Just because your dog lives in an apartment without access to a garden or large outside space doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy some fun!
Dogs enjoy many types of mental stimulation. They love using their nose, solving simple problems, learning new skills and discovering new things. This keeps them engaged and entertained during their time at home.
Many mental games can be played with your dog without needing any expensive toys or equipment.
Here are 10 easy games you can play with your dog at home. Choose games suitable for your dog’s experience level.
Why mental stimulation is required for your apartment dog
Dogs are naturally curious creatures. They enjoy exploring their surroundings and using their nose to follow interesting scents. They will also look for ways to earn rewards.
If your dog is spending a lot of their time indoors then they can become bored. Mental stimulation can provide them with a positive focus.
Benefits of playing mental games:
Encourages natural behaviours – Using their nose, searching and exploring can all be natural behaviours for your dog.
Entertaining – Simple games can be great to keep your dog entertained whilst they are indoors.
Problem solving – Puzzle type games can help your dog figure out how to earn their reward.
Variety – Different games to stop your dog getting bored with their routine.
Bonding – Playing games with your dog can be another way to bond.
Mental stimulation shouldn’t replace walks, physical exercise, training or socialisation. It should be used as part of a balanced routine.
Top 10 Mental Games to Play with Your In-Apartment Dog
Start with simple games and build up. Choose games suitable for your dog’s size, age, behaviour and experience level.
Treasure Hunt
An easy game to play with your dog to get them using their nose.
Hide a few small pieces of treat around a safe room.
What you’ll need:
- Small treats or kibble
- A clear room with safe areas to hide the treats.
How to play:
- Give your dog a treat to show them what they’re looking for.
- Hide a few treats in easy to find areas around the room.
- Encourage your dog to search.
- Let them use their nose to find the treats.
- Praise them when they find the hidden food.
Start with visible areas such as next to a chair or their bed. Once they understand what they’re doing you can hide the treats a little more.
Never hide any food near any electrical wires, cleaning products or unsafe items.
Muffin Tin Puzzle
A simple DIY puzzle for your dog.
This encourages your dog to explore the different compartments to find the hidden food.
What you’ll need:
- Clean muffin tin
- A few pieces of kibble
- Appropriate toys or balls that can’t be swallowed.
How to play:
- Place a few pieces of kibble in the different compartments.
- Cover some of the compartments with appropriate toys or balls.
- Place the tin on a non slip surface.
- Let your dog explore the compartments.
- Allow them to figure out how to get the food.
If playing with a beginner leave some of the treats visible so they understand what they’re doing.
Keep a close eye on your dog and remove any small objects that could cause a choking hazard.
Sniff Towel
A simple game to play with your dog using a towel.
Your dog will use their nose to find the hidden food.
What you’ll need:
- Clean towel
- A small amount of dry kibble
How to play:
- Lay the towel flat on the floor.
- Sprinkle a few pieces of kibble across the towel.
- Fold or roll the towel loosely to create easy hiding spots.
- Place it in front of your dog.
- Encourage them to use their nose to find the food.
Start with a loose fold. Once they understand what they’re doing you can make it a little trickier.
Use a towel that your dog won’t chew or swallow. Keep a close eye on them whilst playing.
Which Hand?
One of the easiest games to play with your dog with no equipment needed.
Encourages your dog to use their nose.
What you’ll need:
- A few small treats.
How to play:
- Ask your dog to sit or stand.
- Hold a small piece of treat in one hand.
- Make a loose fist with both hands.
- Show your dog your hands.
- Let them use their nose to figure out which hand has the treat.
- Open the correct hand and reward them.
- Repeat the game but switch the hand.
Keep your hands loose and let your dog explore gently. Don’t encourage them to bite, scratch or paw.
Cardboard Box
A clean cardboard box can be a fun game for your dog to explore.
They can explore the box and use their nose to find the hidden treats.
What you’ll need:
- Clean empty cardboard box.
- A few pieces of kibble or dog treats.
How to play:
- Choose a box that doesn’t have any staples, tape, sharp edges or loose packaging.
- Place a few treats inside.
- Place on a clear floor area.
- Let your dog explore the box.
- Encourage them to find the treats.
Start with an open box so they can easily see and reach the food.
Only suitable for dogs who can explore the cardboard without eating it. If they start tearing or swallowing bits remove the box.
Find Your Favourite Toy
Your dog’s favourite toy can be turned into a simple game.
If your dog likes playing with toys this can be a great option.
How to play:
- Show them their favourite toy.
- If your dog knows the cue ask them to wait.
- Hide the toy somewhere easy to find in the same room.
- Encourage them to search.
- Praise them when they find it.
- Repeat the game hiding it in different safe spots.
Start with the toy partially visible. Once they understand what they’re doing you can hide it a little more.
Keep the game positive. Don’t hide the toys somewhere they might knock things over or get stuck.
Cup Game
A simple DIY puzzle to encourage your dog to use their nose and focus.
