1. Indoor games to play with your pet
By: Liam Crowe
Bark Busters CEO
Guest Blogger
For Pets Best Insurance
If the weather outside is still frightful and chilly where you
are, you might be looking for ways to keep your dog or cat
entertained inside. For those days that you miss your
morning walk or just don’t feel like going outside, the
following indoor games will help work out your pet both
mentally and physically, which is good for overall pet
health. And just like training him, playing games with
your dog enhances your bond and helps keep him focused
on you.
Change these games to reward your dog in the way he is
best motivated: praise, belly rubs, favorite toys, balls to
fetch, or treats. To keep your dog from gaining weight
from too many snacks, use some of his mealtime kibble
for the games. Make sure each session is short and fun! It’s better to stop any game before your
dog gets overly excited or bored.
Name that Toy
Get a group of your dog’s toys that are noticeably different (for example, a stuffed goose, rabbit
and bear). Hold a toy up for your dog to sniff and see, get him excited, and toss it, saying
“Where’s your bear?” When he comes back with it, give him lots of praise, then do the same
with the rabbit, then with the goose, etc. Repeat over and over, and be consistent with the names
you choose. Once he has mastered a few, spread out multiple toys and tell him which to get.
Find it!
Put your dog in a sit/stay position and show him a toy or treat. Put it on the floor where he can
see it, and say “Find it!” Make the next prize a bit more difficult to find by placing it under a
table or behind a chair. For a bigger challenge, set up a whole room of hidden rewards. Watch as
your dog searches, and tap your foot and give an “Oh” or gasp to help him find the ones he’s
missed.
Where’s the Treat?
Start with 3 or 4 plastic cups or old, cleaned out butter tubs. Show your dog a treat or a favorite
small toy. Put your dog in a sit/stay or down/stay position about 10 feet away, and make sure he
can see you as you place his reward under one of the makeshift buckets. Then say “Where’s the
treat?” and encourage him to come smell the buckets. Praise him when he paws, sits beside, or
barks next to the right bucket, and then lift it up so he can get to his prize!
Pet insurance plans are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company. SS-ART2-0212-IAIC/AICC

2. Make it harder for him by changing the order of the buckets after you place the reward, or
pretending to put them under multiple buckets.
Clean Up!
Teach your dog to clean up his toys after playtime. First, have your dog pick up a toy while you
hold a box for the toys up to him. Tell him “drop it.” When he does, give him lots of praise.
Repeat with the next toy. Once he starts to figure it out, put the toy box on the floor, guide your
dog over to it, and repeat “drop it.” Be sure to use the same words each time for every command.
Work for your Dinner
Dogs use about the same amount of energy when they are challenged mentally as physically!
Treat-rewarding puzzles, such as the Buster® Food Cube or the Wobbler by KONG®, make
your dog work for his treats— you can even use kibble (instead of treats) and feed your dog his
entire meal this way.
Remember that basic obedience is the foundation for having fun with your dog—games should
be a fun and rewarding bonding experience, not a stressful time, for you and your dog.
For more information about pet health, behavior or pet insurance, visit Pets Best Insurance.
Pet insurance plans are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company. SS-ART2-0212-IAIC/AICC