5 Easy Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy at Home
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Simple ideas to keep your dog calm, engaged, and fulfilled – right where you are.
When you spend a lot of time at home, it’s easy to run out of ways to keep your dog busy. You’ve played fetch, gone for walks, handed out the usual treats… but then what?
The good news: your home is full of opportunities for enrichment and connection. You just need a little creativity – and a few tasty rewards.
Here are five simple, science-backed ways to keep your dog entertained and happy at home, no matter the weather or your energy level.
1. Teach a New Trick (or Two)
Training is one of the most effective ways to bond with your dog – and it only takes a few minutes a day.
Start with easy tricks like paw, spin, or touch, then progress to roll over or even tidy up (yes, some dogs can put away their own toys).
Tips for success:
- Keep sessions short – 5 minutes is plenty.
- Use small, soft treats for motivation.
- Train when your dog is alert, not tired.
- Always end on a positive note.
Need inspiration? You’ll find plenty of step-by-step tutorials on YouTube – or visit our Training & Behaviour section for ideas you can try today.
2. Create a Backyard Play Zone
If you have outdoor space, turn it into a mini playground. Dogs love to dig, sniff, and observe – and a dedicated dog zone helps them do that safely.
One great addition is a dog sandpit. It’s simple to make and keeps dogs entertained for hours.
How to build one:
- Pick a shady, visible spot.
- Use a low frame (timber, bricks, or a kid’s sandpit).
- Line with a tarp or weed mat.
- Fill with clean white sand.
- Bury a few toys or treats and teach “find it.”
Perfect for dogs that love to dig – and it saves your garden beds too.
3. Play “Find It!” – The Scent Game
Sniffing is a dog’s natural way of thinking and exploring. It calms the brain and reduces stress.
How to play:
- Ask your dog to sit and stay.
- Show them a treat, then toss it and say “Find it!”
- Once they get it, start hiding treats out of sight.
- Celebrate every success.
Make it harder by hiding treats under cushions, in boxes, or around corners.
If you have a yard, scatter treats in the grass for an outdoor version.
💡 Use small treats so the game lasts longer – sniffing is natural relaxation for dogs.
4. Try Puzzle Toys and LickiMats
If you haven’t tried puzzle feeders or LickiMats, you’re missing one of the easiest ways to keep your dog calm and content.
- Puzzle toys encourage problem-solving as dogs roll or paw for treats.
- LickiMats promote soothing, repetitive licking that reduces anxiety.
Try filling them with:
- Mashed banana or pumpkin
- Plain yoghurt and blueberries
- Peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Wet food or broth
Freeze for extra challenge and lasting calm – perfect for rainy days or downtime after play.
5. Bring Training into Everyday Moments
Training doesn’t have to mean “sit” and “stay.” You can weave it naturally into your day.
Ask for calm before meals, practise recall in the hallway, or reward your dog for relaxing nearby.
You can even make chores playful:
- Have your dog “wait” while you hide a toy.
- Ask them to “follow” you from room to room.
- Reward for quiet, calm behaviour.
Small, consistent training moments build trust, focus, and confidence – the foundation for a calmer home life.
Finding Calm in Everyday Play
At SniffLab™, we believe enrichment isn’t just about keeping your dog busy – it’s about helping them feel safe, fulfilled, and connected.
A few minutes of mindful play each day can turn ordinary moments into something meaningful.
Because calm starts with instinct – and grows through play.
Further Reading from The Lab
If you enjoyed this, you might also like:
- 5 Unique Dog Enrichment Ideas – Fresh ways to spark curiosity and calm.
- 5 Rainy Day Dog Games – Keep your dog happy indoors, no matter the weather.
- LickiMat Boredom Busters – A simple way to soothe and enrich your dog’s day.