If you’re opting to practice social isolation and are staying within the confines of your home and garden at the moment, it’s likely that your dog is feeling a little bored and cooped up. Fortunately, there are alternatives to a daily walk to keep Fido from going barking mad. Here are four fun at-home activities to try.

1. Teach an old dog new tricks
While most pet owners tend to teach their dogs the basic commands during puppyhood and adolescence, there’s no reason you can’t teach your mature dog new tricks. So break out the treats and do some training for about 10 minutes each day – it’s a great way to spend quality time with your pet and keep them mentally stimulated.

2. Play fetch
If you’re not walking your dog at the moment, playing fetch once or twice a day is an excellent way to tire them out. If you don’t have a garden, consider clearing an area in your home or using a passage where you can roll a ball for them to chase.

3. Purchase a few new toys
If your dog loves playing with toys and it’s been a while since they’ve been given a new ball, rope or chew toy, why not order one or two new items online or pick them up next time you shop for dog food.

4. Play hide and seek
This game can be a lot of fun for you and your pet, and it’s perfect for indoors. Show your dog their favourite toy or a treat and then hide it somewhere in your living area – under a couch pillow, behind a chair, etc. – just make sure they can’t see where you’ve hidden it. Then let them loose and enjoy watching them trying to find it, and remember to make a big fuss of them when they do.