Think you’re the only one going mutts indoors this winter? You’re not–and our poor dogs don’t even understand why they’re stuck inside! Just like we’ve had to turn to puzzles, card games, and baking, it’s time to brainstorm some indoor activities for your pupper as well. Sniff out 5 of our fave indoor toys for pups.
1. iFetch Frenzy Interactive Brain Game
Ok, are you sitting down? This is essentially a game of fetch where YOU DON’T HAVE TO PARTICIPATE! Yes, no more tennis elbow or rotator cuff injuries for you after hours at the dog park. Train pup to drop the balls into the top of the toy, then watch her go crazy trying to guess which of the chutes it’ll pop out of.
Get it from Petco for $39.95.
2. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Interactive Puzzle Game
We can do hard things, and so can your dog! This toy’ll be no match for her Nancy Drew-ing, especially if treats are involved. Watch her roll the ball around trying to get treats out. Once she masters this, she can graduate to the intermediate and advanced versions of this toy. Trigger warning for the state moms out there…this could get intense.
Get it on Amazon for $9.99.
P.S. We’re currently giving away a Nina Ottosson Puzzle game with our Boredom Busters prize package!
3. iDig Digging Toy
We know your little prince has proven over (your azaleas) and over (your tulips) and over (your daffodils) that he’s a very, very good digger. Put that energy to good use with acceptable digging, i.e., this toy. Stuff treats in the perforated edges, toss it to him, and enjoy a minimum of 20 minutes of peace as he digs his little heart out.
Get it on Amazon for $79.99.
4. Trixie Activity Chess Dog Toy
Why let Beth Harmon have all the fun? Your fluffy Queen’s got a Gambit or two of her own up her paw…or, at least she will after some training. The point of the game is to get treats, (are you picking up on a theme here?) but this time she’ll have to figure out how to move sliders and cones to do so. Before you think it’s a little over her head, remember the dexterity she uses when getting every last molecule of peanut butter out of her Kong.
Get it from Petco for $39.99.
5. Emarth Snuffle Mat
Do you have a snuffler on your hands? How to tell: do they snuffle uncontrollably all the time, in regards to food, plants, people, dogs, air, life? Then yes. While some snufflers are, errr, a little louder than others (hello Pugs), sniffing is a natural instinct for dogs and a great way for them to release pent up energy. That’s the idea behind this mat. Put some treats or your doggo’s full meal into the mat, and let him go to work. Emarth even claims that snuffling in the mat for 10 minutes is equivalent to running for one hour! Holy cow. Is there a human equivalent? Asking for a friend.
Get it on Amazon for $16.99.
Any of these indoor toys on your fren’s agendog this weekend? Give us a howl in the comments and don’t furget to tag #SidewalkDog in all your dog’s pics so we can ruv ’em.
Featured photo: Rob Necciai
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, then check us out on Facebook and Twitter.