Frenchie-Friendly Indoor Activities: Fun Things to Do With Your Dog at Home
Is your French Bulldog bored at home? Don’t worry—you don’t need a big backyard or fancy toys to have fun with your pup. There are plenty of Frenchie-friendly indoor activities that will keep your dog happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated. Best of all, many of these activities cost little to nothing!
French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies,” are small dogs with big personalities. They were originally bred as companion dogs, so they love spending time with you. Because of their short noses (brachycephalic), they don’t need a lot of intense exercise, but they still benefit from short, fun activities every day.
Here are some of the best Frenchie-friendly indoor activities you can try today:
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Hide and Seek With a Twist
Hide and seek isn’t just for kids—it’s a fun game for your Frenchie too! You can also teach commands while playing.
How to play:
- Teach “Stay” – Start with your dog sitting. Hold your hand out and say “stay.” Step back slowly, and reward your pup with a treat if they stay put.
- Teach “Come” – Call your dog to you while staying in sight. Reward with a treat. Once your Frenchie understands, hide in another room and call them to come find you.
- Add “Go Find” – If you have a partner, they can hold your pup while you hide. Then your partner tells the dog, “Go find [your name]!” Reward your dog when they find you.
This game gives your Frenchie both mental and physical exercise.
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Tug-of-War
A simple game of tug-of-war is a great way to bond with your Frenchie.
Tips:
- Use a sturdy rope toy.
- Make sure there’s enough space around to avoid knocking over furniture.
- Teach a “stop” command if your dog gets too excited.
Tug-of-war is fun, safe, and stimulates your dog’s brain and body.
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Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are perfect for keeping Frenchies busy indoors.
- Fill a puzzle toy with treats or kibble.
- Let your dog figure out how to get the treats out.
This activity taps into their natural hunting instincts and keeps them mentally sharp.
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Indoor Fetch
Even without a backyard, your Frenchie can enjoy fetch inside.
Tips for indoor fetch:
- Use a soft ball or toy to avoid breaking anything.
- Play in a hallway or carpeted area for traction.
- Remove fragile items before starting.
A few short rounds of fetch can help burn off your pup’s energy.
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Puppy Play Dates
If your Frenchie is socialized, invite a dog friend over for a play date.
- Make sure there’s enough room to play safely.
- Supervise the dogs to prevent any roughhousing.
Play dates are a great way for your Frenchie to exercise and socialize indoors.
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Treadmill Time
Believe it or not, some Frenchies enjoy walking on a treadmill!
- Start slow and let your pup get used to it.
- Keep the speed low and sessions short at first.
- Always supervise to ensure safety.
It’s a fun way to exercise on days when outdoor walks aren’t possible.
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Chew Toys and Bones
Chew toys aren’t just fun—they’re healthy too!
- Satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts.
- Promote oral health and strong jaw muscles.
- Prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
Always choose vet-approved chew toys and bones for safety.
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Indoor Treat Hunts
Hide small treats around the house and let your Frenchie find them.
- Use boxes, corners, or under cushions.
- Start easy and gradually make it more challenging.
This simple activity gives mental stimulation and satisfies your dog’s natural curiosity.
Bonus Tips for Frenchie Owners
- Keep exercise short and avoid overheating—Frenchies can struggle in hot or humid weather.
- Provide fresh water during and after play.
- Rotate activities to keep your Frenchie engaged and happy.
Final Thoughts
Bored Frenchies can lead to mischievous behavior, but with a few Frenchie-friendly indoor activities, you can keep your pup happy, active, and healthy—even on rainy or lazy days. From hide-and-seek to puzzle toys and indoor fetch, these games will strengthen your bond and keep tails wagging!