How to Entertain Your Dog at Home: 17 Fun Activities

Introduction

Does your dog keep giving you that “I’m bored” look? It’s a common problem. Many dogs feel restless when stuck indoors. Maybe it’s raining. Maybe you’re busy. Either way, they need something to do. A bored dog can get noisy or destructive. But simple activities can help break the boredom.

It’s more than just boredom. When dogs don’t have enough to do, they start acting out. Maybe they chew your shoes. Maybe they bark nonstop. Sometimes they just seem uneasy. It’s hard to watch. But with a little effort, your home can become their favorite place to play and relax.

Wondering “how to keep my dog entertained?” This guide will show you how to entertain your dog at home with 17 simple, fun, and enriching activities you can start today.

Signs You Have a Bored Dog

Before we dive into the activities, it’s helpful to spot boredom early. Common signs include:

• Chewing shoes or furniture

• Excessive barking or whining

• Pacing or restlessness

• Digging at carpet or furniture

• Clingy behavior or attention-seeking

If your dog is displaying any of these, it’s time to shake up their routine.

The Connection: Dog Breed, Age, and Boredom

Dogs get bored differently. Active breeds like Huskies need more to do. Calmer dogs, like Bulldogs, are usually easier. Puppies are always exploring and chewing. Seniors move slower but still need attention. Every dog needs something; just not the same thing. By knowing what your dog needs, your help keeps them happy and calm. It helps you choose the right mix of activities they enjoy and benefit from the most.

How to Entertain Your Dog

Here are 17 indoor dog activities: enrichment, play, bonding, brain games, and solo ideas; something for every dog’s personality.

Hands-Free Enrichment (For When You're Busy)

These activities works well: when you work from home, tidy up, or just need your dog to stay busy on their own.

Puzzle Toys & Lick Mats

Puzzle toys and lick mats challenge your dog’s brain and slow down mealtime. Spread peanut butter or yogurt on a silicone mat, or use a toy that requires them to nudge treats out. These are excellent dog toys to keep them busy.

The Long-Lasting Frozen KONG

Fill a KONG with wet food, peanut butter, or mashed banana; then freeze it. It keeps your dog busy and satisfies their need to chew, while also giving their brain a little workout.

The Shredding Box

Repurpose cardboard boxes by stuffing them with old towels, treats, or paper balls. Let your dog rip, dig, and find the goodies inside.

The Indoor Digging Zone

Use a small box or plastic bin filled with shredded paper or blankets, and hide treats or toys inside. This mimics the digging experience in a controlled, indoor setting.

DogTV & Window Watching

Set up a comfy perch near a window or turn on a pet-focused streaming service like DogTV. The moving visuals and sounds can help calm and entertain your dog passively.

Indoor Fitness & Agility (To Burn Physical Energy)

When your dog’s bouncing around nonstop, these indoor activities helps let out some of that pent-up energy.

Build a Silly Obstacle Course

Set up an indoor agility course with cushions and chairs. Use treats to guide your dog through jumps, weaves, or crawls.

Gentle Tug-of-War & Indoor Fetch

Try tug with a soft rope or hallway fetch using a plush ball. Both keep your dog engaged and safely entertained indoors.

The Flirt Pole

Tug with a soft rope toy or throw a plush ball down the hallway for fetch. Easy, fun ways to keep your dog busy inside.

Interactive Games (To Strengthen Your Bond)

Dogs are social animals; these games helps build a stronger bond while giving you both some quality time together.

Hide-and-Seek (with Treats or People)

Hide behind a door or around a corner, call your dog, and reward them when they find you. You can also hide treats around the room for a scent challenge.

Social Play

Got another friendly dog at home? Thinking to keep dog busy? Schedule short play sessions where they can wrestle or chase each other safely.

Keep Away (Monkey in the Middle)

Involve two people and a soft toy. Gently toss it back and forth and let your dog try to intercept. It’s stimulating and great for sharpening reflexes.

Brain-Boosting Training Games

Mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Try these activities for dogs to give their brain a workout.

Practice Short Training Bursts

Start with easy cues like sit or stay. Keep it short—just five minutes—and give plenty of treats when they get it.

Teach One New Trick

Tricks like spin, paw, or roll over are fun for dogs. Choose one and work on it every day until they nail it.

Create a "Safe Space"

Put together a chill spot with their bed, some toys they love, and maybe calm music. It helps them relax when things get too loud.

The Power of a Good Chew

Chewing is instinctive and soothing. Offer a long-lasting chew like Kradle’s CBD All Day Calming Bone or Bacon CBD Chillers Hard Chews for focused, calming time.

Rotate Their Toys

Switch out toys weekly to keep things fresh. Your dog will be more excited about “old” toys that feel new again.

Consider Doggy Daycare

If your dog needs company or constant activity, sending them to daycare occasionally can make a big difference.

Special Considerations for Puppies

Puppies need entertainment too, but their needs are unique. Here’s how to keep a dog entertained safely.

• Choose safe chew toys and teething ropes

• Use gentle puzzle feeders that don’t frustrate

• Keep activities short and positive

• Supervise everything—puppies explore with their mouths!

Rotating toys and offering age-appropriate challenges; it helps reduce chewing on furniture or other unwanted behaviors.

When You’re Out — Keeping Dogs Calm Solo

Wondering how to keep dog from being bored when home alone? These tricks help ease stress and fill their time.

• Prep treat puzzles or snuffle mats before you leave

• Use calming audio or dog-safe YouTube videos

• Try supplements or calming chews like Kradle’s CBD options

• Use pet cameras like Furbo or Petcube to check in and even talk to them

These ideas help your dog stay calm, stimulated, and less anxious until you return.

How Kradle My Pet Can Help You In This

At Kradle My Pet, we understand that a bored or anxious dog is a stressed one. That’s why our calming products are made to support your dog’s well-being—whether you’re home or away.

Our CBD All Day Calming Bone keeps dogs busy with long chew time, while the Bacon CBD Chillers work quickly when they’re stressed. Paired with play and fun activities, these help your dog stay relaxed, content, and mentally satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dogs get bored being home all day?

Yes! Like humans, dogs expect stimulation. Without them, they can get restless, anxious, or even destructive.

Can you tell if your dog is bored?

Chewing stuff, nonstop barking, or pacing around the house are signs. Bored dogs usually act out just to get noticed.

Do I need to entertain my dog all day?

No need to keep them busy all day. But daily play, a little training, and some brain games really help their mind.

How can I keep a dog entertained at home?

Try puzzle toys, fun training games, chew treats, and playtime together. Switch things up often so it doesn’t get boring.

What’s a good toy for keeping dog busy?

Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and frozen KONGs are great choices that occupy your dog for longer.

How to keep a puppy entertained?

Focus on safe chew toys, age-appropriate puzzles, and lots of short play sessions. Supervise all activities.

How to keep a dog cool inside the house?

Use fans, cooling mats, and offer frozen treats. Keep curtains closed and provide plenty of water.

How do I get my dog to entertain himself?

Offer toys that encourage solo play—like lick mats, chew bones, or snuffle mats. Set up a “play zone.”

Do dogs get bored laying around all day?

Absolutely. Even lazy dogs benefit from a mix of mental and physical engagement during the day.