Exercising with your pet should be a joy, not a burden. While most pets will gladly stick with your usual walking or feather toy routine, switching things up can help exercise different muscle groups, build confidence and stimulate the brain. If you’re looking for fun indoor activities for dogs—and cats too—these ideas will help keep both you and your companion moving, thinking and smiling.
Fetch
A classic game of fetch is a no-fail way to burn a few extra calories and spend some quality time together. From frisbees to balls, retrieving is a natural instinct for many pets—even cats! To make it more interesting, try tossing a toy or ball down a hallway for extra cardio, an easy twist when exploring fun indoor activities for dogs and cats.
Hide and seek
Help your pet use their five senses and exercise their brain with a playful round of hide-and-seek games made especially for dogs! Have them “sit” and “stay” while you hide, then call them to come find you. Or, while they’re “staying,” try tucking a favorite toy or treat behind a door or cushion in another room for them to sniff out. It’s a fun way to reinforce basic commands while keeping their mind sharp. Reward them with a pat, praise or a tiny treat to keep the game exciting and engaging.
Obstacle course
Set up a variety of barriers, such as hurdles, tunnels, ramps and hoops, to challenge your pet physically and mentally. Rotate the setup often to keep things fresh or try a local agility course. For a rainy-day challenge, a living room obstacle setup makes an excellent indoor enrichment activity for active dogs. And don’t forget—cats love climbing and jumping, too! Many cats can be trained to jump through hoops, walk up and down ramps, or weave around poles. Entice them with a feather toy to lure them up and down, through the hoop or dart around the poles.
Scavenger hunt
Allow your companion the opportunity to use their heightened sense of smell with a fun scavenger hunt. Hide a variety of small treats in small boxes or hollow toys, then hide them around the house or yard. This simple game is one of the best indoor activities for dogs in wintertime, providing a mental challenge and rewarding exploration when outdoor walks aren’t as inviting.
Social play
Timely socialization is key for puppies and kittens to grow into confident, well-mannered adult pets. But playdates aren’t just for the young; older pets benefit from them, too. Pairing up with another friendly four-legged pal combines exercise with enrichment, giving your pet the joy of social play while burning off some extra energy. On days when playdate fun isn’t possible, switching to indoor activities for dogs can provide the same joy of social play while helping burn off extra energy.
Looking to step up your dog’s exercise routine? Explore safe ways to keep them active and at a healthy weight.
