We all know that spending quality time with our dogs is an important part of our relationship with them. Bonding with our pets is good for building trust and can even improve their mental health and our own.
Lots of pet owners rely on daily walks or playing in the garden to bond with their dogs. But what about when you can’t get outdoors regularly? For those who live in smaller apartments and don’t have a backyard, much of your time will be spent indoors.
This article will detail some fun indoor activities you can use to bond with your dog.
1. Puzzle Toys
Perhaps the most obvious first step to take if you want to bond with your dog is to invest in some fun puzzle toys. There is a wide range of interactive pet toys on the market that will allow you to spend quality time with your pup.
Puzzle toys will offer a good amount of mental stimulation to keep your dog from being frustrated that they’re cooped up and provide a fun way for you to spend time together. They’ll love the opportunity to play with you, and you’ll be able to help them (and reward them) to get things right.
2. Hide and Seek
One example of a fun game you can easily play with your pup indoors is hide and seek. While this might sound silly at first, it’s really quite easy to do if your dog is well-trained.
Simply command your dog to “sit” and “stay” and then go off to find a place to hide. Pick a spot where they’ll be able to find you without too much fuss – simply moving into a different room will do! Once you’ve hidden, call your dog to come to you and see if they can follow the sound of your voice and use their canine sense of smell. Reward them for finding you with a tasty treat, and then repeat the process, hiding somewhere new each time!
3. Indoor Obstacle Course
If your dog is bored with their usual toys and you’re looking for another way to keep them entertained and spend some time with them, you can create an indoor obstacle course for them to maneuver!
Use cushions, chairs, blankets, or other household items you have lying around to create a maze or course for them to follow. You can create tunnels for them to move through and hurdles to jump over to keep things interesting. Guide your dog through your maze and reward them with a tasty dog treat. This is great physical and mental exercise for your pets and can be a lot of fun for owners, too.
4. Training Sessions
We all know that dog training is an essential part of pet ownership. However, it’s also a great way to bond and build a strong relationship with your dog. If you’re stuck indoors, use the opportunity to teach your pup some new tricks or simply practice the ones they already know.
You can use a training clicker or treats along with positive reinforcement training techniques to teach your dog tricks like handshaking, high fives, rolling over, playing dead, dancing, or whatever else you might come up with! You’ll end up with a happier, smarter, and more obedient dog, and the process will be fun for both of you.
5. Tug-of-War
Sometimes, all you and your dog need is a bit of rough-and-tumble! Playing tug-of-war with a sturdy dog toy like a rope is a great way to help them release a bit of pent-up energy while having some fun.
This is a super interactive way to play with your dog, and you can even use it as an opportunity to train them to play gently. Make sure they don’t get bitey or show aggressive dog behavior while playing to keep the game safe and avoid shaking or jolting the rope too much, as you might hurt their neck. After some time, let your dog win the war – it’s important to make them feel confident, and winning is part of the fun!
6. Scent Games
Another fun indoor activity is to try out a scent-based scavenger hunt for your pup. Hide some of their favorite treats around your home and guide your dog around to help them sniff out the prizes. Use your dog’s sense of smell as a tool for play.
You can start with easy and accessible locations, such as right in the middle of the floor. This will make it easy for your dog to understand what the game is about and what they’re looking for. As they start to get it, you can start hiding treats in more challenging spots or even by burying them in blankets or under cushions.
7. Indoor Fetch
If you’ve got enough space in your home, you can absolutely play fetch with your pooch without heading out to the dog park. Take your dog to the hallway or a spacious room so there’s space to run!
If you’re going to try this, make sure to pick a soft dog toy instead of a ball to avoid damaging anything in your home. Throw the toy gently and mind where you’re tossing it to, but let your pup run wild to fetch it and bring it back to you. This is a great way to incorporate some daily exercise into your dog’s routine if you can’t go for an outdoor walk, plus they’ll love the bonding time with you.
8. Snuggle Time
Finally, if you’re stuck indoors, take full advantage of the comfort and coziness of your home. Snuggling with your dog on the couch or even in bed is a fantastic way to bond with them.
When your dog can relax and fall asleep with you, it helps them feel safe and secure and builds trust in your relationship. Bonding through touch is important with all pets, especially if your dog is affectionate in nature. Next time you’re lounging around with a book or a good TV show, invite your pooch to lie down beside you and give them a good cuddle.
