Ideas for an Indoor Playroom for Dogs

Dogs love to play, but their owners can't always keep up with all of that energy. Give your dog a way to stay entertained by creating an indoor dog playroom. By including proper access and flooring, as well as plenty of toys, you can make an area where your dog will be entertained and safe while you're at work or unable to play.

  1. Access

    • When thinking about where to put the dog's playroom, consider your dog's needs, as well as how often you'll need to use the space. If your dog will need easy access to the outside, set up the room near a doggy door leading to a secured and fenced-in area. If you'll be passing through the space a lot, consider creating the play area in the corner of a room so that it's out of your way as you walk through. If you're able to dedicate an entire room to the dog play area, make sure it has some ventilation and doesn't get too hot. No matter where you place the playroom, always leave your pooch with easy access to food and water.

    Flooring

    • All dogs have accidents now and then, so it's important to make sure that your flooring won't be ruined if this happens in the dog playroom. A vinyl or wood floor that's easy to mop up is usually best. Slick flooring is also easier to sweep up and keep tidy. To keep your pooch comfortable, include a padded bed in the room, too, so he doesn't have to rest on the hard floor.

    Toys

    • Give your dog plenty of ways to pass time in the playroom by providing toys. Lay out an array of toys to keep your friend entertained, including ropes for chewing, plush animals for cuddling and squeaker toys that make noise. Toys can be purchased from a pet shop, or made by hand. For example, make tiny slits in an old sock, fill it with kibble and tie a knot in the end. Your pooch will spend hours trying to free -- and eat -- all the treats.

    Entertainment

    • If your dog is going to be spending a lot of time in the playroom, consider offering entertainment outside of toys. Set up a stereo in the room, out of the dog's reach, and play a classical music radio station. If you're able, set up a TV and play animal shows for your dog to watch. Just ensure the cords and cables are secured so that the dog won't chew on them or pull appliances off of shelves.