10 Fun and Easy Ways to Entertain Your Dog at Home

You know what’s tough? Keeping your dog entertained while you’re stuck inside. It’s not like they’ll curl up with a book and chill (though I wish). If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tried everything to stop the incessant barking and restless pacing. But fear not—I’ve got 10 Fun and Easy Ways to Entertain Your Dog at Home, and these tricks will keep them happy, engaged, and probably a bit tired (fingers crossed).

Let’s dive in before my dog starts barking again.

1. Interactive Puzzle Toys: Brain Teasers for Your Pup

You ever notice how your dog’s brain seems to short-circuit when you leave them alone with a treat puzzle? I know my dog Max can spend hours figuring out how to get peanut butter out of his Kong. (Spoiler: He’s not as clever as he thinks, but I let him have his moment.)

Interactive puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated, especially if they’re a little… well, over the top. So, grab one of those puzzle boards with hidden compartments and watch your dog go full detective mode.

• Tip: Start easy, then work your way up to more complex puzzles.
• You’ll need treats. LOTS of treats. Get the high-value stuff.
• I use kibble or whatever weird leftovers I find in the fridge. No shame.

The best part? It tires them out mentally, so you don’t have to.

2. DIY Indoor Obstacle Course: Time to Get Creative

Alright, I’m not saying you have to be an Olympic athlete, but creating an indoor obstacle course for your dog? Honestly, it’s easier than you think.

I had a moment once when I had to get creative with Max’s indoor entertainment because, well, it was pouring outside. So I raided my living room, grabbed a couple of cushions, and boom—instant agility course.

• Use chairs, blankets, whatever you’ve got to make tunnels and hurdles.
• Call your dog through the course, and if they’re anything like Max, they’ll run through it like it’s a race.
• Bonus points if you cheer like it’s the Olympics.

Fast forward to me tripping over a broomstick in the middle of the “course”… but Max was loving it.

3. Teach New Tricks: Every Day’s a School Day

Okay, let’s talk about training. I can’t be the only one who’s tried and failed at teaching my dog a trick, right? I tried to teach Max to roll over for like a month—long story short, I’m still not sure who trained who.

Teaching your dog new tricks is one of those 10 Fun and Easy Ways to Entertain Your Dog at Home that actually makes both of you feel accomplished. And the cool part? You’ll be able to show off to your friends. (You’ll look like you’ve got it all together.)

• Start small. “Sit,” “shake,” “spin.” Keep it fun, keep it short.
• Use treats. Because let’s be real, dogs don’t work for free.
• Be patient. My first training session with Max was more “you’re the teacher” than “I’m the teacher.”

And you know what? Max finally rolled over after a solid two weeks of “nope, not today.” He still messes it up, but he’s cute, so I forgive him.

4. Scent Games and Hide-and-Seek: Nosework for Dogs

Ever notice how your dog can sniff out a treat from a mile away? I swear Max’s nose could find the last cookie in a pile of laundry. The fact is, dogs are built to sniff, so give them something to sniff!

Scent games are part of the 10 Fun and Easy Ways to Entertain Your Dog at Home that never fail. The best part? It doesn’t take much.

• Hide a treat under a cushion, and watch your dog lose it. (Literally. I had to replace a cushion once. Oops.)
• Or, hide yourself! I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve played hide-and-seek with Max—he thinks it’s a game, and I’m just hiding from responsibilities.
• “Which Hand?” is another classic—one treat, two hands. Watch your dog play Sherlock Holmes.

Pro tip: If your dog’s anything like Max, they’ll “find” the treat in under 10 seconds and act like they’ve solved a mystery.

5. Frozen Treat Time: Keep ‘Em Cool (and Busy)

So, I’ve got a confession: My first attempt at making frozen dog treats? Disaster. I left peanut butter in a Kong overnight, and well, it became a solid brick that no dog could eat. Whoops. But when I finally figured it out? GAME CHANGER.

Frozen treats are one of the 10 Fun and Easy Ways to Entertain Your Dog at Home that give you some breathing room while keeping your pup distracted.

• Stuff a Kong with peanut butter or mashed banana and freeze it.
• Try using broth to make ice cube treats.
• Layer different ingredients for a multi-textured surprise.

This is a win-win—Max gets a tasty treat, and I get to binge-watch TV without a dog underfoot for a while.

6. Tug of War: A Battle of Wills

I’m convinced that every dog thinks tug of war is a showdown to the death. Especially Max. I’ve never seen a toy get yanked so violently. But hey, it’s a great way to burn some energy.

• Use a rope toy or anything that won’t rip apart in five seconds.
• Teach them the “drop it” command. Trust me on this one, especially if you like your fingers.
• Let them win sometimes. Or don’t. Max never lets me win, but I respect it.

This game’s all about fun and strength, and let’s be honest—Max is definitely stronger than I am.

7. Dog TV: Yes, It’s a Thing

Yes, you read that right. Dog TV. I discovered this when I realized Max would stare at the TV for hours when there were animals on the screen. So, why not embrace it?

• You can find dog-friendly videos on YouTube or even buy subscription services.
• I’m partial to nature videos. Max loves watching squirrels. It’s adorable… until he barks at the screen for 20 minutes straight.

Honestly, I think Max might be more into the TV than I am at this point. He watches with such intensity, it’s like he’s waiting for the plot twist.

8. Doggy Massage and Grooming: Relax and Bond

This one’s a no-brainer. I never realized how much my dog would love a good massage until I tried it. And guess what? Max gets totally into it. He goes from “Who’s that touching me?” to “I’m here for this” in about 30 seconds.

• Use gentle strokes, especially along their back and legs.
• A good brushing session is like a massage, but with the bonus of getting rid of hair.
• You’ll both feel more relaxed after, and let’s be real—Max will probably fall asleep mid-session.

It’s one of those 10 Fun and Easy Ways to Entertain Your Dog at Home that’s equal parts bonding and relaxation.

9. DIY Dog Toys: When You’re Feeling Crafty

Who needs to buy toys when you’ve got old socks and an imagination? I’ve been known to craft a dog toy or two, and let me tell you, Max is none the wiser.

• Braid some old t-shirts into a tug toy.
• Use an empty water bottle wrapped in a sock for a noisy surprise.
• Find a muffin tin, toss in treats, and cover them with tennis balls.

Sometimes, the best dog toys come from whatever’s lying around. Just don’t tell Max I raided his toy box to make these.

10. Snuffle Mat: Hide the Treats

I’m not saying I invented the snuffle mat, but the day I found out about it, I felt like a genius. You just sprinkle food in the fabric, and bam! A buffet of entertainment.

• Make your own snuffle mat using a rubber mat and fleece strips.
• Scatter kibble or treats and let your dog work for their food.
• It’s like a scavenger hunt, but they get to eat their finds.

I use this during meal times now, and it’s a game-changer. Max definitely works harder for his meals than I do for mine.

Wrapping Up

Anyway, here’s the kicker: The key to keeping your dog entertained indoors is variety. These 10 Fun and Easy Ways to Entertain Your Dog at Home can be mixed and matched to keep both of you on your toes. Plus, if you’re anything like me, it’s a nice break from trying to train them to “fetch the mail” (spoiler: didn’t happen).

Take these ideas, run with them, and make ‘em your own. And when in doubt? Remember: if all else fails, a good nap can be just as entertaining.

About The Author