Categories: Paw Prints

Indoor Activities for Owners and Their Dogs

By Charlee Bear Staff

As we transition from fall to winter and the weather changes, many owners will begin spend more time indoors with their pets. Still, it’s important that they continue to keep their dogs mentally and physically stimulated during this time. Finding ways to keep pets entertained indoors shouldn’t be a challenge either; although space may be limited, the possibilities of providing a fun and engaging environment are not. Here are some great tips to share with your clients.

Whether a dog is a young pup, adult or a senior, there are several fun games and exercises that can be played inside to keep them active and happy. For example, practicing cues such as Sit, Stay, Leave-it, Heel, Shake or Rollover keep dogs mentally stimulated and ensure their performances stay on-point. Even training games, such as Stay-and-Recall from another room, can serve as simple, intellectual exercises dogs will enjoy.

Owners can take this a step further by playing hide-and-seek; they will love seeing the smile on their dog’s face when their hiding spot is finally revealed. Of course, no dog should have to work for free, which is owners need to make sure they have plenty of healthy treats on hand as rewards while playing “tricks for treats” games.

Another great way to prevent boredom and encourage brain stimulation is by providing dogs with interactive toys. There are several entertaining options, from puzzles to treat-dispensing balls, that dogs will find exciting to engage with. Seasonally appropriate treats, such as Charlee Bear’s Turkey Liver & Cranberries Original Crunch or Pumpkin Spice Bearnola Bites will add to the fun.

Owners can even create their own puzzles by using simple household items, such as putting treats on the floor and placing plastic or paper cups over them (image right). Placing treats inside a muffin tin or a disposable water bottle with strategic holes cut into it are other possibilities.

For owners who are looking for a way to keep their dog busy on his own, they can also fill a food-stuffable toy with pumpkin-flavored broth and freeze it overnight. This will keep their dog occupied and happy while they are on a company Zoom call or helping their kids with homework.