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        Indoor games are a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated at times when you can’t go outside. Playing with your dog a few times through the day can stop them from making up their own games, keeping their minds focused from other possible destructive habits. It's also great fun for you!

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• Trick Training. Any dog can learn basic tricks, and the concentration required will quickly tire them out. Trick training is also a great way to bond with your dog – but only if you use positive reinforcement methods. Some simple examples include: roll over, fetch your bear, give kiss, wave goodbye.

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• Hide the Treat. A variation on “Find It” is to hide treats in various locations around the house. Dogs love to use their nose – especially when sniffing for food.

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• Make Your Dog Work for His Food. We give our dogs a nice comfy life — they get a warm bed, lots of attention, and all their meals for free. But our dogs were bred to work alongside us, and a lot of our dogs are missing out on some mentally stimulating activities. They’re natural scavengers, so having to work for food isn’t mean or unusual — it’s normal and mentally stimulating for them. One of the easiest ways to challenge your dog’s mind is by making them work for their meals. You can make your dog perform some tricks before he gets his dinner.

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• Teach Your Dog The Names of Their Toys. Start with a favorite toy, by playing with and giving it a name while you do. After some practice & praise your dog will assign that verbal name with the chosen toy. Once your dog has learned that specific toys name you can test their skills by seeing if they can pick it out among their other toys.

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Fortunately, physical exercise isn’t the only way to tire your pup. Indoor games can provide mental stimulation to make up for shorter winter walks – plus they are great for bonding and your dog will love them.