Activities | My Site

Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Physical exertion comes from walking, running and playing, whilst many different things can provide mental stimulation. From tracking scents outside, to concentrating hard on obedience training, or attempting to get kibble out of a puzzle toy – tough mental concentration results in a tired, happy dog. So, make sure to provide your pets with both types of activities to keep in top shape!

Without both mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing on furniture or shoes. Make sure to provide your pet with plenty of opportunities to play, exercise, and engage in activities that challenge their mind and body. This will help keep them happy and well behaved.

Even if you can't take your dog out as much as you'd like, there are still plenty of ways to them entertained indoors.

Check out our tips below for some fun and stimulating activities you can do with your dogs at home.

1. Practice short bursts of obedience training each day

Training your dog is a great way to provide mental stimulation and strengthen your bond. Positive reinforcement methods are effective in teaching new commands or reviewing old ones. Whether your dog is a beginner or an experienced learner, dedicating 5-10 minutes daily to training can help reinforce their understanding of commands and ensure they respond correctly when needed.

2. Frisbee

Playing frisbee is a fun and affordable activity that can be enjoyed anytime you have free time. It's a great way to bond with your furry friend and get some exercise in the process. If you have a spacious backyard, you can easily play frisbee or fetch without having to leave your home.

3. Interactive movement toys
What’s more fun than a toy that acts alive and is activated by your dog’s movements? Interactive toys that wobble, make noises, dispense treats, and vibrate are all wildly fun and unpredictable for your pet. There are even remote-controlled interactive dog toys that allow you to control the toy. Whether it’s a flopping toy fish or an automatic ball launcher, you’ll be providing hours of enriching playtime while sneaking in some exercise.

4. Teach your dog a new trick
Teaching your dog a new trick can be a fun experience for both you and your dog. One great trick to try is teaching them to tidy up their toys. Start by teaching them what "put it away" means and gradually progress to scattering toys around the room and having them pick them up and put them away with the command. With and consistency, your dog can learn this impressive trick!
5. Give your dog a stuffed Kong or a food-dispensing puzzle toy
Try stuffing a Kong or similar toy with kibble and a tasty treat like peanut butter, canned pumpkin, or mashed banana. Freeze it for an even longer-lasting treat! Puzzle and food dispensing toys are also great for mental stimulation and slowing down fast eaters. Your pup will love the challenge of "solving" the puzzle to get to their food.
6. Doggy Daycare
It’s almost a guarantee that your dog will come home happy and utterly exhausted from a fun doggy daycare visit. In addition to meeting new doggy friends and processing that information, dogs will have fun exploring all the new activities and objects they might not have seen before. It’s a stream of constant mental and physical stimulation that will definitely wear them out and make them excited to go again.

7. Rotate your dog’s toys
Rotating your pet's toys can make playtime more exciting for them. Try stashing some of their toys away for a few days and then swapping them out for a new set. This will keep your furry companion entertained and engaged during playtime.
8. Teach your dog the name of their toys
Teaching your dog the names of their toys can be a fun and rewarding activity for both you and your dog. By using positive reinforcement and repetition, your dog can learn to fetch specific toys by name. Don't forget to use a happy tone of voice and lots of praise to reinforce good behavior.
9. Play hide and seek
Particularly fun if you have kids – get your dog to sit, stay and then go and hide. When you’re ready, call them to come and find you.
When they succeed, make sure to react enthusiastically and reward them so they know they did a good job and enjoy the game as much as you did!
10. Find It
Your dog’s sense of smell is incredibly stimulating for them, so let their nose do some work. Hide healthy treats around your home and let them sniff them out. If you repeat this over several days, make sure to vary the placement of the treats to keep it interesting for your dog.