How to entertain your dog at home: 5 homemade game ideas

Index

1. Introduction: The importance of keeping your dog active at home
2. Benefits of mental stimulation in dogs
3. 5 homemade games for dogs on rainy days
4. The power of interactive toys and LickiMats
5. Conclusion

1. Introduction: The importance of keeping your dog active at home

Rainy days can be challenging for both dogs and their humans. Without long walks and as much time outdoors, it's easy for your dog to build up energy and get bored. However, staying home doesn't mean you have to give up on fun or exercise. There are plenty of ways to keep your dog physically and, above all, mentally stimulated without leaving the house.

If your dog doesn't get enough stimulation, it may start exhibiting unwanted behaviors, such as chewing on inappropriate objects, whining, or barking. Therefore, it's essential to provide it with alternative activities to keep it entertained.

2. Benefits of mental stimulation in dogs

When dogs can't expend energy running, playing with other dogs, and sniffing outdoors, they need activities that work their minds. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise and helps them:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Preventing destructive behaviors
• Keeping your mind active and preventing cognitive aging
• Improve the relationship between the dog and its owner

Fortunately, there are many ways to stimulate your dog at home, from scent games to interactive toys designed to hold their attention for hours.

3. 5 homemade games for dogs on rainy days

Like any dog ​​owner, you probably have a box full of toys that your dog plays with whenever they want. But on rainy days, even all those toys don't seem to be enough. So, here are some game ideas you can make with things you already have at home that will be new and exciting for your dog:

1. The surprise box

A simple activity that sparks your dog's curiosity.

1. 1. Use a cardboard box, it can be a large box or an old shoe box.
   2. Put pieces of food or their feed inside.
   3. Close the box but leave one or more small openings.
   4. Show your dog that he needs to move it or open it to figure out how to get them out.

You can add balls of paper inside to make it more challenging.

2. The rolled-up towel

An effective challenge with different levels of difficulty.

1. 1. Recycle an old towel or rag that you no longer want.
   2. Spread it out on the floor and place feed or food on it separately.
   3. Roll the towel without letting the feed fall out until you get a tube.
   4. Carefully, making sure it doesn't fall, tie a knot in the towel.
   5. Your dog will have to figure out how to untie the knot and unfold it to get the treats.
   6. If your dog gets the treats quickly with just one knot, try making two or more knots and tightening them more.

This game encourages ingenuity and patience.

3. The bottle as a roulette wheel

Long-lasting interactive game:

1. 1. Recycle one or more water bottles or bottles from another beverage (if it is from another beverage, make sure to wash it well beforehand).
   2. Make two holes on the sides of the bottle at the same height and perpendicular to each other. Repeat this with the bottles you are going to use.
   3. Thread a string or ribbon through these holes so that the bottles rest on the string.
   4. Tie the ends of the rope together so that it is taut (you can also hold it yourselves, although this game will take a while).
   5. Fill the bottles with their feed.
   6. Remove the caps from the bottles.
   7. Due to gravity, the bottles with the weight will remain upside down, so your dog will have to nudge the bottles with its snout and paw to make them rotate and dispense the treats.

This game encourages ingenuity and patience.

4. Find the correct hand

A classic magic trick adapted for dogs.

How to play:

1. 1. Hide a prize in one of your hands.
   2. Close both hands and let your dog sniff your hands to guess where he is.
   3. If he chooses the correct one, you reward him. If not, you repeat the process.
   4. You can also play this game with different cups.

This game improves concentration and decision-making skills.

5. Find the prizes

Use different objects you're going to throw away to hide treats, like toilet paper rolls. Put treats inside and try to close them. Your dog will have to tear them open to get the treats out.

4. The power of interactive toys and Licking Mats

In addition to indoor games, there are toys specifically designed to keep your dog entertained. One of the best allies on rainy days is the Licking Mat , which allows your dog to enjoy a relaxing licking experience while eating at a leisurely pace.

Benefits of LickiMats

• They reduce anxiety and stress
• They encourage slower eating, preventing digestive problems.
• They stimulate your dog's mind and keep him occupied for longer
• They are ideal for dogs that spend several hours alone at home

At La Casa de Turrón , we have Licking Mats with suction cups available, perfect for sticking to the floor or wall, making them easy to use and preventing them from moving while your dog enjoys their food.

If you'd like to learn different recipes to use with your Licking Mat, we recommend our article "Benefits and Healthy Recipes for Your Licking Mat."

5. Conclusion

Rainy days don't have to be boring for your dog. With a little creativity and some simple games, you can keep them active and entertained indoors. From scent challenges to intelligence games, there are plenty of ways to stimulate your dog without going outside.

In addition, interactive toys like LickiMats can be a great way for your dog to enjoy a relaxing meal. At La Casa de Turrón , you'll find everything you need to make these days more bearable for your pet.

Discover our LickiMats and other accessories in our shop and make every rainy day a new opportunity to play and learn.