Here Are 7 Enrichment Tips I Followed to Keep My Dog Entertained In the House

If you’ve ever lived with a dog who stares at you like you should be the afternoon entertainment—welcome to the club.

As much as I adore my four-legged roommate, there were days when I could practically hear him sigh out of boredom.

Walks were helpful, of course, but they weren’t always enough—especially during bad weather, busy workdays, or when we were both stuck indoors for long stretches.

That’s when I realized something important: a tired dog may be a happy dog, but a mentally stimulated dog? That’s a whole new level of peace.

Instead of just tossing toys his way or offering yet another belly rub (which, let’s be honest, he never refuses), I started exploring indoor enrichment.

And not the kind that breaks the bank or requires a degree in canine psychology—just simple, creative activities that tapped into his instincts, kept his brain humming, and made our bond even stronger.

From puzzle toys stuffed with frozen treats to makeshift agility courses that turned my living room into a doggy gym, I tried a bit of everything. Some ideas flopped. Others became daily rituals.

The best part? I saw a real difference. My dog was more relaxed, more focused, and (dare I say it?) more entertained than ever before.

So, if your pup has been giving you those “I’m bored out of my furry skull” eyes lately, don’t worry—I’ve got you. Here are seven enrichment tips I personally used to keep my dog happy, busy, and engaged inside the house.

You don’t need a giant home or fancy gadgets. Just a little creativity, a few treats, and a willingness to turn your dog’s day around.

1. Hide-and-Seek with Treats

I started hiding small treats around the house—under cushions, behind doors, or tucked into old shoes. It turned into a daily treasure hunt that kept my dog’s nose and brain busy. Bonus: watching them sniff around like a detective never gets old.

This simple game was not only fun but also mentally stimulating. My dog loved the thrill of finding hidden goodies, and it was a great way to bond. Every successful find was met with tail wags and a joyful bark.

The best part? It required no special equipment, just a little imagination and my dog’s favorite treats. My living room became an exciting adventure zone, all thanks to this playful activity.

2. Frozen Peanut Butter Puzzle Toys

I filled a Kong with peanut butter and froze it overnight. It became the perfect boredom buster for those long afternoons. It kept my dog busy for 30+ minutes and helped with mental stimulation and teething relief.

This treat was a win-win, offering both entertainment and a soothing experience for sore gums. My dog approached it with the enthusiasm of a kid unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning.

Each time, it was like a brand new challenge, with the delightful reward of peanut butter waiting at the end. It became a staple in our routine, providing both joy and a chance to relax without distraction.

3. “New Trick Tuesdays”

We turned Tuesdays into training days. Each week, I introduced a new trick—like spin, high-five, or crawl. Even if it took more than a day to master, the process kept us both engaged and made indoor time productive.

Teaching tricks was more than just fun; it was an opportunity to strengthen our bond. With each successful trick, my dog gained confidence, and our connection deepened.

The enthusiasm and persistence my dog showed were inspiring. A simple spin trick became a source of pride, and Tuesday quickly became our favorite day of the week. The learning never felt like a chore, only pure enjoyment.

4. Dog TV and Window Perches

I set up a comfy spot by the window so my dog could birdwatch or monitor neighborhood activity. When it was cloudy or quiet outside, I switched on DogTV or YouTube videos of squirrels—surprisingly effective entertainment!

This setup offered a blend of real and virtual excitement. My dog enjoyed watching birds flutter by and was equally mesmerized by the animated scenes on screen.

The best part was the peace it brought to our home. My dog could indulge in these scenes for hours, with eyes wide and ears perked, fully absorbed in the unfolding drama. It was the perfect balance of relaxation and engagement.

5. DIY Obstacle Courses

Pillows, chairs, broomsticks—our living room transformed into a mini agility course. We practiced “over,” “under,” and “around,” using treats as motivation. It became a great way to burn energy without ever stepping outside.

Every day presented a new challenge, as I rearranged the course to keep things fresh. My dog tackled each obstacle with gusto, turning the course into a personal playground.

The thrill of completing the course never waned. Each lap was greeted with applause, and my dog’s pride was evident in its wagging tail. Our home became a hub of activity and joy, fostering both agility and happiness.

6. Interactive Feeding Mats

I swapped the food bowl for a snuffle mat or puzzle feeder. Instead of gobbling meals in seconds, my dog had to work for each kibble. It slowed down feeding and gave them something to focus on.

The challenge of finding each piece of food was engaging. My dog dug into the mat with a fervor usually reserved for its favorite toys, thoroughly enjoying the hunt.

Meal times became more than just feeding; they evolved into an exciting game. This new approach to eating was both healthy and fun, adding a layer of enjoyment to our everyday routine.

7. Scent-Swap Toy Rotation

Each week, I’d take a few toys away and reintroduce them later—like rotating a toy library. To make things even more exciting, I’d rub new scents on them (vanilla, lavender, or a dab of chicken broth). My dog acted like they were brand new.

The scent-swap idea was a hit, as my dog eagerly explored each reintroduced toy. The novelty of new scents kept them intrigued, renewing their interest.

This simple trick kept the toy game fresh and exciting. Watching my dog rediscover and enjoy these toys was heartwarming, turning ordinary objects into sources of delight and fascination.