Boredom Busters: Indoor Enrichment for Dogs

Create a scavenger hunt for your dog

Dogs have an excellent sense of smell. Depending on your pup’s breed, their sense of smell is about 10,000 to 100,000 times better than yours. Pretty impressive! Encourage your furry friend to use this amazing superpower by creating a sniff-tastic scavenger hunt, hiding treats around your home for your dog to sniff out. Start with easy hiding places and gradually increase the difficulty level as your pup figures out the game.

Teach your dog a new trick

Give your dog’s brain a fun workout by teaching them a new trick. This also will strengthen the bond between you and your furry pal and is excellent indoor enrichment for dogs. Whether a classic move, such as “shake my hand,” or something more complicated, such as “play dead,” your pup will enjoy the challenge and the chance to make you proud. Keep sessions short—no longer than 5 to 10 minutes—to avoid frustration, and provide lots of treats, chin scratches, and belly rubs to reward your four-legged friend for their efforts.

Design an obstacle course for your dog

Get creative and design an agility course throughout your home for your canine friend. You can use common household items, such as chairs, couch pillows, broomsticks, and water bottles, for obstacles. Make your dog jump over, weave around, and tunnel through obstacles for a stimulating good time. At the start, lead your dog through the course, so they understand what’s expected, and reward them with a treat or a belly rub when they master the trial.

Make a puzzle game for your dog

No need to buy a high-priced puzzle toy for your canine friend. Make your own! Here are some fun puzzle games for indoor enrichment for dogs:

• Muffin tin game — Place treats in several cups of a muffin tin and cover all the cups using tennis balls, soft toys, or crumpled paper. Let your dog sniff out and uncover the treat and be rewarded for their efforts.
• Snuffle mat — Sprinkle treats in a blanket or towel, fold the blanket several times, and let your dog use their nose to discover the yummy snacks.
• Foraging box — Fill one of the numerous large cardboard boxes delivered to your home with toys, balls, or scrunched up paper. Add a few treats to the mix, and let your dog use their natural sniffing and hunting instincts to find the hidden rewards.

Play hide and seek with your dog

Playing hide and seek with your pup is a great way to encourage their natural hunting instincts, because they will find you using their nose, ears, and problem-solving skills. Sneak away when your dog isn’t watching, hide in an easy spot, and call their name. When they find you, celebrate with praise and a high value treat. You can make your hiding spot more difficult as your four-legged friend gets better at the game.

Treat your dog to a spa day

Bathing and grooming can also be indoor enrichment for dogs. A spa day provides different sensations and teaches your dog they can be comfortable when handled, which is especially important when they need to visit the vet for their annual wellness check. Run a warm bath and scrub them thoroughly. Once they are dry, spend extra time brushing their coat to get rid of dead hair. Inspect their nails and trim them if needed, ensuring you don’t hit the quick. Check their ears, and clean them if you notice any debris.

Indoor enrichment for dogs can be fun and helps strengthen your bond. If you need help cleaning your dog’s ears or trimming their nails, contact your AAHA-accredited veterinarian for advice.