7 Easy Indoor Enrichment Games for Dogs of All Ages

Some days, getting outside with your dog just isn’t going to happen. Rain, heat, illness, work, life in general. It’s all real and it’s all valid. That doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out on fun or stimulation. There are plenty of simple indoor games you can play that don’t require buying anything new or turning your kitchen into an obstacle course.

These seven ideas are easy, practical and adjustable to your dog’s age and energy level. You can use them as a loose weekly routine or just pick what suits the day. The goal is not to entertain your dog constantly but to offer something meaningful for them to do when going out is not on the cards.

Monday: The Towel Treat Wrap

This one is a classic for good reason. Grab an old towel, sprinkle a handful of dry food or treats on it, and then roll or fold it up. You can twist it, scrunch it, even knot it if your dog likes a challenge. Let them sniff and work out how to get the goodies out.

It sounds simple, and it is, but it taps into natural foraging instincts and encourages problem-solving. For younger dogs or those new to enrichment, keep it loose and straightforward. For more confident dogs, add a second layer or use multiple small towels. The point is not to frustrate them but to give them something satisfying to solve.

You can easily do this while you’re making a cuppa or getting through emails. It takes two minutes to set up and gives them ten or fifteen minutes of nose-down concentration.

Tuesday: Cup Hide and Seek

This is a low-effort game that helps sharpen your dog’s focus and memory. All you need are three cups or mugs and a few treats. Start by placing a treat under one cup while your dog watches. Shuffle the cups slowly, then encourage them to sniff or paw at the one they think holds the treat.

At first, they will probably just guess, which is perfectly fine. Over time, some dogs begin to watch your hands or follow the scent. Either way, it becomes an excellent short game to encourage thinking.

You can make it harder by increasing the number of cups or shuffling faster. If your dog gets confused or loses interest, scale it back. It should stay fun and light.

This is ideal for days when you are short on time or energy. You can play it sitting on the floor or even from the sofa.

Wednesday: The DIY Sniff Trail

This one turns your home into a mini adventure. Take a few treats and quietly place them along a trail through one or two rooms. Think low down and out of sight. Behind a door, near a leg of a chair, tucked beside a skirting board.

Once the trail is set, bring your dog into the room and encourage them to “find it”. Let them work it out. You can guide them a bit at first, but most dogs quickly catch on. It gives them something to focus on and offers a sense of discovery that walks usually provide.

This game is particularly helpful for dogs who get restless in the evening or struggle with boredom during bad weather. You can easily adjust the spacing, number of treats or route depending on how engaged your dog is feeling.

Thursday: Name That Toy

You don’t need a pile of fancy toys for this. Even if your dog only has a few, you can start teaching them the names. Choose one toy, hold it up, say the name clearly, then toss it a short distance. Repeat that a few times, keeping your tone positive and consistent.

Once your dog seems to connect the word with the toy, place it next to one or two other toys and ask for it by name. If they pick the right one, brilliant. If they get it wrong, no problem, just try again.

Some dogs pick this up quickly. Others just enjoy the chase. Either way, it builds attention and gives their brain something new to work through. Over time, you can add more names or turn it into a more advanced game, but there is no rush.

This is a good one to involve children or other family members in. It feels like play but it’s actually laying the groundwork for improved communication and calm indoor focus.

Friday: Muffin Tin Mayhem

For this, all you need is a muffin tray and some small balls or scrunched-up paper. Pop a few treats in some of the cups and cover all of them with the paper or toys. Your dog has to sniff and nudge around to find the hidden rewards.

It is quick to set up, a bit noisy, and often very funny to watch. Great for end-of-week energy or when your dog seems like they want to do something but you’re not sure what.

Make sure the paper or balls are too large to swallow. You can use tennis balls, rubber toys or even clean socks. Adjust the number of cups with treats based on how much encouragement your dog needs to stay interested.

This game tends to appeal to dogs who like to use their paws or solve puzzles. It’s also a great one to repeat with small variations over time.

Saturday: The Hand Target Game

This is a calm, focus-building game that takes hardly any space or time. Simply hold your open palm near your dog’s nose. The second they move to touch it with their nose, mark it with a “yes” and give a treat. Once they start doing it consistently, move your hand slightly to one side, then the other.

You are teaching them to make contact with your hand on cue. It builds attention and becomes the foundation for other movements like following you through the house, practising recall or even just greeting calmly.

It is a quiet and gentle game that suits dogs of any age. For older dogs or those recovering from illness or injury, it offers interaction without too much physical effort. For puppies, it creates useful habits and better engagement.

This can be a short session during quiet time or added to your existing training routine.

Sunday: Chill and Chew Time

To finish the week, it’s worth including something slower and more restful. Enrichment doesn’t always mean play or challenge. Sometimes, it means offering a dog-friendly chew or something to lick and letting them settle into it.

You can use a frozen carrot, a stuffed toy, or even smear a small amount of wet food on a baking tray or chopping board. Place it on the floor with a towel underneath and let them get to work.

Licking and chewing are naturally soothing for dogs. They can help them decompress, especially after a busy day or if there’s been more stimulation than usual.

This is also a good opportunity for you to relax. Pop on some music, dim the lights, and give your dog space to unwind without needing your full attention. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference to many dogs.

What It All Comes Down To

You don’t need to buy new equipment, fill your schedule with elaborate plans or follow a strict routine. The games above are not about perfection. They are about giving your dog something small and satisfying to do when the usual walk or play is not available.

There is no pressure to do all seven. Choose what fits, repeat what works and don’t stress if you skip a day. Life happens. Enrichment is at its best when it feels like part of daily life rather than another job on the list.

Whether you live in a flat, a house with stairs, or a small space with limited resources, you can still offer your dog something that keeps their brain ticking. Simple games. Real connection. That is all it takes.

Thanks for reading. If this gave you a few ideas, feel free to share it with someone whose dog might enjoy a new indoor game this week. Or better still, try one yourself today. No pressure, just a bit of fun.

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