adapt the classic human game to include your dog, and watch as they eagerly participate by sitting when the music stops.

16. Simon Says: Play a game of Simon Says with your dog. This game tests your dog’s ability to follow your commands, promoting obedience and attentiveness.

17. Hot and Cold: Play a game of Hot and Cold with your dog. Hide a toy and give your dog clues about its location, leading them to use their problem-solving skills to find it.

18. Name Game: Teach your dog to identify different objects by name. By associating names with specific items or toys, your dog can learn to recognize and retrieve them upon request.

19. Copycat: Teach your dog to copy your movements. This game helps develop your dog’s coordination and response to visual cues.

20. Balance Beam: Teach your dog to walk on a balance beam. This activity enhances your dog’s balance and coordination.

21. Jumping Jacks: Teach your dog to do jumping jacks. This fun exercise combines movement and obedience, keeping your dog engaged.

22. Dance Party: Have a dance party with your dog. Dancing with your dog can be a fun and entertaining way to interact, promoting physical activity and bonding.

23. Yoga: Do yoga with your dog. Doga, or dog yoga, is a relaxing and bonding activity that combines your yoga routine with your dog’s presence.

24. Massage: Give your dog a massage. A gentle massage can help your dog relax and reduce stress. It’s a great way to show affection and care.

25. Bubble Bath: Give your dog a bubble bath. This can be a delightful and soothing experience for your dog, especially if they enjoy water.

26. Grooming: Groom your dog. Regular grooming not only keeps your dog’s coat healthy but also serves as a bonding experience between you and your furry friend.

27. Painting: Paint with your dog. Dog-safe paints can be used to create fun and unique artwork with your dog’s pawprints.

28. Cooking: Cook with your dog. Involve your dog in the kitchen by making dog-friendly treats together, promoting a sense of togetherness and reward.

29. Reading: Read to your dog. Reading aloud to your dog can provide them with a comforting and soothing experience, and it’s a great way to unwind together.

30. Movie Night: Have a movie night with your dog. Watching a dog-friendly movie can be a fun way to relax with your furry companion.

31. Karaoke: Sing karaoke with your dog. Your dog won’t judge your singing skills, and it’s a lighthearted way to have fun together.

32. Photography: Take photos of your dog. Capture beautiful moments and memories of your dog indoors. It’s a creative way to bond and document their life.

33. Scavenger Hunt: Set up a scavenger hunt for your dog. Create a series of clues or hiding spots for treats, toys, or even their dinner, turning mealtime into an exciting adventure.

34. Trick Training: Teaching your dog new tricks is an engaging and mentally stimulating activity. It challenges their ability to learn and respond to cues, and it’s a wonderful way to bond. From basic tricks like “shake hands” and “roll over” to more advanced feats, like balancing treats on their nose, there are countless tricks to explore. Trick training not only keeps your dog entertained but also boosts their confidence and communication skills.

35. Agility Training: Agility training involves teaching your dog to navigate an obstacle course, typically comprised of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and more. It’s not just a physically demanding sport but also a mental challenge as your dog learns to follow your commands and tackle each element of the course with precision. Agility training can help improve your dog’s coordination, fitness, and teamwork with you.

36. Soccer: Playing soccer with your dog can be a high-energy, interactive game. Roll a lightweight, dog-friendly soccer ball and encourage your dog to chase, dribble, and even score goals. It’s a great way to combine exercise and fun, and many dogs love the excitement of chasing after a moving ball.

37. Basketball: Like soccer, playing basketball with your dog is a lively and stimulating activity. Use a soft basketball or a dog-friendly basketball toy, and engage your dog in dribbling, passing, and shooting hoops. It’s not only physically invigorating but also a fantastic way to encourage teamwork and coordination.

38. Volleyball: Playing volleyball with your dog involves gentle ball-keeping in the air using light, soft balls. Your dog can use their paws or even their nose to volley the ball back and forth with you. This activity promotes agility, focus, and precision.

39. Bowling: Indoor dog bowling is a delightful game where your dog can be the “bowler.” Set up a series of lightweight pins or objects, and encourage your dog to knock them down by rolling a ball at them. It’s a great combination of physical activity and precision.

40. Mini Golf: Mini golf with your dog is a creative and interactive indoor game. Set up a mini golf course using household items, and encourage your dog to chase the ball into the “holes.” This game tests your dog’s aim, coordination, and patience.

41. Frisbee: Playing frisbee indoors can be a fantastic way to provide exercise and entertainment for your dog. Use a soft, indoor-friendly frisbee or a soft toy and toss it for your dog to catch. This game is an excellent test of your dog’s agility and catching skills.

42. Ring Toss: Ring toss with your dog involves throwing rings onto targets, which your dog can retrieve. You can use lightweight, dog-safe rings and targets for this game. It encourages your dog to focus and retrieve the rings, providing both mental and physical stimulation.

43. Bean Bag Toss: Similar to ring toss, bean bag toss with your dog involves throwing bean bags into designated targets. This game tests your dog’s accuracy and retrieval skills and can be a fun indoor activity.

44. Ping Pong: Playing ping pong with your dog can be a unique and interactive game. Gently bounce a ping pong ball on a table or a hard surface and encourage your dog to “return” it by hitting it with their nose or paws. It’s a game that hones your dog’s reflexes and coordination.

45. Pool: If you have an indoor pool, your dog can enjoy swimming and playing in the water. Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature and provide supervision to ensure safety. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for many dogs.

46. Water Balloons: Playing with water balloons can be a refreshing and entertaining activity, especially in hot weather. Your dog can chase and pop the water balloons, providing an exciting way to cool down while enjoying the indoor space.

47. Ice Cubes: Ice cubes can be a simple but effective source of entertainment for your dog. Toss ice cubes on the floor, and your dog can chase and play with them. The sliding and cooling sensation adds a unique dimension to their play.

48. Snow: If you have access to snow, playing indoors with snow can be an exciting adventure for your dog. You can bring snow indoors and create a small play area where your dog can explore, dig, and play in the snow.

49. Sledding: Going sledding with your dog is a delightful winter activity. Use a small sled or toboggan and enjoy a ride with your dog. This activity combines the thrill of sledding with your dog’s companionship, making it a memorable experience for both of you.

50. Red Light, Green Light: Play a game of Red Light, Green Light with your dog. This game helps your dog practice stopping and starting on command, enhancing their impulse control.

Conclusion:

Indoor dog games are the secret to a happy and unbreakable connection with your pet. These 50 activities offer endless moments of joy and enrichment. So, make the most of them, ensure safety and fun, and continue to cherish the love you share with your loyal companion.