Things To Do With Your Dog At Home
06.03.23 March 06, 2023 Owning a Dog

Things To Do With Your Dog At Home

We know keeping your dog's minds busy in summer on hot days or on the occasional rainy day when walks aren't possible can be a struggle. On those more rainy days you probably aren't wanting to go on the longest walk with your dogs and walking your dog's in temperatures over 20 can be fatal. We thought we’d compile a list of fun things to do with your dog at home, to help keep you and your four-legged friends occupied and exercised when the weather isn't allowing you and your dog to get out. We have fun activities for play as well as some others for downtime. Take a read and make the most of an afternoon at home with your pet:   Play Indoor Games With Your Dog One of the things we worry about most is getting bored of being indoors. But there are so many things we can do to keep our brains active and our minds occupied, including things we can do with our beloved canines. We’ve come up with a number of indoor games to play with your dog that we think you and they will enjoy!   Play a Game of Find-the-Treats One of the easiest games you could play is Find-the-Treats. You could hide them in a number of places to make the games super exciting. You could start by hiding them in your dog’s favourite KONG and watch them try to lick and tease them out. Then you could get more creative with your hiding places - perhaps pop one under a cushion, or even in another room. Try to use treats that have a strong scent to give your dog a helping hand. It’ll be fun for both you and them and they’ll get a tasty reward for their efforts.   Play a Game of Tug-of-War One of the drawbacks of extended time indoors is that your dog can end up with lots of unused energy. A game of Tug-of-War could be the ideal game to play to help them expel some of that pent-up excitement. Find a suitable tug toy for your dog’s size (we have many options in our shop!) and enjoy a game of tug with them. It can be a really useful training method too and can help redirect any inappropriate use of their teeth. This game is especially good for larger dogs in small spaces who may be used to running off energy outside.    Play Indoor Fetch You may think that games of Fetch are only suitable outside, but that isn’t necessarily the case. If you have a long hallway or a staircase, you could use a soft throwing toy to play a game of fetch indoors. The Chuckit Indoor Play Ball is just one toy that would be ideal, but there are a few plush toys that would be suitable too. If you have a small dog, you may find you can play this in the living room, but larger dogs may well need that staircase or hallway!   Set up an Indoor Obstacle Course If your dog rather likes an adventure, then why not try setting up an indoor dog assault course for them?  All kinds of things that you may find around your home could be used to set up a mini obstacle course for your dog. You could use pillows, boxes, a laundry basket, the stairs etc. Anything that your dog could jump over, or crawl through like a tunnel (a box with both ends open perhaps?) will make a great obstacle. It may take a little training to get them to do some of the tasks, but it will be rewarding for both your dog and you. Make sure to have some good quality training treats for their good behaviour!   Play the Shell Game  You have probably heard of the Shell Game or Cup Game. The game with three cups and a ball or other token where the cups are swapped around, and you have to follow the one with the token inside? It can be surprisingly difficult! Well how about swapping the regular token for a dog treat and play the game with your dog? It may take a little bit of training for them to get the ropes, but with a bit of time they’ll soon be having loads of fun trying to work out which cup has the treat!   Brush Up On Your Dog Training Whether you have a little puppy or an older dog, there is always something you can be teaching your dog. The saying may go, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but actually it’s never too late to teach your dog something new. A spot of training will give you both something to focus on and may be lots of fun. Plus, we always relish any chance we get to spend a bit of bonding time with our pups!   Teach Your Dog a New Trick One of the simplest things you could do is think of a trick that your dog doesn’t already know. It could be learning to roll over, to kiss, to shake paws or to spin. There are loads of great videos online that will give you a helping hand.    Teach Your Dog to Tidy Their Toys You could take you dog’s training one step further and train them to do something practical, like tidy their toys. All that time spent in the house probably means your dog’s toy box contents is more often than not all over your floor! Well this could be the perfect way to get your dog involved with the chores. They’ll probably enjoy the time spent learning and it’ll mean one less chore for you to do. Again, there are a number of video tutorials and ‘How-To’s online. Take a look and start your dog on their cleaning journey!   Chill Out With Your Dog After all of these games and activities, you might find you’re both tired! We think you deserve a rest and to put your feet up whilst your canine family members snuggle up to you on the sofa. You’ve earned it!   Watch a Movie or Catch up on Netflix There’s nothing better than reclining on the sofa with a cup of tea, to watch a film or tv series. Whether it’s Netflix or Disney Plus, there are loads of new things coming to our TV’s all the time. Whilst your dog may not want to watch the latest movie, they’ll love snuggling up to you on the sofa, especially after a challenging day learning new things or defeating an obstacle course. You might even find something animal or pet related that will get your dog’s ears pricked.

