How to Keep Your Dog Calm and Happy Indoors
As much as dogs love the outdoors, there are days when they have to stay inside. Whether it’s due to bad weather, limited space, or simply a quiet day at home, indoor time doesn’t have to be boring. Keeping dogs entertained, engaged, and calm indoors is easier than you think. Here’s how I keep Fly, my energetic Border Collie, happy and occupied even when we’re cooped up.
1. Use Interactive Toys to Challenge Their Mind
Interactive toys are perfect for indoor enrichment, as they stimulate a dog’s mind and offer physical activity in a small space.
- Puzzle Toys: Toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving are excellent for keeping dogs entertained. Fly loves puzzle feeders that challenge her to “work” for her treats.
- Snuffle Mats: Hide treats in a snuffle mat to mimic a scavenger hunt. It’s a fun, calming activity, especially for high-energy breeds like Fly.
- Kong Toys: Stuff a Kong toy with peanut butter or kibble, and it will keep your dog busy for hours.
Pro Tip: Rotate toys to keep things interesting. If your dog has only a few toys out at a time, each one feels like new when it’s reintroduced.
2. Create an Indoor “Obstacle Course”
If your dog is high-energy and loves a physical challenge, try setting up an obstacle course in your living room!
- Tunnels and Jumps: Use household items like chairs, cushions, and blankets to create a DIY course. Encourage your dog to weave through, jump over, and crawl under.
- Basic Agility Exercises: If space allows, teach your dog agility commands like “up,” “through,” or “over.” Fly responds really well to commands that allow her to move and burn off energy.
- Ball Games: You don’t need a big yard to play fetch! Use a soft toy or tennis ball in a controlled area and make sure it’s safe from breakables.
3. Practice Obedience Training and New Tricks
Indoor time is a great opportunity to work on training and teach your dog new tricks. This strengthens your bond and stimulates their brain.
- Basic Commands: Reinforce commands like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “leave it.” These exercises keep your dog’s mind sharp.
- Trick Training: Teach fun tricks like “spin,” “high five,” or “roll over.” Fly loves learning new tricks, and each session is a confidence boost.
- Quiet Time Cues: Teaching your dog a command to “relax” or “settle” on their bed is especially helpful for calming them down.
4. Give Them a Calming Spot to Relax
Just like us, dogs need a cozy, quiet place to unwind. Creating a dedicated calm spot can be especially helpful if your dog feels anxious or overstimulated.
- Set Up a Comforting Area: Use a soft bed or blanket in a low-traffic area. Fly has a corner with her favorite blanket and a couple of toys where she knows she can relax.
- Use Calming Aids: Consider pet-safe calming sprays or diffusers to create a serene environment. Some dogs respond well to lavender or chamomile scents.
- Soothing Sounds: Soft music or a white noise machine can help mask outside noises and create a soothing atmosphere.
5. Engage Their Senses with New Experiences
Dogs are naturally curious, and you can engage their senses even indoors with different sounds, smells, and tastes.
- Rotate Scents: Introduce new smells by placing safe herbs or scents in their space (e.g., rosemary, mint, or pet-safe essential oils).
- Play Music or Nature Sounds: There are playlists and videos designed to keep dogs calm, like rainforest sounds or classical music. Fly gets especially calm listening to gentle instrumental music.
- Taste Variety: Try giving your dog frozen treats or peanut butter on a lick mat for a tasty and engaging activity.
6. Give Them Time to Rest
Dogs need sleep just as much as they need play. It’s important to balance stimulation with downtime, especially for high-energy breeds like Border Collies. Recognize when your dog needs rest and let them wind down naturally.
- Respect Their Space: Allow your dog to retreat to their calm spot if they’re feeling overstimulated.
- Build Rest Periods Into Playtime: After a session of fetch or training, offer your dog a rest period to calm down. Dogs benefit from structured activity followed by relaxation.
Conclusion
Keeping your dog calm and happy indoors isn’t just about finding ways to burn energy—it’s about engaging their minds, offering variety, and creating a relaxing space. By understanding and meeting their indoor needs, you can ensure that your dog feels fulfilled, even on days when the weather or space is limited. With a bit of creativity, indoor days can become just as enjoyable for your dog as outdoor adventures.