What you’ll need:
- 2 or 3 strong cups that won’t easily break.
- A few small treats.
How to play:
- Show your dog a treat.
- Place it underneath one of the upturned cups.
- Let them sniff the cups.
- Encourage them to figure out which one has the treat.
- Lift up the correct cup and let them enjoy their treat.
Start with just one cup so they understand what they’re doing. Add a second cup and move the treat.
Use large cups that won’t be swallowed. Don’t use any cups with sharp edges. Don’t use glass or fragile cups.
Learning New Tricks
Another great way to provide mental stimulation.
No need to teach complex tricks. Simple tricks can be a great training session.
Teach your dog:
- Nose touch
- Circle
- Go to bed
- Paw
- Respond to their name.
How to start:
- Choose one simple behaviour.
- Practice in a quiet area with no distractions.
- Reward with a small treat.
- Repeat a few times taking breaks in between.
- Finish with something they know.
Keep the sessions short and positive. Praise their progress.
Scented Object Search
A game to encourage your dog to explore familiar objects with their nose.
What you’ll need:
- 2 or 3 familiar dog safe objects.
- A few treats.
How to play:
- Choose familiar objects that are safe for your dog to explore.
- Let them sniff the objects.
- Place a treat next to one of the objects.
- Encourage them to explore the area.
- Reward them when they find the treat.
- Repeat with a different object.
To make it easier place the treat in plain sight. Once they understand you can place it just next to the object.
Don’t use any scented household products, essential oils, chemicals or unfamiliar items that may be unsafe to lick or chew.
Dinner Puzzle Search
Make mealtimes more interesting by turning part of it into a simple search game.
Use a suitable puzzle feeder or a safe DIY setup.
How to play:
- Measure out your dog’s usual meal.
- Set aside some of their food.
- Hide small amounts in a suitable snuffle mat or dog safe puzzle feeder.
- Place on a stable surface.
- Let your dog work at their own pace.
- If needed feed the rest of their food normally.
This is a great way to provide some enrichment without extra treats.
Choose a feeder that is suitable for your dog’s chewing habits. Clean according to the manufacturers instructions. Keep a close eye on your dog.
How Much Mental Stimulation should my apartment dog have?
Every dog is different.
Some dogs enjoy a few short games throughout the day. Other dogs may enjoy just 1 or 2 simple games. Age, health, breed, personality and experience can all effect what your dog enjoys.
Start with 1 or 2 short games and see how your dog reacts.
Look for signs they are enjoying the game:
- They come back to play voluntarily.
- They calmly explore the objects.
- They are interested and not frustrated.
- They can complete the game successfully.
If your dog gets frustrated, overly excited or lose interest in the game make it easier.
Remember to include regular walks, appropriate exercise, rest and positive interactions.
Tips for Playing Fun Games with Your Dog Indoors
Keep a few simple tips in mind to make the mental games more beneficial.
- Start with easy games. Choose games that your dog can understand with little help.
- Mix it up. Don’t play the same game every day. Alternate between searching, puzzles and training.
- Use regular food. Using kibble from their regular daily food can help reduce extra treats.
- Keep it safe. Remove any fragile items, electrical wires and anything they could swallow.
- Play what they like. Some dogs love sniffing games whilst others may enjoy learning new tricks.
- Keep a close eye on them. Never leave them with any DIY puzzles or household items.
The aim is to make their time indoors more interesting.
Final Thoughts
Just because your dog lives in an apartment doesn’t mean they can’t have some interesting activities throughout the day. Simple games can be played indoors to encourage them to use their nose, explore, learn new things and solve simple problems.
These top 10 mental games for in-Apartment Dogs can be played with simple household items, regular kibble and a few of their favourite toys.
Start with 1 game they’re likely to enjoy. Keep it simple and make any changes where needed. Introduce new games slowly.
Most importantly remember that mental enrichment is just one part of a happy and healthy routine. Include appropriate exercise, regular walks, rest and lots of positive interactions.
FAQs
What are the best mental games for dogs in an apartment?
Treasure hunts, sniffing games, muffin tin puzzles, cup games and simple trick training. Choose games based on your dog’s interests and ability.
Can mental stimulation tire out a dog?
Mental stimulation can be engaging and help meet their natural curiosity and problem solving needs. However it shouldn’t replace physical exercise, walks or rest.
How can I Keep My Dog Mentally Stimulated Indoors?
Hide treats, use puzzle feeders, teach them new tricks or create simple scent games. Mix it up.
Are DIY puzzles safe for dogs?
If made with clean dog safe materials they can be a good option. Keep a close eye on them. Avoid small items, sharp edges, loose items and anything they could swallow.
Can I use their regular food for Enrichment Games?
Yes! Set aside part of their measured food for suitable searching games. This helps reduce extra treats.
What if my dog doesn’t like puzzle games?
Not all dogs will enjoy the same games. Try easier games, searching for toys, short training sessions and simple sniffing games. Let them guide you.