By Megan Willis

Read more

We know keeping your dog's minds busy in summer on hot days or on the occasional rainy day when walks aren't possible can be a struggle. On those more rainy days you probably aren't wanting to go on the longest walk with your dogs and walking your dog's in temperatures over 20 can be fatal. We thought we’d compile a list of fun things to do with your dog at home, to help keep you and your four-legged friends occupied and exercised when the weather isn't allowing you and your dog to get out. We have fun activities for play as well as some others for downtime. Take a read and make the most of an afternoon at home with your pet:

 

Play Indoor Games With Your Dog

One of the things we worry about most is getting bored of being indoors. But there are so many things we can do to keep our brains active and our minds occupied, including things we can do with our beloved canines. We’ve come up with a number of indoor games to play with your dog that we think you and they will enjoy!

 

Play a Game of Find-the-Treats

One of the easiest games you could play is Find-the-Treats. You could hide them in a number of places to make the games super exciting. You could start by hiding them in your dog’s favourite KONG and watch them try to lick and tease them out. Then you could get more creative with your hiding places - perhaps pop one under a cushion, or even in another room. Try to use treats that have a strong scent to give your dog a helping hand. It’ll be fun for both you and them and they’ll get a tasty reward for their efforts.

 

Play a Game of Tug-of-War

One of the drawbacks of extended time indoors is that your dog can end up with lots of unused energy. A game of Tug-of-War could be the ideal game to play to help them expel some of that pent-up excitement. Find a suitable tug toy for your dog’s size (we have many options in our shop!) and enjoy a game of tug with them. It can be a really useful training method too and can help redirect any inappropriate use of their teeth.

This game is especially good for larger dogs in small spaces who may be used to running off energy outside. 

 

Play Indoor Fetch

You may think that games of Fetch are only suitable outside, but that isn’t necessarily the case. If you have a long hallway or a staircase, you could use a soft throwing toy to play a game of fetch indoors. The Chuckit Indoor Play Ball is just one toy that would be ideal, but there are a few plush toys that would be suitable too.

If you have a small dog, you may find you can play this in the living room, but larger dogs may well need that staircase or hallway!

 

Set up an Indoor Obstacle Course

If your dog rather likes an adventure, then why not try setting up an indoor dog assault course for them?  All kinds of things that you may find around your home could be used to set up a mini obstacle course for your dog. You could use pillows, boxes, a laundry basket, the stairs etc. Anything that your dog could jump over, or crawl through like a tunnel (a box with both ends open perhaps?) will make a great obstacle. It may take a little training to get them to do some of the tasks, but it will be rewarding for both your dog and you. Make sure to have some good quality training treats for their good behaviour!

 

Play the Shell Game 

You have probably heard of the Shell Game or Cup Game. The game with three cups and a ball or other token where the cups are swapped around, and you have to follow the one with the token inside? It can be surprisingly difficult! Well how about swapping the regular token for a dog treat and play the game with your dog? It may take a little bit of training for them to get the ropes, but with a bit of time they’ll soon be having loads of fun trying to work out which cup has the treat!

 

Brush Up On Your Dog Training

Whether you have a little puppy or an older dog, there is always something you can be teaching your dog. The saying may go, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but actually it’s never too late to teach your dog something new. A spot of training will give you both something to focus on and may be lots of fun. Plus, we always relish any chance we get to spend a bit of bonding time with our pups!

