Keep your dog active and entertained indoors this winter with these 6 fun games! From hide-and-seek to DIY agility courses, discover the best indoor games for dogs to beat boredom and stay mentally sharp.
Winter can be a tough season for people who have dogs. The cold weather, snow, and shorter days often mean less outdoor playtime for your furry friend. But just because you’re stuck inside doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out on fun and exercise! Making sure your dog stays active and uses their brain helps keep them happy and healthy.
Luckily, there are plenty of games for dogs that you can enjoy indoors. These activities will help burn off energy, strengthen your bond, and prevent boredom—which can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing or excessive barking.
Here are six indoor games you can play with your dogs this winter to keep them entertained and active.
1. Hide and Seek (A Fun Version for Your Dog)
Hide and Seek isn’t just for kids—dogs love it too! This game uses their natural hunting instincts and helps them think better.
How to Play:
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First, ask your dog to sit and stay in one room.
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Quickly hide in another part of the house (behind a door, under a blanket, or inside a closet).
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Once hidden, call your dog’s name or say, “Find me!”
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When they locate you, reward them with praise, pets, or a small treat.
To make it more fun, hide their favorite toy or treats around the house and let them find them using their nose. This variation turns the game into a fun scent-tracking activity.
Pro Tip: If your dog struggles with the “stay” command, have a family member hold them while you hide.
2. The Muffin Tin Treat Puzzle
Keeping your dog’s mind active is just as important as giving them physical exercise. Puzzle games like the Muffin Tin Treat Puzzle challenge your dog’s brain and slow down fast eaters.
How to Play:
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Grab a muffin tin and place a few treats in some of the cups.
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Cover all the cups (even the empty ones) with tennis balls or small toys.
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Let your dog sniff and paw at the balls to uncover the hidden treats.
This game helps them think and keeps them entertained for a while. For an easier version, skip covering the treats and let your dog pick them directly from the tin.
Pro Tip: Use different-sized balls or objects to vary the difficulty level.
3. Indoor Fetch (Dog-Friendly Version)
Fetch is a classic game for dogs, but playing it indoors requires some adjustments to avoid broken lamps or knocked-over furniture.
How to Play:
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Use a soft, lightweight toy (like a plush ball or a stuffed animal).
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Roll or toss it down a hallway or a long, open space.
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Encourage your dog to bring it back for another round.
If your dog doesn’t naturally retrieve, try using treats to reward them when they bring the toy back. You can also play “fetch” with treats by tossing small pieces of kibble for them to chase and eat.
Pro Tip: If space is limited, try a game of “tug-of-war” with a rope toy instead—just make sure to teach them the “drop it” command to avoid overexcitement.
4. The Cup and Treat Game (A Simple but Challenging Trick)
This game tests your dog’s memory and patience while rewarding them with tasty treats.
How to Play:
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Show your dog a treat and place it under one of three upside-down cups.
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Shuffle the cups slowly while your dog watches.
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Say, “Find it!” Then we advise pet owners to permit their dogs to sniff out the right cup.
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If they choose the right one, give them a treat as a reward.
As your dog gets better, increase the difficulty by shuffling faster or using more cups.
Pro Tip: If your dog gets frustrated, go back to an easier version before making it harder again.
5. DIY Agility Course (Indoor Obstacle Fun)
You don’t need a backyard to set up a mini agility course for your dog. Using household items, you can create a fun and stimulating obstacle course.
How to Set It Up:
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Tunnel: Place a blanket over some chairs to make a space your dog can crawl under.
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Jump: Place a broomstick between two stacks of books for a small hurdle.
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Weaving Poles: Set up water bottles or cones in a line for your dog to zigzag through.
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Balance Beam: A low, sturdy board or cushion can act as a balance challenge.
Use treats and praise to help your dog go through the course. This game helps them move better, feel more confident, and listen to commands.
Pro Tip: Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes) to prevent frustration or exhaustion.
6. The “Which Hand?” Game (A Quick Brain Teaser)
This simple game sharpens your dog’s focus and reinforces trust.
How to Play:
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Hold a treat in one closed fist and show both hands to your dog.
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Let them sniff and paw at your hands to guess where the treat is.
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When they pick the right hand, reward them.
If they choose the wrong hand, open both to show them where the treat was and try again.
Pro Tip: Switch hands randomly to keep the game exciting.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to make your dog bored. With these six indoor games for dogs, you can keep them active, engaged, and happy—no matter how cold it gets outside. Whether you’re playing Hide and Seek, setting up a DIY agility course, or challenging them with puzzle games, these activities will strengthen your bond and keep their minds sharp.
Try rotating through these games to keep things fresh and exciting. And remember—a tired dog is a happy dog, even in the depths of winter!
What’s your dog’s favorite indoor game? Let us know in the comments! Learn also how to completely train your dog
