Fun and Engaging Indoor Games for Newfoundland Dogs
Fun and Engaging Indoor Games for Newfoundland Dogs
1. Hide and Seek
One of the simplest yet most enjoyable games for Newfoundland dogs is hide and seek. This game taps into their intelligence and natural curiosity, helping to keep their minds sharp.
- How to Play: Start by asking your Newfoundland to stay in one room while you hide in another. You can choose easy spots at first, like behind a door, under a table, or inside a closet. Once you’re hidden, call your dog’s name. When they find you, reward them with praise or a treat.
- Pro Tip: To make the game more challenging as your dog gets better at finding you, you can hide in more obscure spots like under a bed or behind furniture. Additionally, you can substitute yourself with their favorite toy or a treat, which encourages them to use their sense of smell.
2. Interactive Puzzle Toys
Newfoundlands are not only physically strong but also mentally sharp, so providing puzzle toys can be a great way to keep them entertained while stimulating their minds. Interactive puzzle toys that require your dog to solve puzzles to retrieve a treat or toy are excellent for keeping your Newfoundland mentally engaged.
- What You’ll Need: There are several types of puzzle toys available, such as treat-dispensing balls, puzzle feeders, and snuffle mats.
- How to Play: Hide a treat inside the puzzle and let your dog figure out how to retrieve it. You can start with easier puzzles and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog improves.
- Pro Tip: Rotate the puzzles regularly to keep your dog from getting bored. Use high-value treats to motivate your dog and increase the level of engagement.
3. Indoor Tug-of-War
Tug-of-war is a fun game that allows your Newfoundland to release some energy, and it can help strengthen your bond. Given the size and strength of Newfoundland dogs, they enjoy a good game of tug, but it’s important to play safely and responsibly.
- What You’ll Need: A sturdy rope or tug toy. Make sure it’s durable enough to withstand your Newfoundland’s strong pull.
- How to Play: Hold one end of the rope while your dog grabs the other end. Let them pull as hard as they can, but ensure the game doesn’t escalate into overly aggressive behavior.
- Pro Tip: Teach your Newfoundland a “drop it” command so that you can control the game and avoid any potential issues with possessiveness or rough play. Always give them breaks to prevent overexcitement.
4. Fetch with a Twist
Fetch isn’t just a game for the outdoors—it can also be adapted for indoor play. This modified version of fetch allows your Newfoundland to exercise without needing much space, making it perfect for rainy days or colder weather.
- How to Play: Use a soft ball or plush toy that won’t damage your furniture or walls. Roll or toss the toy across a hallway or a larger room. Your dog will love running to retrieve it.
- Pro Tip: Add obstacles to make the game more fun. For example, create a mini maze with pillows or boxes that your dog has to navigate through before reaching the toy. You can also throw the toy into different rooms to keep your dog guessing and moving.
5. Scent Games
Newfoundland dogs have a remarkable sense of smell, and scent games are a great way to engage this natural ability. These types of games also provide mental stimulation and can tire your dog out in a very productive way.
- How to Play: Hide treats in different places around your home, such as under cushions, inside boxes, or behind furniture. Allow your Newfoundland to sniff out the hidden treats. Start easy and gradually increase the difficulty of the hiding spots.
- Pro Tip: Use a variety of scents, such as flavored treats, herbs, or even their favorite toy, to keep the scent games interesting. You can even teach your Newfoundland to associate different smells with specific tasks, like retrieving a toy when they smell it.
6. Teach New Tricks
Indoor time provides a perfect opportunity to teach your Newfoundland new tricks. Newfoundland dogs are very intelligent and enjoy learning new things, so training sessions can be a fun and rewarding way to bond with them.
- Ideas for Tricks:
- Teach them to “sit,” “stay,” or “down” if they haven’t already mastered these basic commands.
- Progress to more fun tricks like “spin,” “high five,” or “rollover.”
- If your Newfoundland is already trained, try teaching them more complex tasks, like fetching specific items or following multiple commands in sequence.
- Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short—5-10 minutes is ideal—to prevent your dog from getting bored. Use plenty of praise and treats to reinforce positive behavior and make the experience enjoyable for your dog.
7. DIY Agility Course
Creating a DIY agility course indoors can provide a great physical challenge for your Newfoundland dog. It’s a fun way to exercise them without needing a large outdoor space.
- How to Set It Up: Use cushions, chairs, broomsticks, or any safe household items to create obstacles. For example, place broomsticks across two chairs to create jumps, or use cushions to form a tunnel.
- How to Play: Guide your dog through the course using treats or toys as motivation. Encourage them to jump, crawl, or weave through the obstacles.
- Pro Tip: Start with simple obstacles and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog becomes more comfortable. Keep the course fun and rewarding with lots of praise for each successful attempt.
8. Bubble Chase
Blowing bubbles for your Newfoundland to chase can be an exciting and low-effort activity for both of you. It taps into their playful nature and provides light exercise.
- What You’ll Need: Dog-safe bubbles, which you can find at pet stores.
- How to Play: Blow bubbles in a spacious area and let your dog chase and pop them. Some Newfoundlands love this game and will have a blast trying to catch every bubble.
- Pro Tip: Always supervise your dog to ensure they don’t ingest too many bubbles. If your Newfoundland is highly energetic, this game can be a great way to burn off some extra energy.
9. “Find the Toy” Game
This is a simple game that taps into your Newfoundland’s natural ability to search for things. It’s great for engaging their brain and providing some light exercise.
- How to Play: Show your dog their favorite toy, then hide it in an easy-to-find spot. Gradually increase the difficulty by hiding it in less obvious places.
- Pro Tip: Use a cue word like “find it” or “search” to help your dog associate the action with the command. This will help them understand the task and make the game more structured.
10. Obstacle Challenges
An obstacle challenge in your home is an excellent way to keep your Newfoundland physically active and mentally engaged, all while having fun.
- How to Set It Up: Use everyday items like cushions, chairs, or even low tables to create an obstacle course. You can encourage your Newfoundland to jump over cushions, crawl under tables, or weave between chairs.
- How to Play: Lead your dog through the course using treats or toys, rewarding them after each completed obstacle.
- Pro Tip: Keep the challenges gentle and safe to avoid straining your dog’s muscles, especially if they are older. Adjust the difficulty based on their physical capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Indoor games are a wonderful way to bond with your Newfoundland dog while keeping them mentally stimulated and physically active. Always ensure the activities are safe and appropriate for your dog’s size and energy level. These games will not only provide a great outlet for their energy but will also strengthen your relationship and keep your dog happy, even on those days when outdoor play isn’t possible.