Top Dog Toys for Indoor Play: Keep Your Pup Happy & Stimulated at Home

Rainy days and chilly weather don’t have to mean boredom for your dog. When outdoor adventures are off the table, indoor play becomes extra important for keeping your pup's mind and body active. In this guide, we’ll cover the best toys to keep your dog entertained indoors, helping you avoid chewed shoes, restless pacing, and sad puppy eyes. At Petdirect, We Get Pet, and we know how crucial mental stimulation and play are for a happy, healthy dog.

Why Indoor Play Matters For Dogs

All dogs, regardless of breed or age, benefit from daily mental and physical enrichment. Whether you're living in an apartment, working from home, or facing wet winters and sweltering summers, indoor activities offer the perfect solution to burn energy and beat boredom.

Without enough stimulation, dogs can become destructive, anxious, or lethargic. Providing a variety of stimulating toys allows dogs to channel those instincts into positive play, especially when home alone.

Interactive Toys That Challenge The Mind

Interactive dog toys are more than just fun—they’re brainwork disguised as playtime. Puzzle toys encourage your dog to solve problems, helping prevent boredom and slow down speedy eaters.

• Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys challenge dogs to think and work for their snacks.
• Nina Ottosson puzzle games are great for mental stimulation and come in a range of difficulty levels to suit every pup.
• Smart tech toys add an extra challenge and can even keep pups busy when you're not home.

Chew Toys That Satisfy And Help Dental Health

Chewing is a natural behaviour that helps relieve stress and boredom. The right indoor chew toy offers hours of satisfying gnawing—no shoes, furniture, or remote controls needed.

• Durable chew toys are ideal for teething puppies and enthusiastic adult dogs alike.
• Try a Nylabone for long-lasting chewing sessions.
• Chew toys can also promote healthy teeth and gums.

Tug And Fetch Toys For Active Indoor Play

Have a high-energy dog or one who loves interactive games with their human? You don’t need a backyard to have fun together. Just get a bit creative with space and stock up on toys suited for safe indoor play.

• Rope tug toys offer strong yet gentle resistance.
• Soft balls or indoor fetch toys can be used in hallways or lounge spaces (just move the breakables!).
• Look for brands like KONG, which offer tough-but-safe options for both tug and toss play.

Plush Toys For Comfort And Gentle Fun

Some dogs are softies at heart. Plush toys offer a snuggly companion during naps and low-energy playtime. They're also wonderful for puppies, seniors, or dogs recovering from illness or surgery.

• Look for high-quality plush dog toys that come with minimal stuffing or hidden squeakers for extra fun.
• For avid cuddlers, soft toys from brands like Yours Droolly or Outward Hound are loved by dogs across Aotearoa.

Keep It Fresh With Variety And Rotation

Just like humans, dogs get bored with the same old toys. Try rotating your dog’s toys weekly—only putting out a few at a time—to make them feel "new" again. You can also discover new favourites regularly by checking out our new arrivals or exploring the full range of dog toys available at Petdirect.

Make Indoor Playtime Even Better

Pairing toys with tasty rewards makes indoor time even more exciting! Stuff a chew toy with goodies from our treat range, or keep treat-dispensing puzzles well-stocked to satisfy both brains and bellies. You’ll also find calming essentials that can help anxious or high-energy pups get the most from indoor fun.

Keep Tails Wagging Indoors

Indoor days don’t need to be dull! With the right mix of puzzles, chewables, tugs, and plush pals, your dog can stay happy, active, and loved—all without leaving the house. Whether you’ve got a playful Labrador, clever Border Collie, or snuggly Pug, you’ll find toys to suit their indoor needs at Petdirect.

Ready to stock up? Explore our top-rated picks and make every day a play day!