Fun Stimulation Activities to Keep Your Dog Happy at Home

Our dogs are part of the family, and just like us, they need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy! Whether it's a rainy day, too hot outside, or you're simply looking for new ways to bond with your furry friend, these at-home activities will engage their brain, keep them active, and strengthen your bond. Here are some fun interactive stimulation activities to try at home with your pup!

1. DIY Treat Puzzle

Take a muffin tin, place some treats in a few of the cups, and cover them with tennis balls or crumpled-up paper. Your dog will have to figure out which cups hold the treasure, using their nose and paws to uncover the treats. It’s a simple and effective way to engage their mind!

Pro tip: If your dog is a puzzle master, level up by placing cardboard or fabric pieces under the balls to make them work harder for their reward!

2. Hide and Seek

Hide and seek isn't just for kids! Dogs love a good game of hide and seek, and it's a great way to practice their recall. You can either hide and call their name, or hide treats around the house. Encourage your dog to "find it!" and watch them use their natural tracking abilities.

Bonus challenge: Start with easy hiding spots and gradually make the game more challenging by hiding in tougher locations. Your dog will love the adventure of hunting you (or their treats) down!

3. Interactive Tug of War

Tug of war is a classic! It's a great physical and mental challenge for your pup. Use a sturdy toy and let your dog pull while you hold the other end. Not only does this give them a fun workout, but it also teaches impulse control if you add in the command to “drop” or “release” the toy.

Safety tip: Always let your dog win sometimes! Tugging can be a great bonding activity, but it should remain friendly, so be sure to control the intensity and avoid rough play.

4. Obstacle Course

Turn your living room or backyard into a mini agility course! Use household items like chairs, broomsticks, pillows, or laundry baskets to create a course for your dog to jump over, crawl under or zig-zag through. It’s a fantastic way to stimulate both their mind and body, and the best part? You can get creative with the course layout every time!

Tip: Start with simple obstacles and gradually increase difficulty as your dog becomes more comfortable and confident.

5. The Toy Rotation Game

Try rotating their toys regularly to keep them excited. Hide certain toys for a week or two, then reintroduce them as "new" toys. The novelty of the “forgotten” toy will spark renewed excitement and playtime energy!

Conclusion

Keeping your dog entertained and mentally stimulated doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. These at-home activities are not only fun and engaging but also strengthen your bond with your pup. Whether you're playing hide and seek, setting up an obstacle course or introducing “new” toys, you'll find that a happy pup is the best pup!

Back to blog

Explore our newest gear!

With gear this bold, and prints this fun, there’s always a reason for a new little something. Here’s the new stuff we’re excited about, right now.