As the cold and rainy season continues to get colder and rainier, pets and pet owners alike may be reluctant to brave the elements and go outdoors for much more than a walk. This can leave owners with an extremely energetic dog and nowhere to go, but there are many activities you can do with your dog to keep them stimulated!

1. Toys and Treats

Rubber Kong toys, lick/snuffle mats or puzzle toys are great ways to keep your dog occupied while also keeping them stimulated. Not only are these items widely available with a huge variety in most pet stores or online, but they are also easy to make! Hop online to check out dozens of guides to all kinds of puzzle or food based toys and games! The best parts about these toys are that they are easily reusable and will keep your dog engaged when you want, just load it up with food or treats and your dog’s interest will be piqued. All this being said, it is important to remember, though, that like humans, dogs can get tired or bored of toys, so having a rotation of toys can help keep your pet engaged.

2. Small Spaces, Big Fun

Everyone has limited space in their homes and figuring out how to utilize that space so that your pet can be active indoors too is important. An activity that takes up very little space compared to other games is playing tug of war or using a flirt toy for a less physically demanding play time, giving some one on one play time with your pet. On the other end of the space spectrum, you can build your furry friend an obstacle course! This is the perfect time to get creative and use whatever you may have to create obstacles. Chairs, blankets, boxes and even brooms can all be used to make your pet work a little bit harder trying to get to the other side. Finally, the tried and true classic fetch is also a fantastic game to play indoors. Buying toys that won’t damage walls that your dog is interested in can make indoor fetch an awesome way to get your dog exercise. Although indoors everyone is confined, maximizing even a small space for a dog can help keep your pet happy and healthy.

3. Dog’s Bestfriend

We all know someone who has multiple dogs and they will just play and play and play with each other. That is because having another dog around is extremely stimulating for your pet. Whether that is a second pet of your own or having doggy playdates with other owners you know, it can do wonders for self-esteem and social skills to be able to play with other dogs and humans.

Of course there are a number of other things you can do with your pet at home and still have a fantastic time, but these are some of the more accessible and cheap ways to keep your pet happy and healthy!