The unfortunate effects of both a pandemic and cold winter months is that we’re often indoors more than we’d like. With no where to go, and cold weather only adding to the mess, it’s common for us to skip the daily walk in favor of a snooze on the couch.

Your dog needs daily exercise both to give him an outlet, and to give him something new to look at. Without this outlet, they can suffer cabin fever much like you do.

Luckily, even when bad weather makes it impossible to go out, you can help improve their mental well being through a few indoor activities.

Hide-and-seek

Hide and seek is a great way to engage your dog’s brain and body all at the same time. This requires either a second person to help you, or a solid stay for your dog. Have the person hold your dog back or put him in stay, and then go and hide. You may need to make it very easy at first so he gets the idea.

Call him when you’re ready, and have him find you. If its taking a long time, try calling him again to keep his interest. When he finds you, give him praise and a treat!

Most dogs get the idea quickly, and you can make hiding spots more complex as you go on.

Teach your pet a trick

Learning a new trick is a great way to help get your dog’s brain working. All dogs can learn new tricks, including seniors who can’t walk very well. If your not sure what to teach your dog, try putting a treat under one of two paper cups, and have him use his nose to figure out which one it is.

Even a pet who can’t stand for very long due to arthritis or other health issues can play this game, and it’s often very enriching for them to use their nose to “find” the treat.

Complex tricks are another great way to help your pet use his brain, since it takes more work for them to figure out a multi-faceted trick compared to a simple sit. “Doggy push-ups” such as sit-down combinations, and adding on new components to old tricks, can all be great ways to spend a snowy day.

Play a game of chase

Few dogs will turn down a good game of chase. Inviting your pet to take a turn running around the house with you is great entertainment for the dog, and will give you a bit of exercise as well. A good game of chase is perfect for younger, boisterous dogs that need an outlet beyond simply using their brain, and can be fun for you both.

The winter months are long and hard, and the pandemic has really limited what we can do when the weather is nice, but that doesn’t mean we have to endure cabin fever forever. Your pet will love these entertaining ideas, and will be less likely to find destructive ways to entertain himself when it’s impossible to go out.