By Active Furiends – Helping Calgary’s pets stay happy in every square foot
Not every dog lives in a big backyard with squirrels to chase and endless room to zoom. And that’s okay—dogs can live happily in apartments too, as long as we give them the stimulation and structure they need.
If you’re living in a Calgary apartment (or anywhere else where square footage is more “cozy” than “castle”), don’t worry. You can still keep your dog engaged, active, and happy—without turning your living room into a full-blown obstacle course. (Though hey, we’re not judging if you do.)
Here are seven fun, easy, and space-friendly ways to keep your dog’s tail wagging indoors.
1. Sniffing Games: Engage the Nose, Not the Square Footage
Dogs experience the world through their noses—so why not give them a job that taps into that superpower? Hide treats around the apartment, place them under cups for a DIY shell game, or invest in a snuffle mat to make treat-time more rewarding (literally).
Pro tip: Use kibble from their daily meals for these games to avoid treat overload. Your dog won’t know the difference—but their waistline will thank you.
2. Puzzle Toys: Mental Workouts FTW
Apartment dogs don’t always need more physical exercise—they need more mental exercise. Food-dispensing puzzle toys (like KONGs, Nina Ottosson puzzles, or treat balls) can keep your pup focused and entertained for long stretches.
Bonus: Mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical play. Ten minutes with a puzzle toy = one happy, chill dog.
3. Teach New Tricks (Or Reinforce Old Ones)
Training is an often-overlooked energy outlet. Teaching new tricks (or revisiting obedience basics) keeps your dog thinking, strengthens your bond, and builds impulse control.
Try teaching:
- “Touch” (nose to your hand)
- “Find it”
- “Go to your bed”
- Or level up to fun ones like “spin,” “back up,” or “high five”
Short sessions (5–10 minutes) are perfect—and your dog will feel like a genius. (Or at least you’ll feel like one.)
4. Interactive Playtime: Tug, Fetch… Yes, Fetch Indoors
Tug-of-war is fantastic for burning energy and practicing “drop it.” If you have a long hallway or open layout, a soft indoor fetch game can also work—just, maybe don’t use the squeakiest toy during Zoom meetings.
Pro move: Use designated “indoor toys” that are quieter and safer for tight spaces. No one wants a shattered vase in the name of enrichment.
5. Create a DIY Obstacle Course
Okay, we said you didn’t have to—but if you’re feeling crafty, try making a mini agility course using cushions, broomsticks, cardboard boxes, or even books. Dogs love weaving, jumping, crawling, and problem-solving.
This is especially great on days when it’s -20°C outside and your dog’s giving you that “we are not doing another walk” face.
6. Schedule Outdoor Adventures (Yes, Even Brief Ones)
Even apartment dogs need to stretch their legs outside. Calgary’s got some great dog-friendly green spaces—even short sniffy walks or a visit to a nearby off-leash area can help break up the day.
Don’t underestimate the power of 15–20 minutes of focused outdoor time, especially if your pup tends to get stir-crazy inside.
7. Call in Reinforcements: Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters
Working long hours? Feeling under the weather? That’s where we come in. Active Furiends offers personalized, professional dog walking and drop-in services for Calgary pet parents—including those in apartments and condos.
Whether your dog needs a midday walk, a bathroom break, or just someone to throw a toy and tell them they’re cute, we’ve got you.
Final Thoughts
Apartment living doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored or under-stimulated. With a little creativity and structure, your pup can live their best indoor life—and maybe even stop barking at that one mysterious hallway sound.
From tug-of-war battles to brainy puzzle time, your dog’s happiness is just a few square feet away.
Need a helping paw?
Active Furiends is here for Calgary’s apartment-dwelling dogs (and their humans). Contact us to set up a custom dog walking, drop-in, or enrichment visit—we’ll make sure your pup gets the attention they need, rain or snow or -30.