How to Make a Play Area at Home for your Dog

1. Choose the right place

The first thing to do is to select an area of your home that is spacious and safe. Some good options might be:

A living room or large room: If you have a large room where you can move furniture around or even an empty room, this will be ideal.

Hallway or corridor: If your home has a large hallway, you can use it to create a play and exercise area.

Enclosed terrace or balcony: If you have an outdoor space, but protected from the weather, this can also be perfect for your dog.

Make sure the space is free of dangerous or fragile objects that could break or cause harm to your dog.

2. Set safe boundaries

It is important that the play area is safe for your dog. If the area has access to stairs, open doors, or hazards such as electrical cords or sharp items, be sure to block off those points. Fences or barriers are an effective option to enclose the space and ensure your dog is safe while playing.

3. Provide suitable toys

The heart of the play area will undoubtedly be the variety of toys you make available to your dog. Toys are essential to stimulate your pet mentally and keep them entertained for longer. Some recommended toys include:

Balls and frisbees: Ideal for dogs who enjoy throwing and fetch games.

Chew toys: Such as rubber bones, which also help clean your dog's teeth.

Interactive toys: These can be puzzles or treat dispensers, which keep your dog busy trying to get a reward.

Tug ropes: If you like to play tug-of-war with your dog, ropes are a great addition.

4. Add mental stimulation elements

In addition to toys, it is important to incorporate activities that stimulate your dog's mind. You can include:

Scent mats: These are mats designed to hide treats, forcing your dog to use his sense of smell to find them.

Puzzle toys: There are toys that require the dog to solve a challenge to release a treat, which is great for exercising his mind.

5. Create a comfortable resting area

Although the play area is for activity, your dog will also need a place to relax and recuperate between games. Place a comfortable bed or soft blanket in a corner of the play area. This will not only allow him to rest, but will also provide a quiet space within the area.

6. Consider the floor and surface

The surface your dog plays on is important. If your dog is an active or energetic breed, you may need to provide a non-slip mat or a suitable floor to prevent him from slipping while running. If the space is outdoors, make sure there are no large rocks or hard surfaces that could hurt his paws.

7. Plan activities and routines

A play area is not just a place where your dog can be alone. To make the most of the space, plan activities you can do with him. Some ideas include:

Play fetch: If you have enough space, you can practice throwing a ball or Frisbee.

Trick training: Use the space to teach him new tricks or commands. This is not only fun, but also helps to strengthen your bond with your dog.

Agility at home: If you have the time and resources, you can build a small agility course to challenge your dog with jumps, tunnels and obstacles. There are many inexpensive options for doing this at home.