Creative Ways to Keep Your Dog Active Indoors (Especially During the Hot Summer Months!)
When the summer heat becomes too intense, outdoor playtime can be more dangerous than fun—especially here in Arizona, where temperatures can soar before noon. At Bark & Luv, we know how important it is to keep your pup moving, stimulated, and happy, even when it’s just too hot to safely head outside. That’s why we’ve rounded up some fun, safe, and creative ways to keep your dog active indoors all summer long!
1. DIY Indoor Obstacle Course
Turn your living room or hallway into a mini agility course! Use couch cushions, broomsticks balanced on chairs, tunnels made from cardboard boxes, or anything safe you have around the house. Lead your dog through the course with treats or a favorite toy for a fun physical and mental challenge.
2. Interactive Toys & Treat Puzzles
Dogs need brain workouts just as much as physical ones. Stuff a Kong with peanut butter and freeze it, or invest in treat-dispensing toys and puzzle feeders. These can keep your dog busy for 20–30 minutes at a time—perfect while you’re working or trying to keep them cool and calm.
3. Tug-of-War & Indoor Fetch
Short, controlled games of tug-of-war can tire your dog out quickly. Soft tug toys or rope toys work great in small spaces. If your dog has good recall and your floors can handle it, indoor fetch with a soft ball or toy is also a great energy burner.
4. Teach a New Trick (or Reinforce an Old One!)
Use the extra indoor time to teach a new skill—like roll over, spin, or even putting away their own toys! Training sessions burn mental energy and strengthen your bond. Just 10–15 minutes a day can make a big difference in behavior and confidence.
5. Set Up a Doggy Scavenger Hunt
Hide treats or toys around your house and let your pup sniff them out. This taps into their natural foraging instincts and keeps their mind engaged. Start easy and increase difficulty over time.
Beat the Heat with Early Saturday Hours!
We know it’s hard to get your pup out when the sun is already blazing before breakfast. That’s why Bark & Luv is now open at 7 AM every Saturday in June, July, and August!
Get those dog washes in early and avoid the mid-day meltdown. Whether your pup needs a fresh scrub or a quick visit to sniff around the store, we’re ready to welcome you and your best friend bright and early.
Staying active during the summer doesn’t have to mean overheating or skipping exercise. With a little creativity and planning, your pup can stay healthy, engaged, and happy—even indoors. And when you need a break, you know where to find us!
See you (early!) this Saturday at Bark & Luv!