 

Teach Your Dog a New Trick

One of the simplest things you could do is think of a trick that your dog doesn’t already know. It could be learning to roll over, to kiss, to shake paws or to spin. There are loads of great videos online that will give you a helping hand. 

 

Teach Your Dog to Tidy Their Toys

You could take you dog’s training one step further and train them to do something practical, like tidy their toys. All that time spent in the house probably means your dog’s toy box contents is more often than not all over your floor! Well this could be the perfect way to get your dog involved with the chores. They’ll probably enjoy the time spent learning and it’ll mean one less chore for you to do. Again, there are a number of video tutorials and ‘How-To’s online. Take a look and start your dog on their cleaning journey!

 

Chill Out With Your Dog

After all of these games and activities, you might find you’re both tired! We think you deserve a rest and to put your feet up whilst your canine family members snuggle up to you on the sofa. You’ve earned it!

 

Watch a Movie or Catch up on Netflix

There’s nothing better than reclining on the sofa with a cup of tea, to watch a film or tv series. Whether it’s Netflix or Disney Plus, there are loads of new things coming to our TV’s all the time. Whilst your dog may not want to watch the latest movie, they’ll love snuggling up to you on the sofa, especially after a challenging day learning new things or defeating an obstacle course. You might even find something animal or pet related that will get your dog’s ears pricked.

