Indoor Enrichment Ideas for High-Energy Dogs
It’s summer in Arizona, which means the weather outside is nearly unbearable for dogs and humans alike. If your dog is going stir-crazy at having to stay indoors, the team at Curem Veterinary Care has indoor pet enrichment ideas to help bust the boredom.
Why Does Indoor Enrichment Matter?
How would you feel if you spend all day indoors with nothing to do, hot day after hot day, here in Arizona? You would probably also resort to pacing, whining, and chewing that tantalizing leather boot your pet parent left by the front door.
Boredom is indeed the root of many choice behaviors in pets. Indoor pet enrichment takes away the need for pets to behave poorly by giving them something else to do.
Easy Ways to Keep Pets Occupied Indoors
You don’t need anything fancy here. Just choose a few of the ideas below and do them consistently with your high-energy dog, both in the morning before you go to work, and in the evening when you get home.
Here are our favorite ideas for stimulating indoor pets:
- Start each morning with a walk before it gets hot
- If it’s already too hot when you get up, start the morning with a play session—think tug of war, hide and seek, or even an agility course in the garage
- Enjoy a full training session every morning or afternoon with your pet, treats and all
- Set up a puzzle that’ll take your pet time to solve—while you’re away
- Use a lick mat, chew toy, or frozen treat to give your dog something sedentary yet engaging to do
Honestly, as long as it’s safe for your pet and easy to do, you can do just about anything to keep your pet’s brain engaged. That’s the trick: to keep those brains engaged.
The secret, again, is to do whatever you do consistently. Dogs love routine, and they will start looking forward to those morning and afternoon play, train, or treat sessions. Instead of wondering when they’ll get to play with you again and taking their boredom out on your favorite pair of shoes, they’ll know a favorite part of their day is coming up quickly.
If your pup struggles with loneliness while you’re away, consider leaving a podcast or TV on to help keep that brain company.
If your dog is still acting out during the hot summer days inside despite all your best efforts, there might be something deeper going on. The caring team at Curem Veterinary Care can help get to the bottom of the mystery. Call us at (480) 787-0544 to set up an appointment with our team!