Last Updated on March 28, 2025 by Melanie Haynes
Dog parents: think outside the box this winter! Donโt leave your dog to laze around, promising that youโll make it up to him when it warms up. Weโve got 7 fun indoor games for dogs to share!
Whether youโre just at home with your dog or have a dog-friendly workplace where some of these are feasible, we are sharing some creative ways you can have fun with your dog inside when itโs too cold outside.
Yes, we said it; even Brevard County gets a little chilly in winter. And humans arenโt the only ones who feel the effects and try to escape the Central Florida chill by staying indoors. Despite their permanent fur coats, our dogs can get cold, too!
Though the outdoors are not as welcoming this time of year for some, your dog still needs to burn off steam. He needs to exercise just as much now as he does on those idyllic summer days, where the two of you can walk and play ball outside to your heartsโ content.
Letโs play!
Indoor Game # 1: Agility for Dogs
Give your dog a little obstacle course of sorts right in your house. You can do this by laying a broom horizontally, suspended between stacks of books, or footstools, or anything that will create this effect and keep it low to the ground. To get your dog to understand what you want him to do, first say, โOver,โ and from a few paces back, run alongside your dog and make the jump. Praise him every time he does as heโs supposed to.
Work with your dog until heโs eager and motivated enough to run and jump ahead of you, and then eventually on his own. This is a great way to not only exercise your dog but to build the bond between the two of you.
Indoor Game #2: Treat-Finding Missions
This oneโs pretty self-explanatory. Have your dog sit and stay in one place while you go hide treats somewhere in the house. Come back and give your dog a โfetchโ or โseekโ command. This is a wonderful way to exercise your dogโs sense of smell and give mental stimulation. Give him plenty of vocal praise too when he finds it, in addition to the reward of the treat.
Indoor Game #3: Doggie Massages
Treat your pup to a spa day while heโs cooped up indoors! You acting as an amateur canine masseuse will comfort your pup and relieve tension in his body. Just use a flat palm to essentially pet your dog all over, applying a bit more pressure than usual.
Pay attention to your dogโs body language to make sure heโs enjoying it. This is also a great way to get to know your dogโs body better and to stay on top of any abnormalities that may develop, like bumps, swelling, or abnormal-feeling skin or hair.
Also, pay attention to any painful areas your dog lets you know about. If he recoils or yelps when you touch a certain area, consider having your vet look into it more in-depth. Never push directly down on a bone, and be especially careful around the spine too.
Indoor Game #4: Dog Puzzles
While youโre curled up by the fire doing a puzzle or playing a game, allow your dog to do the same!
These can be as simple as a feeder that has nooks and crannies that require your dog to use up a bit more of his time and energy than usual on getting to all his food. There are also plenty of more elaborate โdog puzzlesโ that sites like Chewy and Amazon sell, everything from the ones that conceal food in different compartments so your dog has to work for it, to plush toys that your dog pulls out of holes.
These are all great for your dogโs mind, as they present a new challenge and can sharpen his problem-solving skills. The ones that incorporate food can help slow down your dogโs eating and control his portions.
There are also pet camerasย made these days that allow you to keep an eye on your pup in real-time when youโre away from home, and even talk to and toss treats to him to maintain engagement with him when heโs cooped up inside.
Indoor Game #5: Build a Tunnel
Cats are not the only ones who can get some use out of those soft crinkly tunnels. Theyโre a great way to change up your dogโs scenery when heโs stuck inside.
Set them up in a spacious room, and use them also for agility work. Send your dog through, or have him follow alongside you as you walk outside it.
Set up a trail of treats the first few goes if thatโs what it takes to encourage your pup along. Start with a straight tunnel, then as your dog gets comfortable with it, shape it with different twists and turns.
Indoor Game #6: Treat-Filled Toys
What greater motivator is there for most dogs than food? Give him a Kong ball, or a bone, stuffed with peanut butter or any other dog-friendly food item, and heโll have all the motivation he needs to both stay active and focused on something for a period of time, and be mentally stimulated.
Toys that bobble and have a weighted bottom, and holes that treats or pieces of kibble pop out of when tilted just so, are great as well. And ever heard of BarkBox? Itโs a box subscription that sends a box of toys and treats each month to your home.
Over these next couple of colder months, this can be a great way to keep your dog engaged by introducing new toys and treats to him that will occupy him indoors.
Fun Game #7: Stay Active This Winter
Before we know it, pleasant temperatures will be back here on the Space Coast, but donโt let the time between now and then go wasted for you and your pup.
Opportunities abound for enrichment and activity during these cooler months. Try out some of the suggestions above to keep your dog lean and mean, and his brain sharp this winter. Did you see our tips for how your dog can help you meet your fitness & healthy living goals?
Are you being a reverse snowbird and traveling away from Florida this season? Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing youโve hired the best dog sitters in the area.
Our trustworthy pet sitters can stop by to feed and clean up after your dog and make sure heโs getting enough activity in spite of the chilly weather. Give us a call today.
Enjoy your winter, pet parents! We will soon be complaining about the heat & humidity again.
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