
Rain or shine, your dog needs exercise and mental stimulation.
But when outdoor play isn’t an option, your home can become the ultimate playground!
The best part? These fun, affordable activities work for any dog—no matter their size, age, or energy level.
- Create agility courses using everyday household items.
- Play scent games that tap into your dog’s natural instincts.
- Make DIY brain puzzles to challenge and reward your pup.
- Use healthy homemade treats to keep playtime exciting.
- Try calming activities for overexcited dogs.
Let’s turn boredom into tail-wagging fun!
Table of contents
- 35 Indoor Activities to Tire Out Your Dog
- 1. Hide-and-Seek: A Classic Fun Game
- 2. Tug-of-War: Burn Energy with Play
- 3. DIY Agility Course: Get Creative Indoors
- 4. Unleash the Power of Your Dog’s Nose
- 5. Staircase Workouts: A Cardio Blast
- 6. Teach a New Trick: Turn Your Dog Into a Trick Master
- 7. “Which Hand?” Game
- 8. Frozen Treat Puzzle
- 9. Muffin Tin Puzzle: Simple DIY Fun
- 10. Indoor Fetch: Hallway Fun
- 11. Rotate Toys: Keep Things Fresh
- 12. Cardboard Box Game: Let Them Rip!
- 13. Teach “Clean Up”
- 14. Indoor Relay Races
- 15. “Find the Toy” Game
- 16. Laser Pointer Chase
- 17. Doggy Yoga (Doga): Stretch and Relax
- 18. Interactive Dog Apps or Videos
- 19. Ball Pit Fun
- 20. Bubble Chasing
- 21. DIY Tug Toy: Make It at Home
- 22. Teach “Find Your Name”
- 23. Indoor Obstacle Course
- 24. Doggie Massage: Calm and Bond
- 25. Treat-Dispensing Bottle
- 26. Teach “Shape Recognition”
- 27. Simon Says (Dog Edition)
- 28. Shell Game
- 29. Play Tag Indoors
- 30. Practice Leash Training
- 31. Snuffle Mat Fun
- 32. Teach “Spin” or “Figure 8”
- 33. Trick Training Flashcards
- 34. Indoor Flirt Pole
- 35. Crate Training Games
- Calming Activities for Overexcited Dogs
- Healthy DIY Treat Recipes
- The Lifelong Benefits of Indoor Play for Your Dog’s Wellbeing
- Conclusion
- ⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)
- ⚠️ Top Trending Today
35 Indoor Activities to Tire Out Your Dog
1. Hide-and-Seek: A Classic Fun Game
- Choose a hiding spot, call your dog’s name, and wait for them to find you. Reward them with treats, praise, or excitement when they succeed!
Why It Works: This taps into their natural hunting instincts while giving them mental and physical exercise.

2. Tug-of-War: Burn Energy with Play
- Grab a sturdy rope toy or braid some old fabric scraps into a tug toy. Let the tugging begin!
Fun Fact: Tug-of-war strengthens your dog’s muscles and boosts their confidence when you let them “win.”
You might also like: 13 Worst Dog Treats In 2025 (Avoid #7 At All Times)
3. DIY Agility Course: Get Creative Indoors
- Use chairs and broomsticks for jumps, cushions as hurdles, and a blanket over a table to create a tunnel. Lead your dog through with commands like “jump” or “crawl.”
Why It Works: Agility courses challenge your dog physically and mentally, keeping them engaged and happy.
4. Unleash the Power of Your Dog’s Nose
- Hide treats around the house for a fun scent game. Start easy (like under a cushion) and make it harder as they improve.
Interesting Fact: Dogs “see” the world through their noses. Their sense of smell is 10,000–100,000 times stronger than ours!
5. Staircase Workouts: A Cardio Blast
- Toss a toy or treat up the stairs and let your dog fetch it.
Safety Tip: Always supervise and stop if your dog seems tired or struggles with stairs.
6. Teach a New Trick: Turn Your Dog Into a Trick Master
- Use positive reinforcement to teach tricks like “spin,” “roll over,” or “high five.”
Fun Fact: Dogs can learn over 165 words and commands with regular training!
7. “Which Hand?” Game
- Hide a treat in one hand, close both fists, and let your dog sniff out the correct one.
8. Frozen Treat Puzzle
- Stuff a Kong toy with dog-safe peanut butter, plain yogurt, or mashed banana, then freeze it. This can keep your dog entertained for hours.
9. Muffin Tin Puzzle: Simple DIY Fun
- Place treats in a muffin tin and cover each cavity with a tennis ball. Your dog will need to remove the balls to get the treats.
10. Indoor Fetch: Hallway Fun
- Use a soft toy or ball to play fetch in a long hallway or open space.
11. Rotate Toys: Keep Things Fresh
- Rotate your dog’s toys every few days to make them feel new and exciting.
Today’s Featured Article: 101 Ways To Calm Down An Overly Excited Dog (#77 Works Instantly)
12. Cardboard Box Game: Let Them Rip!
- Fill an empty cardboard box with treats or toys and let your dog tear through it to find the surprises.
Safety Tip: Remove any staples or tape to keep it safe.
13. Teach “Clean Up”
- Train your dog to put their toys in a basket. Use a command like “Clean up!” and reward them for each success.
14. Indoor Relay Races
- Take turns with family members calling your dog back and forth. Add commands like “sit” or “stay” at each checkpoint.
15. “Find the Toy” Game
- Hide your dog’s favorite toy and encourage them to search for it. Use a cue like “Find it!”
16. Laser Pointer Chase
- Let your dog chase a laser pointer around the room.
Pro Tip: End with a treat or toy to avoid frustration.
17. Doggy Yoga (Doga): Stretch and Relax
- Guide your dog into stretches (like “downward dog”) or let them relax while you practice yoga.
18. Interactive Dog Apps or Videos
- Try apps or YouTube videos designed to engage dogs with moving images or sounds.
19. Ball Pit Fun
- Set up a kiddie pool filled with plastic balls and toss in treats or toys for your dog to find.
20. Bubble Chasing
- Use dog-safe bubbles and let your pup pop them for endless fun.
21. DIY Tug Toy: Make It at Home
- Braid old T-shirts or fabric into a sturdy tug toy.
22. Teach “Find Your Name”
- Train your dog to recognize and fetch specific toys by name, like “Get Bear!”

