Rain pouring outside, snow piled up, or just one of those long workdays where heading to the park isn’t an option?
That doesn’t mean your dog’s stuck staring out the window all day. With the right games, your living room can turn into the best playground your dog’s ever had.
All you need is a little creativity, some safe space, and a willingness to get silly.
Hide and Seek
This classic game works for both kids and dogs. Ask your dog to sit and stay, then sneak off to another part of the house.
Call their name and let them race to find you. If your dog hasn’t mastered “stay” yet, get someone to gently hold them while you hide.
This one’s not just fun, it’s also great for recall training without making it feel like a chore.
Tug of War
Grab a sturdy rope toy or a soft fabric toy and get ready for some tail-wagging action. Tug games burn energy, help strengthen jaw muscles, and keep your dog engaged.
Just remember the golden rule, let them win sometimes. It builds confidence and makes the game more exciting.
Indoor Fetch
Who says fetch is only for the backyard? Use a soft toy or lightweight ball that won’t knock over your favorite lamp.
Hallways work great for this, and carpeted areas help prevent slips. If your dog is a speed demon, throw in a “sit” before each toss to keep their brain working as hard as their legs.
Treat Treasure Hunt
This one turns snack time into a challenge. Hide small treats around the house, under chairs, behind pillows, or inside a snuffle mat if you have one.
Watch as your dog follows their nose to track them down. It’s perfect for mental stimulation and slows down treat gobbling.
The Blanket Burrito
Wrap a treat or toy inside a blanket, then roll or fold it up so your dog has to paw, nudge, and dig their way to the prize.
This satisfies natural foraging instincts and is especially good for dogs who love puzzles but get bored with the same toys.
Follow the Leader
Walk around your home with your dog in tow, making random stops, spins, or slow-downs.
Give small rewards when they mirror your moves. It’s a bonding game that can sneak in a bit of leash training without feeling like a training session.
Obstacle Course
Stack cushions, lay broomsticks across chairs, or create tunnels with blankets draped over furniture.
Guide your dog through using treats or toys as incentives. Keep it simple for senior pups, and more challenging for younger, high-energy dogs.
Name That Toy
Bring out a couple of your dog’s favorite toys and name each one as you hand it to them. Then place them a short distance away and ask your dog to bring the right one.
Start small, then work up to more toys. This game is a brain workout that can surprise you with how quickly dogs catch on.
The Cup Game
Place a treat under one of three plastic cups, shuffle them around, then see if your dog can sniff out the right one.
Keep the shuffling slow at first so they understand the rules, then speed it up for a challenge. Kids especially love helping with this one.
Indoor Agility
If you have enough space, set up a mini-agility course. Use broom handles for jumps (low enough for safety), chairs for weaving, and a blanket tunnel.
This keeps high-energy dogs from bouncing off the walls when they can’t get outside.
Simon Says
This is perfect for practicing basic obedience while still being playful. Mix up commands, sit, lie down, spin, high-five, and toss in silly ones like “touch my hand” or “walk backward.” Keep the pace quick to make it exciting and lighthearted.
Freeze Game
Play music, get your dog moving with toys, then suddenly stop and freeze. Reward them for stopping too. It’s fun, unpredictable, and sneakily reinforces self-control.
Balloon Bounce
If your dog isn’t afraid of balloons, blow one up and see how long you can keep it in the air with gentle taps while your dog tries to bop it back.
Great for burning energy, but make sure to supervise closely so they don’t pop it and swallow pieces.
Story Time with Treats
This is especially good for winding down. Sit with your dog, read aloud, and drop a treat every time you say a chosen word. It becomes a quirky bonding ritual and works well for calming anxious pups.
Interactive Puzzle Toys
Keep a rotation of puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys on hand for days when you can’t be actively involved the whole time.
Just make sure they’re safe, sturdy, and suited for your dog’s chewing habits.
Indoor Relay with the Family
If you have multiple people in the house, spread out in different rooms. Call your dog from one person to another, giving treats or toys as rewards. It keeps your dog moving and strengthens their bond with everyone.
Soft Sock Fetch
For dogs that go nuts over laundry, take a clean sock, ball it up, and toss it gently. It’s lightweight, safe for indoor tossing, and appeals to dogs who love soft textures.
Training Disguised as Play
Mix in short training cues during games. For example, before tossing a toy, ask for “sit,” “shake,” or “spin.” It reinforces good manners and helps with focus even when they’re excited.
Seasonal or Holiday-Themed Play
Make indoor days festive by turning games into holiday fun. A treat scavenger hunt can become a Valentine’s “love hunt,” or an obstacle course could be decorated with Halloween props. Dogs might not get the theme, but they’ll pick up on your excitement.
Adapting Outdoor Games
Many outdoor favorites have indoor versions. If your dog loves fetch at the park, switch to rolling a ball indoors.
If they’re into chasing bubbles, blow them in the kitchen. With the right tweaks, they’ll feel just as entertained.
Why Indoor Games Are More Than Just Fun
Playing indoors isn’t just about killing time. These moments keep your dog mentally sharp, release pent up energy, and can even help with behavior issues.
A bored dog can turn into a shoe destroyer real quick, so a little structured fun saves your furniture and your sanity.
Mental Stimulation Is Just As Important As Exercise
People often think dogs only need to run, but their brains need a workout too. Problem solving games like hiding treats or teaching a new trick indoors can wear them out as much as a walk.
You’ll be surprised how quickly a dog naps after a thinky game.
Keeping Play Safe in Small Spaces
Indoor fun doesn’t mean chaos. Clear out breakables, set boundaries, and choose soft toys to avoid slips or bumps.
A small space can still be a big adventure if you set it up right, it’s like child proofing, but for your furry kid.
Bonding Benefits You Can’t Ignore
Indoor games create those little moments that strengthen your connection. A game of gentle tug or rolling a ball across the rug isn’t just play, it’s trust building.
That’s the stuff that makes them follow you room to room, tail wagging.
Great for Rainy Days and Lazy Evenings
When the weather’s nasty or you’ve had that kind of long day, indoor games are a lifesaver. Even a quick five minutes of play can lift both your moods.
Think of it as happy hour for you and your dog, minus the cocktails.
Adjusting Games for Senior or Less Active Dogs
Not every dog is ready for zoomies around the couch. Seniors or pups with mobility issues can still enjoy low impact games like scent work or gentle fetch on a soft carpet.
The key is adapting to their comfort level so they still get the joy without the strain.
Making Indoor Play Part of Your Daily Routine
The more consistent you are, the more your dog looks forward to it. Even short, regular play sessions can become a highlight in their day.
You might notice they start bringing you toys right on schedule, that’s how you know you’ve created a fun habit.
Some days, indoor games are a lifesaver. I remember once when a storm knocked out the power, and my friend’s border collie was on the verge of turning the sofa into a racetrack.
We built an obstacle course with dining chairs, broom handles, and a few strategically placed treats. Two hours later, the dog was happily napping and we were laughing about how competitive we got.
Keeping playtime safe is just as important as making it fun.
Always check the space for breakables, use toys that are soft enough for indoor play, and adapt activities for your dog’s age and health.
The goal is to keep tails wagging, not to send you to the vet or the furniture store.
At the end of the day, your dog doesn’t care if the game is fancy or if you bought the latest toy.
What matters is that you’re there, laughing, talking, and making them feel like the center of your world. Indoor games can be just as exciting as outdoor adventures when you put a little heart into them.
So next time you’re stuck inside, which game will you try first?