Top 5 Vet-Approved Enrichment Activities for Indoor Dogs
Why Bored Dogs Act Out
Even if your dog gets regular walks, they still need things to do inside the house. Without enough mental stimulation, dogs get bored and that’s when trouble starts.
You might notice:
- Chewed shoes or furniture
- Constant barking
- Pacing or digging
- Restlessness
- Clingy or anxious behavior
These are all signs your dog needs more to do, not just more to run.
(Image Credits: Pooch & Mutt)
1. Snuffle Mats & Food Puzzles
Instead of giving your dog food in a bowl, try hiding it in a snuffle mat or a puzzle feeder. These toys make your dog work (in a fun way!) for their meal.
Why vets love it:
- Keeps dogs focused and calm
- Slows down fast eaters
- Great for anxious or high-energy dogs
- Uses their natural sniffing skills
Try switching up the toys every few days to keep things exciting.
(Image Credits: Chewy)
2. Hide-the-Treat Game
This one’s super easy: Hide a few treats around the house and let your dog sniff them out, this kind of nose work is a great alternative to cat-focused enrichment like catnip toy playtime, adapted perfectly for dogs.
Why it works:
- Encourages movement indoors
- Builds your dog’s confidence
- Taps into their love of sniffing
- Easy to do even in small spaces
Start with simple spots, then move to under cushions or behind doors for more of a challenge.
3. Tug Toys & Chews
A short game of tug or chewing on a safe toy offers stress relief and enrichment — pairing these with slow feeder or puzzle toys, as seen in our slow feeder enrichment benefits blog, supports calm play and digestion.
Vet-approved benefits:
- Eases boredom and anxiety
- Helps with teething or chewing needs
- Offers safe play when you're short on time
- Strengthens your bond
Look for toys that are safe, non-toxic, and right for your dog’s size.
4. Quick Training Sessions
Training is one of the best indoor enrichment activities for dogs — it builds motivation, keeps their mind sharp, and pairs well with general behavioral prep like what you’ll find in our new pet starter checklist
Teach them:
- Sit, stay, or shake
- New tricks like “spin” or “touch”
- Games like “find it” or “which hand?”
Why vets love it:
- Great for all energy levels
- Boosts your dog’s confidence
- Improves focus and calmness
- Fun and easy bonding time
Keep it short and fun : 5 to 10 minutes is plenty.
5. DIY Obstacle Course
No fancy equipment needed! Use pillows, chairs, and blankets to create a little course for your dog to jump, weave, or crawl through.
Why it's great:
- Keeps active dogs moving
- Builds coordination and focus
- Fun challenge in any space
- Mixes up your daily routine
Always make sure surfaces are safe and non-slippery.
Final Tips
The key to a happy indoor dog? Variety and balance.
You don’t have to do everything at once just aim for 20–30 minutes of enrichment a day. Rotate activities to keep things fresh, and adjust based on your dog’s age and personality.
At Chonky Paws, we believe that enrichment doesn’t need to be complicated it just needs to feel good. Our toys are designed with comfort, mental health, and safe play in mind.