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  • Are Apartments Suitable For Big Dogs?
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Not all large breeds are the same. Some are more vocal (which can be a problem with neighbours), some are high-energy, and others are couch potatoes. Research is essential. Exercise Requirements:
Big dogs vary in their need for physical activity. Breeds like Greyhounds, for instance, often enjoy a good sprint but can be perfectly content lounging around later. On the other hand, a Border Collie or a Labrador might need more continuous exercise throughout the day. Grooming Needs:
Long-haired breeds can create more mess in a confined space. If you want to minimise the amount of fur in your flat, you may want to look at breeds that shed less. Noise Levels:
Some big dogs are surprisingly quiet, while others bark or howl more frequently. If you’re in an apartment building with thin walls, a quieter breed will help maintain neighbourly relations. Local Regulations: Always check if your building or local authority imposes any breed or size restrictions. In the UK, certain flats might have rules about the size or type of pet you can have. Best Big Dog Breeds for Apartments Below are a few good apartment breeds that might surprise you. Remember, every dog is an individual, so while breed traits can guide you, personal temperament is equally important Greyhound:
Often mistaken for a high-energy breed, the Greyhound is known for its sprinting ability but also for enjoying long naps. They’re typically gentle, quiet, and happy to lounge indoors, making them one of the best apartment dogs if you can commit to their daily exercise needs. Great Dane:
The Great Dane is enormous, but it’s also famously calm and patient. Although they can knock things over if your space is tight, they adapt well to smaller living areas as long as they get daily walks. If you have the space for one of the largest dog crates for large breed dogs, a Great Dane might be the perfect gentle giant for you. Bullmastiff:
Bullmastiffs are powerful and sturdy, yet they typically have a mellow disposition. They’re not excessively vocal and will often be content with moderate exercise, although they do require consistent socialisation and training. English Mastiff:
Like the Bullmastiff, the English Mastiff is large, calm, and affectionate. They do best in an environment where their owners can manage drool and keep them well-groomed. If your flat has enough space for one of our large dog beds, your Mastiff can rest in comfort. Newfoundland:
Despite their size, Newfoundlands are known for their sweet nature and laid-back attitude. They thrive in environments where they have plenty of human interaction. Proper grooming and attention to shedding is key, but they can be excellent dogs in apartments when given adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Greyhound Mixes and Other Large Mixed Breeds:
Mixed-breed dogs with some large-breed heritage can also be well-suited to apartment life, particularly if they inherit a calm, less energetic disposition. Always assess your individual dog’s needs before making a decision. Tips for Living with Big Dogs in Apartments 1. Provide a Cosy Sleeping Area Big dogs deserve big comfort. At Lords & Labradors, we have a range of large dog beds designed with comfort and durability in mind. Whether your dog prefers a plush cushion or a firmer mattress, ensuring they have their own private rest space can help them settle easily in a smaller home. We’ve found larger dogs love our Rhino Tough range of beds, the wipe clean faux leather is also super-practical for apartment living.  2. Invest in a High-Quality Crate Crate training can be invaluable for apartments and dogs. Not only does the crate provide a safe space for your pet when you’re out, but it can also help with boundary training and housetraining. Our dog crates for large breed dogs are specially designed to accommodate bigger frames, ensuring your dog can stand, lie down, and turn around comfortably. 3. Mental Stimulation with Toys Boredom can lead to unwanted behaviours, especially in a confined space. Puzzle toys, chew toys, and treat dispensers can work wonders to keep your dog engaged. Lords & Labradors has an extensive range of interactive toys to help keep your apartment dog happy and occupied. Rotate these toys regularly to maintain your dog’s interest. 4. Establish a Routine A steady routine can reduce anxiety and restlessness. Plan for set walk times, feeding schedules, and interactive play sessions. Consistency helps your dog know what to expect, which is crucial for their overall well-being. 5. Socialisation and Training Large dogs in a small space benefit greatly from early socialisation and basic obedience training. This helps them understand boundaries, remain calm around visitors, and coexist peacefully with neighbours. Consider enrolling in local obedience classes or seeking advice from professional trainers. The Kennel Club provides excellent resources on training and socialisation if you're looking for more information.  6. Consider Your Neighbours Living with dogs in apartments means you share walls (and sometimes floors/ceilings) with other people. Minimise barking by keeping your dog mentally stimulated and ensuring they’re not left alone for extended periods. It’s also courteous to introduce yourself and your dog to immediate neighbours, so they know who to contact if any problems arise. 7. Keep It Clean It’s easy for an apartment to feel cramped if there’s fur everywhere. Regular grooming sessions and vacuuming will help keep your space tidy. Some large breeds shed more heavily during certain seasons, so be prepared for a bit of extra cleaning. If allergies are a concern, consult with your vet about hypoallergenic shampoos or grooming tips. Balancing Outdoor and Indoor Time Even the best apartment dogs need outdoor exploration. Thankfully, the UK is filled with green spaces like local parks, nature reserves, and dog-friendly beaches. Regular walks and weekend adventures are crucial for maintaining a happy, healthy big dog. When your dog knows that they’ll have ample opportunity to stretch their legs and sniff around outdoors, they’re more likely to remain settled while inside. Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them Noise ComplaintsSolution: Invest in extra training to reduce barking triggers. Provide mental stimulation with puzzle toys and ensure your dog isn’t lonely or bored. Limited Space for Toys and BedsSolution: Use multi-purpose or collapsible dog gear. For instance, some crates can double as side tables, and certain dog beds are designed to fold away neatly. Our wooden crates are a great option for a crate which doubles up as a piece of furniture. Lift or Stair WorriesSolution: If you have a large breed dog that struggles with stairs or lifts, use a support harness. This can be especially useful for older or arthritic dogs. Potential Destructive BehaviourSolution: Channel energy through exercise and training. A bored dog can become destructive, so schedule walks, playtime, and mental challenges throughout the day. Conclusion So, are apartments suitable for big dogs? Absolutely—if you select big dog breeds for apartments with temperaments suited to smaller living spaces, meet their exercise and mental stimulation needs, and make thoughtful choices about layout and furniture. From investing in one of our large dog beds or dog crates for large breed dogs to providing your furry friend with interactive toys and consistent training, you’ll be well on your way to a harmonious life with your big dog in a flat. At Lords & Labradors, we have everything you need to support your large dog’s well-being. Remember, every dog is unique, but with the right approach and plenty of love, you and your big dog can thrive in your apartment home.

    By Megan Willis

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