7 Activities to Enrich Your Atlanta Dog Indoors

activities to enrich Atlanta dogs indoors

When summer temperatures soar in Atlanta, keeping your dog active and engaged indoors becomes essential for their well-being. Fortunately, there are countless ways to provide mental and physical enrichment for your pup. Here are 7 activities to enrich your Atlanta dog indoors. These ideas help keep your dog pal happy, healthy, and entertained during the hottest times of the day. Our dog walkers use many of these activities during our visits when high temperatures force us to shorten outdoor time during midday dog walks.

1. Food Puzzle Toys and Snuffle Mats

Food puzzle toys and snuffle mats are fantastic for challenging your dog’s mind and satisfying their natural foraging instincts. Hide treats or kibble inside these toys or mats, and let your dog sniff, paw, and nudge their way to a tasty reward. This not only keeps them occupied but also slows down fast eaters when used in place of food bowls. Whether dispensing treats or meals, these tools provide a rewarding and delicious mental workout.

Learn how to make your own snuffle mat and why they are such awesome playtime and enrichment tools here.

2. Teach New Tricks and Practice Training

Indoor time is perfect for sharpening your dog’s skills or teaching them new tricks. Whether it’s “shake,” “roll over,” or more advanced skills or tricks, short training sessions provide mental stimulation and strengthen your bond. Use high-value training treats and keep sessions positive and fun. Training treats keep sessions moving as larger treats can slow things down as the dog chews and swallows between exercises.

3. Hide and Seek

A game of hide and seek is a classic way to engage your dog’s brain and nose. To play, hide somewhere in the house and call your dog to find you. Reward them with treats and praise when they succeed. This game can be played with people or favorite toys if your dog knows the toy’s name, and it never gets old.

4. Indoor Obstacle Courses

Set up a simple obstacle course using household items like chairs, cushions, broomsticks, and laundry baskets. Guide your dog through tunnels, over jumps, and around cones. Obstacle courses provide both physical and mental exercise and can be tailored to your dog’s age, abilities, and preferences.

5. Scent Games and “Find It!”

Encourage your dog’s natural sniffing skills by hiding treats around the house or playing the “find it!” game. Start with easy-to-find treats and gradually increase the difficulty. These nose work activities are not only fun but also mentally exhausting for dogs.

6. Stuffed Kongs and Frozen Treats

Fill a Kong or similar toy with your dog’s favorite snacks, peanut butter, or yogurt, and freeze it for a long-lasting, cooling treat. Frozen enrichment treats are perfect for hot days and can keep your pup busy while you work or relax. Check out these recipes!

7. Indoor Walks and Social Outings

If your dog needs a change of scenery, consider visiting pet-friendly indoor spaces like pet stores or indoor dog parks. These outings provide new smells and experiences while keeping your dog safe from the heat.

Lots of pet supply shops in and around Metro Atlanta welcome dogs. Check out this blog where we highlight some of our favorite local pet-specific businesses. Barking Dog Bakery & Feed on 2810 Paces Ferry Rd SE, multiple locations Hollywood Feed around Atlanta, and Park Pet Supply in the East Atlanta Village are all pet-friendly. If your dog is not comfortable around other dogs, give these establishments a call and see if they offer solo shopping times for reactive or less social dogs.

Home Depot, Lowe’s, Petco, PetSmart, Bass Pro Shops, Tractor Supply Co., Nordstrom, and TJ Maxx usually allow leashed dogs in their stores. Some stores like LUSH Cosmetics, The Gap, Old Navy, and Pottery Barn may have dog-friendly policies at most, but not all, locations. It’s always a good idea to call ahead so you don’t pack your dog up only to be rejected at the door.