Now that winter is here, lets look at some indoor activities that you can do together inside, so you don't both go stir crazy.

When the weather is terrible, your schedule is packed, or your dog just needs more mental stimulation, indoor games can be absolute lifesavers. The good news? Dogs don’t need hours-long hikes to feel satisfied. With the right activities, you can burn off physical energy and mentally tire them out — which is often even more effective.

Here are 10 fun, simple, and dog-trainer-approved indoor games to help your dog release energy, build confidence, and strengthen your bond.

1. Hide and Seek

This classic game never gets old. Ask your dog for a sit-stay (or have someone hold them), then hide somewhere in the house. Call their name once and let them track you down.

Why it works: It taps into their natural scenting abilities and builds focus, confidence, and recall.

2. The Cup Game (Shell Game)

Grab three cups and one high-value treat. Hide the treat under one cup, shuffle, and let your dog sniff and paw to find it.

Bonus: This is incredible for mental stimulation — dogs love using their brains as much as their bodies!

3. Indoor Fetch

Use a soft toy and keep it controlled to avoid chaos. Hallways work great for straight-line running without sharp turns.

Trainer tip: Add a “drop it” cue to build obedience while playing.

4. Tug of War

A fantastic outlet for physical energy and frustration release. Tug helps teach impulse control if you incorporate cues like “take it” and “stop.”

Remember: Tug does NOT make dogs aggressive — that’s an old myth. It actually reduces frustration and builds trust when done with rules.

5. Snuffle Mat Feeding

Scatter your dog’s kibble or treats in a snuffle mat and let them forage.

Why dogs love it: Sniffing naturally lowers heart rate, reduces anxiety, and mentally exhausts them far more than most people realize.

6. Puzzle Toys & Food Puzzles

From Kongs to treat balls to advanced puzzle boards — enrichment toys keep the brain engaged and the dog occupied.

Tip: Rotate puzzles weekly so they stay novel and exciting.

7. Obstacle Course Challenge

Use pillows, chairs, broomsticks, blankets — whatever you have!Teach your dog to crawl under, jump over, weave through, or climb onto safely.

This builds:✔ Confidence✔ Body awareness✔ Coordination✔ Problem-solving skills

8. Scent Work: “Find It!”

Hide treats around the room and release your dog to search. Start easy and gradually increase difficulty.

Why it works: Nose work is one of the best ways to tire out fearful, reactive, or high-energy dogs.

9. Name That Toy

Teaching dogs the names of their toys is incredibly enriching. Start with one toy at a time, reward for choosing the correct one, and build from there.

Fun fact: Some dogs can learn over 50 toy names!

10. Training Games (Yes—They Count!)

Short bursts of obedience or trick training drain mental energy and strengthen communication.

Try:

• Touch

• Shake

• Spin

• Place

• Heel around the house

• Sit and wait at thresholds

Even 10 minutes of focused training can equal 30 minutes of physical exercise.

Why Mental Enrichment Matters Just As Much as Exercise

Dogs aren’t just bodies—they’re brilliant, emotional, thinking beings. When we challenge their minds, we meet a huge part of their psychological needs. This builds:

✨ Confidence✨ Calmness✨ Resilience✨ A stronger bond with you

Indoor games aren’t just a backup plan — they’re a powerful part of a balanced dog’s life.

Want Personalized Training or Enrichment Ideas?

Every dog is different. If you’d like customized game ideas tailored to your dog’s personality, energy level, and needs, I’d love to help!

Just send me a message anytime — let’s help your dog thrive, rain or shine. 🌦️🐾

Connect with me for more training that you can do indoors in the winter, by call/text: 250-688-5392 or email: celestegoodhope@live.ca

Radium Dog Trainer

Radium Dog Trainer