Staying indoors doesn’t mean fun and training with your furry friend have to be put on hold.
Especially during those unbearably hot summer days when outdoor activities can be more exhausting than exhilarating, indoor games become a perfect blend of fun and learning.
Dive into these five exciting indoor training games designed to keep your dog mentally stimulated and physically active, all while staying cool.
1. Engage Their Sense of Smell
Nothing captivates a dog’s attention like the promise of tasty treats!
Initiate this game by allowing your dog to sniff a treat, then gradually increase the challenge by tossing it farther away each time.
For an added twist, command your dog to stay as you hide the treat elsewhere.
This game can provide endless entertainment, but to keep it healthy, consider alternating between treats and toys.
2. Inventive Hide and Seek
This version of hide and seek requires an additional player, making it a fantastic activity for engaging the whole family, especially children.
Start by letting your dog sniff the person who will hide, then gradually increase the difficulty by changing hiding spots.
Celebrate with loads of praise and treats upon each successful find, reinforcing positive behavior and making training an enjoyable experience.
3. The Muffin Tin Challenge
A simple yet brilliant game, the muffin tin challenge, involves hiding treats in a six-cup muffin tin and covering each cup with a tennis ball.
As your dog learns to remove the balls and claim the treats, you can increase the complexity by introducing a tin with more cups.
This game not only stimulates their brain but can also be combined with a game of fetch for added physical exercise.
4. Dance and Freeze
Turn training into a dance party with the dance and freeze game.
Engage your dog in a dance, then abruptly stop and command them to sit or lay down.
Reward compliance with treats.
This game is excellent for teaching your dog to follow commands promptly, regardless of distractions.
5. The Cleanup Game
Teach your dog the valuable skill of cleaning up after themselves with this game.
Using the command “put it away,” guide your dog to pick up toys and place them in their designated spot.
This not only keeps your space tidy but also serves as a fun trick to show off to friends.
Indoor games are a lifesaver on hot summer days, providing a cool escape while ensuring your dog remains engaged and active.
Whether it’s enhancing their problem-solving skills or teaching them new commands, these activities promise a fun-filled and productive indoor training session.
What are your go-to indoor dog training games that keep both you and your pup cool and entertained during the summer?
Share your favorites and let’s make training enjoyable, regardless of the weather!
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