10 Fun Indoor Activities With Your Dog

It’s summer and it’s hot outside!

That’s why I’m sure you’re not spending too much time outside with your dog.

It’s no surprise though that during summer, dogs also require some regular exercise and more attention than just cuddles and nap time. Even though it’s tempting to spend the whole summer on the couch in the nice cool ac.

It must be getting a little boring for both your dog and you. That’s why we’ve made a list of fun things that you can do this summer inside your house.

1) Games

There are a lot of games that you can buy in the pet store for your dog. For example, puzzles that you can use to hide kibbles or treats. But also sniff or activity mats are fun for your dog and will keep them entertained for a long time.

Mental stimulation is very important for dogs and these puzzles will really help you with that. They’re interactive and they will reward your dog’s natural instinct to hunt and work for his/her food.

Take a look at Pet Pro or Pethaus.com, who both offer 15% discount to Treats Card members. Or order via Best Pets Unlimited who offer a 10% discount.

2) Hide Treats Around the House

One of the things my dog really likes is looking around for food. I wouldn’t advise hiding the food if your dog is on a raw food diet, but leaving around kibbles for your dog to find, will make a fun activity. You can also hide some treats instead.

Start by showing your dog where you hide the treat first. After that, you can change the room and let your dog search for it.

Does your dog have a favourite toy? Then you can also hide the toy instead.

In general, the smellier the treat, the better for hide and seek.

There are many suppliers to choose from but you might want to consider Wild Dogs who offers 100% natural dehydrated treats that would be perfect for this with a 15% discount for Treats Card members.

Or have a look at the beeftastic dog treats from Nacho’s Kitchen or freeze-dried treats from Raw Cut. Both brands offer a 10% discount to Treats Card members.

3) Make Freeze Treats

It’s hot and your dog would love some freeze treats to cool down. They’re easy to make. Just get yourself an ice cube tray and some of your dog’s favourite ingredients. It will take your dog a long time to finish this treat and it’s a great way to cool down.

If you’re not into making these treats yourself, you can also order them from Pupsicles Delight who offer healthy and delicious frozen treats for your dog. If you use Treats Card, then you can avail a 15% discount.

4) Train Your Dog

Have you always wanted to teach your dog to give a high five? Or maybe something more important like to sit and stay?

Start with the basics. You can start making a routine when your dog is getting bored with the simple tasks. For example, you can tell your dog to sit, come, stop, and give paw after one another.

Don’t forget to reward your dog with cuddles and treats when he/she’s doing a great job.

Don’t know how to get started? There are plenty of online classes you can take, or contact a trainer to get you started.

Some of the trainers that Treats Card had partnered with are Canine Moe who offers a 15% discount. Or contact Dog Spot or Homely Petz who offer a 10% discount. 

5) Set Up a Pool

Who doesn’t like a water fight? Set up a paddling pool in your garden or balcony and fill it up with some cold (not freezing) water and let your dog(s) have fun playing around. If you have kids, then let them get involved to create a smile on everybody’s faces.

You can find pools at Happy Pets who offer a 12% discount with Treats Card.

6) Create an Obstacle Course

You can create a fun obstacle course around the house by using cardboard boxes (with both ends open), pillows, rolled-up blankets, laundry hampers, broomsticks.

Just be as creative as you can with your household items and make sure it’s safe at all times for your dog to walk the course. You can train them with treats or other positive reinforcement.

7) Play Fetch

Depending on the size of your house, you can still play fetch inside with a small or medium-size dog. Just make sure to move the furniture a bit to create some space.

However, when you have a big dog, it might be a bit harder to do that. If you live in a villa, you can throw a toy down or up the stairs.

If you live in an apartment, you can use the hallway or stairway. You can also use the basement or garage to stay out of the sun. But keep in mind it might still be very hot in the garage during the day and even in the evening. So make sure to watch your dog closely while playing.

8) Treat Your Dog to an At-Home Spa Day

Does your dog enjoy a bath? Then use his/her favourite dog shampoo and conditioner and make a nice bubbly bath. Give your dog the full spa treatment including a nice massage, nail clipping and a head-to-toe brush.

Don’t bathe your dog too often though, because that’s not good for the skin. But once every now and then is fine.

Rory’s Apawthecary has a beautiful range of natural dog care products plus they offer a 15% discount to Treats Card members.

9) Play Hide and Seek

What could be better for your dog to find his/her favourite human?

And let’s be honest, it’s fun for you too. Have your dog ‘stay” while you go hide. Then shout the release command so your dog can start to find you.

Reward your dog with a cuddle or a treat when he/she finds you. If your dog is starting to get the hang of it, increase the difficulty by choosing more difficult hiding places or have someone else release the command.

10) Tug of War

One of the most well-known exercise toys on the market: tug toys. I can really help your dog to get rid of that excess energy.

It will also help smaller dogs with teething and it can also be a good tool to use when training your dog.