Setup & Play
Find a long hallway or a basement free from obstacles. Using your dog's favorite toy, throw it down the space and let them fetch it.
Benefits
This game provides excellent physical exercise, especially for breeds that have a lot of energy. It's a familiar game for most dogs, making it easy for them to engage.

Setup & Play
Grab some treats or your dog's favorite toy. Even if it's just for five minutes, engage them in basic commands like 'sit', 'stay', or 'come'.
Benefits
Short indoor training sessions can be mentally stimulating. It's a fantastic way to reinforce good behavior and strengthen your bond with your pup.

Setup & Play
Use your dog's keen sense of smell to your advantage. Hide treats in various spots around your home. Then, command your dog to "search" or "find" the treats.
Benefits
This game not only provides mental stimulation but also allows your dog to hone their natural sniffing and hunting abilities.

Setup & Play
Take a few cups and place them upside down. Hide a treat under one of them. Shuffle the cups around and challenge your dog to find the treat using their sense of smell.
Benefits
The Cup Game sharpens your dog's mental faculties and sense of smell, keeping them engaged and focused.

Setup & Play
Use a sturdy dog rope or a tug toy. Engage in a gentle tug of war with your pup, ensuring it remains a fun and controlled game.
Benefits
Tug of war is both mentally and physically stimulating. It can also serve as a great bonding activity.

Setup & Play
Grab a muffin tin and some tennis balls. Place treats in some or all of the muffin tin's compartments. Then, cover each compartment with a tennis ball. Challenge your dog to uncover the treats by removing the balls.
Benefits
This game is great for mental stimulation. It encourages your pup to think and strategize on how to get to the treats, testing both their problem-solving skills and dexterity.

Setup & Play
This classic childhood game isn't just for humans! You can either hide and let your dog find you or command your dog to stay in one place, hide a toy, and then let them search for it.
Benefits
Hide and seek is not only a mentally stimulating game but also an excellent way for your dog to use their keen sense of smell. Plus, it's a fun way to reinforce the 'stay' and 'come' commands.

Setup & Play
There are various dog puzzle toys available in the market. Fill them up with kibble or treats and watch as your dog figures out how to access the goodies.
Benefits
Puzzle games are fantastic for mental stimulation. They challenge your dog to think and can keep them engaged for extended periods.

Setup & Play
They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but that's not entirely true. Whether your pup is young or mature, you can always introduce them to new commands or tricks like "roll over", "shake", or "sit pretty".
Benefits
Learning and practicing new tricks keeps your dog's mind sharp. It also strengthens your bond as you work together to master a new skill.

Setup & Play
Get creative with household items. Use chairs as hurdles, broomsticks as poles to weave through, and cushions or pillows as obstacles to navigate. Guide your dog through the course, rewarding them as they complete each challenge.
Benefits
An indoor obstacle course provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation. It's also a fun way to train agility and improve coordination.

Setup & Play
Place a treat in your hand and show it to your dog, but don't allow them to take it immediately. They only get the treat when they show restraint and wait for your command.
Benefits
This game teaches impulse control and patience. It reinforces the idea that good behavior gets rewarded.

Setup & Play
Purchase pet-safe bubbles from a pet store. In a spacious room, blow the bubbles and watch as your puppy delights in chasing and trying to pop them.
Benefits
Bubble chasing offers a fun and exciting way for puppies to engage in physical activity indoors.

Setup & Play
There's a variety of treat-dispensing toys available in the market. Fill one with your puppy's favorite treats. As they play with the toy, it releases treats intermittently.
Benefits
These toys provide mental stimulation as your puppy tries to figure out how to release the treats. It also offers reward-based play, keeping them engaged for longer.

Setup & Play
Puppies can quickly get bored with the same toys. Instead of flooding them with options, provide a few toys at a time. Every couple of days, rotate them out for different ones.
Benefits
Rotating toys ensures that your puppy remains interested and engaged. It also gives the illusion of new toys without constantly purchasing more.

Setup & Play
Short, positive reinforcement-based training sessions can be a game-changer. Command your puppy to perform tricks or follow commands, rewarding them with treats or toys.
Benefits
Apart from the obvious obedience training, these sessions provide much-needed mental stimulation. They also strengthen the bond between you and your puppy.

Setup & Play
Set up a play tunnel (available at pet stores) in a spacious room. Encourage your puppy to run through it, either by calling them or placing treats on the other end.
Benefits
Tunnel play offers physical exercise and introduces your puppy to new experiences and environments in a fun way.

Setup & Play
Using a toy attached to a string or a laser pointer (used cautiously), initiate a game of chase. Drag the toy across the floor or shine the laser, allowing your puppy to chase after it.
Benefits
This game provides ample physical activity and taps into your puppy's natural chasing instincts.

