Is Your Dog Bored? Fun Indoor and Outdoor Games to Keep Them Happy

Happy Paws PlaybookFun Games for Your Dog!

The first time I caught my dog, Lexi, chewing on my child’s toy—a toy that was definitely not hers—she froze. Ears back, tail wagging guiltily, eyes wide with that classic “Uh-oh, I’ve been caught” look. Lexi knew she wasn’t supposed to chew it, but boredom had gotten the best of her.

That’s when it hit me. She wasn’t being "bad"—she was just bored.

Dogs don’t scroll through social media, binge-watch shows, or pick up a good book when they have nothing to do. Instead, they chew, dig, bark, or stare at you with those big, longing eyes, waiting for something exciting to happen. And as dog parents, it’s up to us to make sure they get the mental and physical stimulation they need.

So, if you’ve ever come home to a mysteriously destroyed toy or found your pup pacing around like they just drank three cups of coffee, here are some fun and easy games to keep them happy—both indoors and out!

Indoor Games for Rainy Days (or When You Just Don’t Want to Go Outside)

1. Hide-and-Seek
One evening, I decided to play hide-and-seek with Lexi. I told her to “stay,” ran behind the couch, and called her name. At first, she looked confused—tilting her head like, Are we really doing this? But then, she went full detective mode, sniffing and trotting around until she found me. The pure joy on her face when she did? Priceless.

2. DIY Treat Hunt (aka "Find It" Game)
Lexi is highly food motivated, so I started hiding treats around the house—under rugs, behind doors, even inside an empty cereal box. Watching her excitedly search for them not only kept her busy but also gave her a job to do, which made her feel accomplished. If your pup loves sniffing, this game is a winner.

3. Tug-of-War
Lexi LOVES tug-of-war. And let me tell you, the way she growls and shakes that rope like she’s wrestling a wild beast is hilarious. Tug is a great way to burn off energy without much effort from you (perfect for lazy days), and it strengthens your bond too. Just be sure to let them win sometimes—it keeps the game fun!

4. The "Which Hand?" Game
I started doing this one with Lexi when I needed a quick distraction. I hide a treat in one hand, close my fists, and let her choose. If she taps the right hand with her paw or nose, she wins! It’s a simple brain game, but she gets so focused—and I get a kick out of how seriously she takes it.

5. Indoor Obstacle Course
One day, I grabbed some pillows, a broomstick, and a couple of chairs and turned my living room into an agility course. Lexi had to jump over cushions, weave through chairs, and crawl under the coffee table. She was hesitant at first, but once she got the hang of it, she was zooming through like an agility champion!

Outdoor Adventures (For When They Have Zoomies and You Need to Tire Them Out!)

6. Fetch—But Make It Exciting!
Instead of a boring game of fetch, I started throwing Lexi’s ball up a small hill at the park. By the time she ran up, grabbed it, and ran back down, she was already halfway to nap time. Pro tip: Try different fetch toys—a frisbee, a bouncy ball, or even a soft toy they love.

7. Sprinkler or Pool Play
On hot days, I set up a kiddie pool in the yard. Lexi wasn’t sure about it at first, but once I tossed in a few floating toys, she dove right in. If your dog loves water, let them run through a sprinkler or splash around—it’s like a mini water park for them!

8. Flirt Pole Chase
I recently got a flirt pole (basically a giant cat toy for dogs), and WOW—Lexi goes nuts for it. It’s a pole with a string and a toy at the end, and when I swing it around, she chases it like she’s hunting prey. This is hands down one of the fastest ways to tire out an energetic dog!

9. Dog Park Meetups
Dogs are social creatures, and Lexi thrives on making new friends. I take her to a local dog park where she runs, wrestles, and plays tag with other pups. The result? A happy, exhausted dog who sleeps like a baby afterward.

10. Adventure Walks
Instead of our usual sidewalk stroll, I started taking Lexi on “sniffari” walks—letting her lead and sniff to her heart’s content. A walk that normally takes 15 minutes turns into 45, but hey, she gets the mental workout she needs, and I get to enjoy the fresh air.

A Happy Dog = A Happy Home

Since adding these games into our routine, Lexi has been calmer, happier, and (thankfully) less interested in stealing my kid’s toys. Whether it’s a simple hide-and-seek session inside or an adventurous playdate at the park, finding ways to engage your dog makes all the difference.

So, tell me—what’s your dog’s favorite way to play? Let’s swap stories in the comments!

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