5 ideas for active games with your dog at home

If you can’t leave the house due to illness or bad weather, chances are good that the dog will go crazy inside the four walls. All of a sudden, the pet starts showing all sorts of non-standard behaviors: chasing its tail, chewing on shoes, and even breaking furniture. If this sounds familiar to you, read on for some ideas for active indoor play with your dog.

For an energetic dog, staying at home can be a challenge, but using dog entertainment during this time will help him spend his energy and not get bored.

Listed below are five active indoor games you can play with your dog when you can’t get outside.

1. Treadmill

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), training a dog to use a treadmill can be done in just a few weeks. However, most small dogs can use a regular human trainer, while larger breeds will need a specialized device. If the pet learns to use the treadmill, it will be a great alternative to walking in bad weather or an analogue of active play for the dog.

If you want to train your dog to run on a treadmill, check with your veterinarian first to make sure the exercise is appropriate for your four-legged friend.

2. Hide and seek

Hide and seek is another idea of ​​what to play with your dog at home. It will not only bring joy to both of you, but will also give your pet the opportunity to use her brain and consolidate the skills acquired during the training process. The AKC claims that once a dog learns to sit, stand, and come to me, it can play hide-and-seek with its owner.

How to play heels with a dog: take him into one of the rooms, then tell him to sit down and stay in place. Exit the room and hide. When you’re ready, call your dog by name and invite him to find you. Reward her when she successfully completes the task.

3. Tug of war

For some dogs, tug of war is a great way to expend energy while interacting with the owner. Be sure to let your pet win, AKC advises. And remember that the game of tug is not for every dog. If the dog tends to get overexcited or jealously “guard his treasures”, this game may not be the best option for spending time at home.

4. Stairs

The ladder is a treasure trove of indoor play ideas for your dog, especially if he needs to blow off some steam. You can also walk or run up and down stairs with your pet for a workout. Whatever you do, be sure to remove everything unnecessary from the stairs and the surrounding area in advance so as not to trip or slip. Special care should be taken if you have a Dachshund or other breed with a long back and short legs, the AKC says. Ladder games can be challenging for these pets. Make sure that the dog does not get under your feet, and both of you are not injured.

5. Socialization

Consider getting your dog to socialize with other people and animals. You can arrange a meeting for games with a friend’s or relative’s dog. Head to the pet store and walk down the aisles, letting your dog sniff and pick out a toy. You can take your pet to a dog daycare for a short time so that he can spend time with other four-legged friends under the watchful eye of a groomer.

In order for a dog to be the happiest and healthiest, it needs regular exercise. Take advantage of these games with your dog at home on the next bad day. This will provide the furry friend with the necessary physical and mental stress. To avoid accidents, make sure you and your dog have enough space and that all obstacles that you can trip over are removed. With a little experimentation, you’ll quickly find your favorite active home game!