Setup & Play
In a room free of breakables, instead of a straightforward throw, bounce the toy off walls or toss it in unpredictable directions, challenging your puppy to fetch.
Benefits
This variation of fetch keeps the game fresh and challenging, ensuring your puppy remains engaged and gets a good amount of physical exercise.

Setup & Play
This classic trick requires some patience to teach. Start by commanding your dog to "play dead". Reward them when they lie down on their side and stay still as if they're "dead".
Benefits
"Play dead" is not only a fun party trick but also offers mental stimulation and reinforces obedience training.

Setup & Play
With your dog in a "stay" position, carefully balance a treat on their nose or paw. Command them to wait. Once you give the signal, they can toss and catch the treat.
Benefits
This activity is excellent for teaching patience and impulse control. It also tests and enhances their balance and coordination.

Setup & Play
Engage your dog in a fun dancing session. Command them to "spin", making them turn in a circle, or "twirl", where they jump and turn simultaneously.
Benefits
Apart from being a delightful trick, it offers physical exercise and is a fun way to get your dog moving.

Setup & Play
If you have a staircase, it can be a great tool for exercise. Toss a toy up the stairs and command your dog to fetch it. Ensure the stairs are safe and free of obstacles.
Benefits
Climbing stairs is a fantastic way for dogs to get physical exercise. It works various muscle groups and is particularly good for their hind legs.

Setup & Play
In a dimly lit room, use a flashlight or a laser pointer (used cautiously) to cast shadows or points of light on the wall. Move it around and let your dog chase the shadow or light.
Benefits
This game provides physical activity and taps into your dog's natural instincts. It's captivating and can keep them engaged for a good while.

Setup & Play
Test your dog's obedience and memory. Challenge them to follow a series of commands in succession, like "sit", "stay", "come", and "lie down". Reward them for each successful command.
Benefits
This challenge provides excellent mental stimulation. It reinforces obedience training and tests your dog's memory and attention span.

Setup & Play
Begin by selecting one of your dog's toys. Clearly say its name, like "ball" or "teddy", and then engage in play. Repeat this process over multiple sessions. Eventually, scatter multiple toys and ask your dog to fetch the toy by its name.
Benefits
The Name Game offers mental stimulation and enhances your dog's memory. It's fascinating to see them recognize their toys by name, showcasing their intelligence.

Setup & Play
Hide one of your dog's toys while they're not looking. As they begin their search, guide them using the terms "hot" when they're close and "cold" when they're far. Adjust your tone and excitement levels to guide them effectively.
Benefits
This game offers a mental challenge and reinforces obedience and attentiveness to your commands. It also strengthens the bond between you and your dog through communication.

Setup & Play
This game is ideal for households with multiple dogs. Play some music and let the dogs walk or dance around. When the music stops, each dog should find and sit on a designated mat or spot.
Benefits
Musical chairs provide physical activity and discipline. It's also an exciting way to engage multiple dogs in a group activity.

Setup & Play
Use a scent like vanilla extract (ensure it's safe for dogs) to create a trail on the floor. At the end of the trail, place a treat or toy. Release your dog from a starting point and let them follow the scent to the prize.
Benefits
Scent trails tap into your dog's incredible sense of smell. It offers mental stimulation and is a unique indoor hunting experience for them.

Setup & Play
Place a treat in one of your hands and close both fists. Present both hands to your dog and let them sniff or paw at the hand they think holds the treat. If they guess right, reward them!
Benefits
This simple game offers a mental challenge and sharpens your dog's sense of smell. It's quick, easy, and can be played multiple times in succession.

Setup & Play
Adapting this classic children's game is both fun and educational for your dog. Using the command "green light", encourage your dog to come towards you. When you say "red light", they should stop in their tracks.
Benefits
This game is excellent for obedience training, helping your dog understand and follow commands. Plus, it provides physical exercise as they move back and forth.

Setup & Play
Take three cups and a treat. Place the treat under one of the cups in front of your dog. Shuffle the cups around and then challenge your dog to pick the cup with the treat underneath.
Benefits
The Three Cup Game is mentally stimulating, keeping your dog engaged as they try to track the treat. It also enhances their memory and focus.

Setup & Play
This is an advanced version of the search game. Hide treats around the house, creating a trail. At the end of the trail, place a jackpot – a larger treat or their favorite toy.
Benefits
The Treat Hunt game maximizes the use of your dog's sense of smell. Following the trail keeps them mentally stimulated, and finding the jackpot at the end is always rewarding!

Setup & Play
Instead of discarding old socks, knot them together to create a makeshift tug toy. Engage in a game of tug with your dog, ensuring the play remains controlled and fun.
Benefits
Sock Tug offers physical activity and allows you to upcycle items around the house. It's also a bonding experience.

