5 Safe and Beneficial Indoor Activities for Puppies

While you continue to quarantine with your pets, you may find you’re running out of activities for your furry friends. Just because you’re stuck indoors doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity for your puppy to learn! Naturally, your puppy may need more interaction to keep them busy. Because of this, we wanted to provide a resource on indoor activities for puppies.

Whether you’re a new puppy owner or have an adult dog, playtime and interaction are beneficial for everyone. Read on to learn more about how to play with a puppy indoors and tips to encourage safe puppy interaction with Trupanion pet program manager J. Marmol.

Indoor activities for puppies: 5 tips for safe puppy play

1. Always supervise playtime

Puppies are curious and may get excited to play. An overly excited puppy may accidentally nip during playtime. Always make sure to monitor your puppy, especially if you have other pets and kids at home.

2. Puppy-proof your home

For the safety of your best friend, be sure to puppy-proof your house. Be mindful of small objects that could easily be missed, like medication and properly store items like cleaning supplies, wires, food, and trash. Naturally, you don’t want your pet to get into something they shouldn’t.

3. Provide age-appropriate toys and treats

If you have other pets in your house, you may be tempted to let your puppy play with their toys. Although pet interaction with toys is encouraged, it’s important to be mindful of your puppy’s needs. One of the best indoor activities for dogs is simple: offer age-appropriate toys and treats in a safe indoor space to help with their development. For instance, puppy chew toys may help provide stimulation and curb behavior cues.

4. Know your puppy’s limits

Your puppy is full of energy, so it may be hard to tell when they need to rest. A balanced puppy is a happy puppy. Essentially, this means you should provide proper nutrition, exercise, play, and rest for your puppy on a daily basis. Take into consideration their age and breed, and give them time to recharge in between all of the fun indoor activities for puppies you have planned for your four-legged friend.

5. Be mindful of your puppy’s surroundings

With everyone home, your puppy may not have the space they normally do. While family time is essential, make sure your puppy has a pet-friendly area where they can rest. Also, be mindful of your puppy’s body language, they may be trying to communicate they need space.

The importance of playtime and interaction

Your puppy grows quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on all those puppy firsts! In fact, “since you may have more time at home, it’s a great opportunity to take the time to bond and interact with your puppy. Playtime is a fun and exciting time for everyone involved, it may relieve stress, pent up energy, and lessen anxiety,” says Marmol.

Consider incorporating small play sessions throughout the day. It gives you and your best friend a chance to bond and play more frequently.

The benefits of enrichment and exercise for puppies

Stimulation is a great way to enrich your puppy’s day. Also, “exercise and play may help keep everyone healthy. But it’s also a beneficial time to solidify your bond with your pup and work on skills. The best way to learn is through play, especially with a puppy,” states Marmol.

Consider including some of your puppy’s favorite exercises like fetch, ball, or hide and seek throughout the day. This may help with focus and keep your pet entertained while they exercise.

Each puppy is different and has its own preferences, so take the time to personalize the experience for your furry friend.