23. Indoor Obstacle Course
- Use furniture, boxes, and pillows to create a mini obstacle course for your dog to navigate.
24. Doggie Massage: Calm and Bond
Reading tip: 17 Worst Dog Food Brands In 2025 (Avoid #3 At All Times)
- Use gentle strokes along your dog’s back, neck, and paws to help them relax.
25. Treat-Dispensing Bottle
- Take an empty plastic bottle, cut small holes, and fill it with treats. Let your dog roll it around to release the treats.
26. Teach “Shape Recognition”
- Use cutouts or toys and reward your dog for choosing the correct shape when prompted.
27. Simon Says (Dog Edition)
- Play a dog-friendly version of Simon Says with commands like “sit,” “down,” and “stay.”
28. Shell Game
- Hide a treat under one of three cups, shuffle them, and let your dog find the treat.
29. Play Tag Indoors
- Run around the house and let your dog chase you. Stop occasionally to reward them.
30. Practice Leash Training
- Practice leash walking indoors, focusing on commands like “heel” or “stop.”
31. Snuffle Mat Fun
- Hide treats in a snuffle mat to let your dog sniff and forage for them.
32. Teach “Spin” or “Figure 8”
- Guide your dog to spin in circles or weave between your legs using a treat.
33. Trick Training Flashcards
- Write commands on flashcards and go through them randomly to challenge your dog.
34. Indoor Flirt Pole
- Use a flirt pole (a toy on a string) to simulate prey-chasing indoors.
35. Crate Training Games
- Use treats to turn crate training into a fun, positive experience.
Calming Activities for Overexcited Dogs
- Dog Massage: Gently stroke your dog’s back and neck to help them relax.
- Licking Mats: Spread peanut butter or yogurt on a mat to give your dog a calming, repetitive activity.
- Soothing Music: Play classical or reggae music—both proven to reduce stress in dogs.
Editors Pick: 7 Scents To Deter Your Dog From Peeing
Healthy DIY Treat Recipes
1. Sweet Potato Chews
- Ingredients: 1 sweet potato
- Instructions: Slice into strips and bake at 250°F for 2–3 hours.
2. Frozen Berry Cubes
- Ingredients: Plain yogurt, blueberries, diced strawberries
- Instructions: Blend ingredients, freeze in ice cube trays, and serve.
3. Banana & Oat Bites
- Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, 1 cup oats
- Instructions: Mash banana, mix with oats, roll into balls, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
The Lifelong Benefits of Indoor Play for Your Dog’s Wellbeing
Indoor activities do more than keep your dog entertained—they are essential for their overall health and happiness. Teaching tricks, playing scent games, and making DIY puzzles enrich your dog’s life. These activities offer more than just physical exercise.
Here are the key benefits of indoor play:
1. Mental Stimulation: A Sharper, Happier Dog
Dogs are intelligent animals that need mental challenges to stay fulfilled. Games like puzzle toys, scent work, and new tricks tire your dog out faster than exercise alone. They also reduce boredom-induced behaviors like chewing and barking.
Why It Matters: A mentally stimulated dog is more confident, calm, and content.
2. Strengthening Your Bond
Indoor play strengthens the connection between you and your dog. Activities like hide-and-seek and agility training build trust. They improve communication and strengthen your relationship.
What This Means for You: A stronger bond leads to better behavior and a happier dog.
3. Physical Health: Staying Fit Indoors
Even without outdoor time, indoor games like tug-of-war, fetch, or stair workouts help keep your dog active. These activities tone muscles, burn calories, and prevent weight gain. This is vital for high-energy breeds or during bad weather.
Key Tip: For senior dogs, opt for low-impact games to avoid strain.

4. Emotional Wellbeing: Curbing Anxiety and Stress
Activities like licking mats, sniffing games, and massages calm pets. They reduce stress and anxiety. For dogs with separation anxiety, engaging them in mental challenges before you leave can help them feel more secure.
Fun Fact: Mental enrichment releases feel-good endorphins, helping your dog relax.
Recommended Read: 13 Toxic Foods for Dogs (Avoid #9 Like The Plague!)
5. Lifelong Benefits for All Ages
From puppies to seniors, indoor play benefits dogs at every stage of life. It builds focus in puppies. It keeps adult dogs sharp and fit. It gently stimulates older dogs, helping them stay active and engaged.
Final Thought: Indoor play isn’t just a rainy-day fix—it’s a way to keep your dog healthy, happy, and fulfilled for life.
Conclusion
Who says indoor days have to be boring? These 35 fun activities will entertain your dog. They’ll make him happy and tired, too. You’ll also bond with him. Give a few of these ideas a try today, and watch your dog’s excitement soar!
What’s your favorite way to keep your dog busy indoors? Share your ideas in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
⚠️ Quiz: The #1 Dog Food To AVOID (causes weight gain, saps energy & harms your dog’s gut)
A: Chicken
B: Beef
C: Pork
D: Fish
E: Vegetables
Make your selection above or click here to skip straight to the answer.
==> Click Here To Discover #1 Dog Food To Avoid