Summer can make long walks or trips to the dog park not only unsafe but also unenjoyable. For our pups and us!
Regardless of the heat, your dog still wants (and needs!) playtime. The good news: you can still keep them happy, active, and mentally stimulated indoors.
I talked with local dog trainer Phil Lassiter, owner of Respect on Both Ends in Waterford, VA. He shared five engaging indoor activities to keep your dogs’ tails wagging—no matter the weather. These games burn energy, strengthen your bond, and give your dog a mental workout. They’re also perfect for older dogs who may not be able to move as easily but still love to play.
1. Hide and Seek
Who doesn’t love a good game of hide and seek? Start with your dog in a “sit” or “down” (or have someone hold them). Then find somewhere in the house to hide. Once you’re hidden, call her name and a command you’ll want to use when playing hide and seek with them. I say, “Lola, Aeneas—find me!” and immediately I hear them running to look for me.
When she finds you, make it a big deal—cheer, clap, and give them something they love, whether that’s a high-value treat, a favorite toy, or a full-on belly rub (or all of the above). I usually play four or five quick rounds. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it makes them ridiculously happy.
The bonus? You’re sneaking in some training. She’s practicing holding a “sit” or “down” and working on recall. When you’re finished, end with a clear “all done” so she knows the game is over.
2. Find It
Think of this as hide and seek’s cousin—but for toys. Start with your dog in a “sit” or “down.” Place his favorite toy somewhere in plain sight and give a clear command. I say, “find it,” but “search” works well, too.
When he tracks it down, make it a celebration—praise, treats, or an immediate play session with the toy. Once he’s mastered the easy version, start making it harder. First, hide it in a room he can see you enter without seeing exactly where you place it. When that becomes easy, step it up again—hide the toy in another room, under a blanket, or behind furniture (but always somewhere he can access).
The goal is to get his nose working, not frustrate his. Every success deserves a reward—whether that’s a treat, a quick game of tug, or you tossing the toy for another round.
Planning to try scent work with your dog? “Find it” is the perfect warm-up game.
3. Scent Work
Dogs experience the world through their noses, so scent games are like a mental workout and treasure hunt rolled into one. For this beginner version, choose a dog-safe essential oil, for example, birch, and put a drop on a small towel. Place the towel in or under a box with a treat on top and let your dog watch you do it. Put a couple of empty boxes next to it so she starts to learn that not every box has what she’s looking for.
Start with your dog on a leash in a “sit,” and give her a search command that’s different from your “find it” cue. When she locates the treats, let her eat them, then quickly ask for a simple behavior like “sit” before rewarding further. The long-term goal is for your dog to sit in front of the scented object when she finds it. At first, she’ll be focused on the treats, but she’ll quickly start connecting the scent to the reward.
Once your dog has gotten the hang of it, hide the scented towel without her seeing where you place it, and again add a few empty boxes. Put treats on top of the box with the towel so she self-rewards when she finds it. Again, make it a big celebration when they succeed and get her to sit as quickly as you can. This is so she’ll start to associate sitting with finding the scent.
When she’s doing this successfully, your next step is to remove the treats from the top of the box. Now the reward comes from finding the scented object and performing the trained behavior, e.g., sitting, followed by a jackpot of praise, treats, or play.
This game doesn’t just burn mental energy—it builds focus, boosts confidence, and gives your dog a job they’ll love.
4. Tug
If your dog enjoys tug, it’s an easy and fun way to burn energy indoors. You don’t need much space, although you do need a clear area—otherwise, hello broken stuff! The best tugs are about 12” long, either jute or leather, with handles at both ends.
Start by holding one end while your dog grabs the other. You should provide resistance without yanking back while your dog tugs. Let him pull, and when he really commits, loosen your grip so he “wins.” One of the most important things to know about tug: it is designed for the dog to win. It keeps him engaged and builds confidence. He wins, is happy, and brings it back to you, essentially saying, “Let’s play again; I’ll give you another chance.”
One rule is non-negotiable—no teeth on people, even by accident. If it happens, pause the game, reset, and start again when everyone is calm.
Tug is more than just physical exercise—it’s also bonding time, and it teaches your dog how to play cooperatively with you.
5. Training
Many dogs love the mental challenge of training just as much as physical play. It’s fun for them, and it’s rewarding for you. Keep sessions short—five to ten minutes is plenty—and mix commands your dog already knows with something new.
You can work on basics like sit, stay, and down, or teach fun tricks like shake, spin, or bow. Use rewards your dog finds most motivating, whether that’s treats, praise, or a favorite toy. The key is to keep it upbeat, so your dog stays engaged and eager to learn.
Training does more than teach obedience—it builds communication, strengthens your bond, and gives your dog a job to do. A few minutes of focused work can be just as tiring as a long walk, and your dog will love the extra attention.
6. Bonus Idea
If you don’t know about this toy, you and your pups are in for a treat—literally! The Pupsicle is made of non-toxic, natural rubber and is designed to hold a variety of frozen goodies. You can buy it online, but I highly encourage you to shop locally. I got the ones for Lola and Aeneas at Belly Rubs Biscuit Bar in Ashburn.
I make the treats that go inside the Pupsicle myself and freeze them in the (sold separately) food-grade silicone tray. It can be as simple as yogurt mixed with kibble, or as gourmet as sardines pureed with kefir and cilantro. The second Lola and Aeneas see me start to prep it, they head to their places—without being told—and start drooling.
PS: Fall is Coming—Book Now
While you and your dog are staying cool inside, it’s the perfect time to plan ahead. My fall portrait sessions are filling quickly, and the most beautiful weekends go fast. If you want photographs that capture your dog’s personality and the bond you share—set against gorgeous fall colors—reach out now to reserve your spot.
About Me
I’m Ellen Zangla, a professional pet photographer based in Loudoun County, Virginia, serving Northern Virginia—including Fairfax, Reston, Alexandria, Arlington, and Great Falls—as well as the entire DC metro area. I create natural, personality-filled photos of dogs, cats, and the people who love them. Whether your pet is a loyal senior, a spirited puppy or kitten, or somewhere in between, now is the perfect time to plan your photo session. Let’s capture the moments you’ll treasure forever—no matter your pet’s age or stage of life.
© Ellen Zangla Photography