[Jeanne Grunert]

I'm looking for ideas for indoor games to play with our 4 1/2 month old GSD. We have hardwood and tile floors and only one room with a rug, so they have to be more mental stimulation than chase, ball, etc. We play ball outside in a fenced area or on the lawn but on rainy days I need something for him to do!

I've looked up "nose games" on a friend's suggestion and plan to play hide the treat, etc. We also have tug toys. And of course, training - come, sit, down, stay, heel, all good indoors on a rainy day. Anyone have fun games to keep your GSD pup occupied and active on a rainy day when he's cooped up indoors?

 

[readaboutdogs]

When Cody was a puppy we had a bean bag chair I'd throw a tennis ball into, he'd kinda dive in to get it! He enjoyed that! I'd also toss a toy/ball into our entry hall (some might not like to do that!) to burn off indoor energy, we did that thru adulthood actually! Sounds like you got it pretty covered!

 

[tc68]

"Find it" Hide treats all over the room/house and tell him to find it. Believe it or not, it can tire him out. In the beginning, let him get a sniff of the treat so he knows what he's looking for and guide him along. Eventually, the minute you say "find it" he should run around sniffing and finding treats. Then when he finds the last one..."no more." Then he knows to stop searching.

 

[car2ner]

since you have hardwood floors you can play "catch the bug" and slide a couple of pieces across the floor. My pups loved jumping on the pieces. I also used those rainy days to start teaching skills, like carrying laundry to the washing machine and as well as finding type games. I made a few obstacle courses with furniture, too.

 

[daise6]

My dog also hates the rain (she's a rescue from the Baton Rouge floods last year), she can't burn off as much energy outside. Given that, I'm seeking out ways to keep her active indoors. We play tug of war, practice commands, and play "catch the laser" (she thinks she's a cat), to name a few. Beyond these, Playing with ping pong balls is also a good option for indoor games to keep my sweet love active. I read this idea from here and she likes it so much. She currently does sit, down, both paws, and up. I've been working on teaching her "middle" (to sit between my legs) and "stand".

 

[SMcN]

I'm looking for ideas for indoor games to play with our 4 1/2 month old GSD. We have hardwood and tile floors and only one room with a rug, so they have to be more mental stimulation than chase, ball, etc. We play ball outside in a fenced area or on the lawn but on rainy days I need something for him to do!

I've looked up "nose games" on a friend's suggestion and plan to play hide the treat, etc. We also have tug toys. And of course, training - come, sit, down, stay, heel, all good indoors on a rainy day. Anyone have fun games to keep your GSD pup occupied and active on a rainy day when he's cooped up indoors?

Jeanne, you don't say whether he is cooped up indoors because HE hates the rain or you do. If he doesn't mind it, bundle up and get him outside. If he refuses to go outside when it is raining how do you handle the bathroom breaks?

Maybe start him off with walking in lighter rains, getting him used to it. You don't say where you are but I know some areas don't "rain" they "pour". That could get prohibitive, I understand.

David started Ilita indoors on scent/nose games with Ilita when she was little as she was a winter pup and, frankly, we had a harder time dealing with the weather (mostly temperature related) than she did. Still the case. I know they say mental games take a lot of energy but I still don't see them competing with the physical expenditure of running and playing outside. Now, add scent work OUTSIDE to a walk or romp and you can get some mileage there. But that is our experience.

Think of trick training. Go beyond the basic "sit, down, stand, stay". David hadn't been interested in tricks with Ilita but I discovered our little Corgi is enamored with and very talented. Honestly, I think I could keep his attention for hours with trick training. David is now adding a few tricks for Ilita to learn.

I also like the idea of giving them practical tasks around the house, both in and out. So far, we haven't made as much use of that as we could or should.

 

[Bramble]

I make a point of taking my puppies out in the rain on walks, to play, to train, etc. I know dogs who refuse to potty outside because it is raining or snowing or refuse to walk because of it.

 

[car2ner]

I make a point of taking my puppies out in the rain on walks, to play, to train, etc. I know dogs who refuse to potty outside because it is raining or snowing or refuse to walk because of it.

I had a small rescue that hated the rain (having been a dog of little fur and a stray, rain must have been terrible with no place to dry off and get warm). Not wanting to potty in the rain is annoying for everyone.

 

[wolfy dog]

I make a point of taking my puppies out in the rain on walks, to play, to train, etc. I know dogs who refuse to potty outside because it is raining or snowing or refuse to walk because of it.

This! It even worked with Whippets

 

[ldmpku]

My pup simply can’t stand a pour. All she wants to do in a pour is covering ears with paws.

 

[jafioad2607]

My dog also hates the rain (she's a rescue from the Baton Rouge floods last year), she can't burn off as much energy outside. Given that, I'm seeking out ways to keep her active indoors. We play tug of war, practice commands, and play "catch the laser" (she thinks she's a cat), to name a few. Beyond these, Playing with ping pong balls is also a good option for indoor games to keep my sweet love active. I read this idea from here and she likes it so much. She currently does sit, down, both paws, and up. I've been working on teaching her "middle" (to sit between my legs) and "stand".

Yes I also think ping pong is the best indoor game. But you need a good ping pong paddle if you want to play frequently and advance your game. You can select a paddle that is ideal for you and will last for many years. The paddle that is constructed of wood and is lightweight is the best. It should be made to be easily and comfortably used. A top-notch ping-pong paddle is comfortable to hold and does not have a slippery grip. The greatest ping pong paddles are simple to operate and hold in one hand.