Setup & Play
Similar to the previous bubble game, but with a twist. Purchase flavored bubbles made specifically for dogs. As you blow the bubbles, watch your dog's delight in chasing and tasting them!
Benefits
This game provides physical activity and introduces a sensory experience, as the bubbles come with flavors dogs love.

Setup & Play
For a long-lasting treat challenge, especially during warmer months, freeze some of your dog's favorite treats or kibble in water inside a bowl or ice tray. Once it's frozen solid, offer it to your dog and let them work on it to get to the treats.
Benefits
This game presents a prolonged mental challenge for your dog as they figure out how to access the treats. Plus, the cool treat can be refreshing.

Setup & Play
There are many interactive feeders available in the market designed to challenge your dog. Simply load the feeder with kibble or treats, and as your dog interacts with it, they'll need to solve the feeder's puzzle to release the food.
Benefits
Interactive feeders turn mealtime into a mentally stimulating activity, making it both fun and rewarding for your dog.

Setup & Play
Get creative with items around your home! Use cushions for jumps, chairs for weaving challenges, and broomsticks to create tunnels or hurdles. Guide your dog through the course, rewarding them for each completed challenge.
Benefits
This makeshift agility course offers both physical exercise and agility training, making it an engaging indoor activity.

Setup & Play
Expand your dog's repertoire of tricks. Introduce them to unique commands like "wave", where they lift a paw, "whisper", where they bark softly, or "crawl", where they move while staying low to the ground.
Benefits
Teaching new commands keeps your dog's mind sharp and active. It also strengthens your bond as you communicate and work together.

Setup & Play
For a cognitive challenge, use different baskets or boxes and label them with toy types or names. Teach your dog to sort their toys based on your designation, rewarding them for correctly placing each toy.
Benefits
Toy sorting offers a unique cognitive challenge, sharpening your dog's memory and understanding. Plus, it's a great way to keep the play area organized!

Setup & Play
Choose one of your dog's favorite squeaky toys. Hide it somewhere in the room and give it a little squeak to pique their interest. Let your dog search for the toy, rewarding them when they find it.
Benefits
This game offers mental stimulation and takes advantage of your dog's auditory senses. It's a fun twist on the classic hide and seek.

Setup & Play
For a quick and easy game, crumple up a piece of paper into a ball. Sit on the floor and push the paper ball towards your dog, encouraging them to push it back with their nose or paws.
Benefits
Paper Ball Soccer provides light physical activity and can be a fun interactive game between you and your dog.

Setup & Play
Remember building blanket forts as a child? Now, create one for your dog! Drape blankets over chairs, sofas, or tables to form tunnels, forts, and hiding places.
Benefits
Exploring the blanket fort offers a sensory experience for your dog. It's an opportunity for them to investigate, play, and even relax in a cozy spot.

Setup & Play
Start by commanding your dog to "roll over". As soon as they complete the roll, toss a treat or toy in the opposite direction for them to fetch. This can be repeated multiple times in succession.
Benefits
The Roll Over Relay combines obedience training with physical activity, making it both fun and rewarding.

Setup & Play
Using either your hands or a blanket, hide your face from your dog and then suddenly reveal it while exclaiming "peek-a-boo". This simple yet playful game can be a delightful way to engage with your dog.
Benefits
Peek-a-Boo offers mental stimulation and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. It's a light-hearted game that brings joy and laughter.

Setup & Play
Create a designated digging area indoors. Fill a large, shallow container with child-safe sand or old fabric scraps. Within this "digging box", hide some of your dog's favorite toys or treats, and let them dig away to find the hidden treasures.
Benefits
The Digging Box satisfies your dog's natural digging instinct without the mess of an outdoor garden. It's an excellent way for them to expend energy and stay engaged.

Setup & Play
For a DIY puzzle game, take a muffin tin and place treats in some of the compartments. Then, cover all the compartments with tennis balls. Your dog will have to figure out how to remove the balls to get to the treats.
Benefits
This puzzle game offers mental stimulation and problem-solving challenges, keeping your dog's mind sharp and active.

Setup & Play
For dogs that enjoy water, fill a bathtub or a large basin with water. Float some toys in it or sprinkle some treats on the water's surface. Allow your dog to splash, play, and fetch the floating items.
Benefits
Water play offers a unique sensory experience and provides physical activity. It's especially refreshing during warmer months.

Setup & Play
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and can be very relaxing. Provide your dog with safe chew toys or edible chews, ensuring they're appropriate for your dog's size and chewing strength.
Benefits
Chewing offers mental relaxation and can also be beneficial for dental health. It's a great way to keep your dog occupied.

Setup & Play
For a more advanced hide and seek game, hide multiple toys throughout your home. Then, ask your dog to find each one. You can make this more challenging by not revealing the number of hidden toys.
Benefits
This advanced version of hide and seek offers mental stimulation and enhances your dog's scent work abilities. It's like a treasure hunt for them!

• Dog Behavior
• Puppies