French Bulldogs are a low-energy breed, but they still need daily mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Because of their brachycephalic anatomy, they’re not suited for intense outdoor exercise or long walks, especially in hot weather. That’s where indoor activities come in!
Safe, fun indoor play helps prevent boredom, behavioral issues, and excess weight gain. Let’s explore the best ways to entertain your Frenchie inside your home—rain or shine.
1. Interactive Toys and Puzzles
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. French Bulldogs are intelligent and curious—they love toys that make them think.
Great options:
- Puzzle feeders: Make your Frenchie work for their food by sliding tiles or pushing compartments to uncover kibble.
- Kongs: Fill with peanut butter, plain yogurt, or wet food and freeze for longer engagement.
- Snuffle mats: Mimic foraging by hiding treats in fabric layers.
Rotate the toys to keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom.
2. Short Indoor Training Sessions
Frenchies thrive on short, positive training sessions. Even five minutes of basic obedience practice provides stimulation and strengthens your bond.
Commands to practice:
- Sit, stay, come, down, leave it
- Hand targeting (touching your palm with their nose)
- Fun tricks like “high five” or “spin”
Use small treats or kibble as rewards, and always end on a positive note.
3. Tug-of-War
This classic game is safe for indoor play and provides a healthy outlet for energy and jaw exercise.
Tips for tug:
- Use a soft rope toy or durable plush
- Teach a clear start and stop with commands like “take it” and “drop it”
- Always supervise, and stop if play becomes too intense
Despite their small size, Frenchies are strong—this game satisfies their need to engage and connect.
4. Fetch (Yes, Indoors!)
You don’t need a big yard to play fetch. A hallway or living room works well with a soft ball or plush toy.
How to play:
- Use lightweight, non-slip toys (avoid hard rubber indoors)
- Limit the throwing distance
- Play on carpet or rugs to reduce sliding and joint stress
This is a great way to let your Frenchie burn off some energy in short, manageable bursts.
5. Hide and Seek
A surprisingly stimulating and fun game, hide-and-seek engages your Frenchie’s nose and brain.
How to play:
- Start by hiding in obvious places and call their name.
- Praise and reward when they find you.
- Make it harder over time by hiding treats or toys in different rooms.
This encourages independent problem-solving and reinforces recall skills.
6. Obstacle Course
Set up a simple indoor agility course using household items.
Ideas:
- Crawl under a coffee table
- Jump over a rolled-up towel
- Walk between plastic cups or pillows
- Step onto a low stool
Guide your Frenchie through the course with treats and encouragement. Keep it low-impact and safe to avoid injury.
7. Lick Mats and Chew Time
Licking is naturally soothing for dogs. Lick mats are textured silicone mats that hold soft food, encouraging slow licking.
Fill with:
- Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Mashed banana or pumpkin
- Yogurt (unsweetened and dog-safe)
You can freeze the mat for longer use. Similarly, provide chew toys or dental treats to satisfy their chewing needs.
8. Grooming as a Calm Activity
Turn brushing or fold-cleaning into a relaxing bonding experience. Many dogs enjoy the attention if introduced gently and rewarded afterward.
Make it enjoyable:
- Use positive reinforcement (treats, calm praise)
- Keep sessions short—focus on brushing, paw checks, or light massage
- Build trust while keeping them healthy
Even 10 minutes of grooming can serve as quiet, purposeful activity.
9. Sensory Games
Appeal to your Frenchie’s curiosity with scent-based games.
Examples:
- Place treats under plastic cups and mix them up—let your dog find the prize.
- Use dog-safe essential oils (like lavender) to scent toys and encourage tracking.
- Play “which hand has the treat?” by hiding kibble in your closed fists.
French Bulldogs have excellent noses—they’ll love this!
10. Practice Calm Time with Enrichment
Not every activity needs to be active. Calm enrichment helps balance energy and teaches your Frenchie to relax independently.
Suggestions:
- Give your dog a stuffed chew toy or puzzle in their bed
- Encourage self-soothing with music or white noise
- Reinforce calm behavior by rewarding them when they lie quietly
These quiet moments help prevent dependency or overexcitement.
Conclusion: Happy Frenchie, Happy Home
Indoor activities aren’t just a fallback for rainy days—they’re essential for a breed like the French Bulldog. With their exercise limitations and need for stimulation, engaging indoor play helps keep them healthy, happy, and well-behaved. Mix physical movement with mental puzzles, and your Frenchie will thrive—even within four walls.