Being cooped inside with your dog can get repetitive. There are many indoor activities you and your dog can do together to keep your pup physically exercised and mentally stimulated.
The American Kennel Club offers the following tips for staying engaged with your pup:
Send your dog on an indoor adventure around the house. Hide treats around your home to put their nose and mind to work and find the hidden goodies.
If your pup has already perfected basic obedience commands, consider learning and trying out more intermediate or advanced skills.
Mental stimulation is very important for dogs at any age and interactive toys are a great way to sharpen your dog’s mind. Because these toys usually involve hidden treats in an object, there are rewards involved too.
Build an obstacle course using common household items and make the course as simple or as challenging as you see fit. Broken down boxes are good to crawl through, chairs can be set up to weave through, and a stack of books can be a jump for your pup. This is a great way to give your dog some physical exercise indoors.
Indoor fetch is a terrific way to keep your dog entertained; it works best in a long hallway or on stairs. It is easier and safer on surfaces like carpet or something that has a good grip, so your pup does not slip and slide. Be sure to clear away fragile or unsafe items first, then find a ball and start tossing. – American Kennel Club/Tribune News Service
For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org.
