Rainy days don’t have to mean boredom for your pup. Even if the weather is keeping you indoors, there are plenty of fun and stimulating games to keep your dog active, engaged, and mentally sharp.
Whether your dog is high-energy or just needs a little stimulation, here are some indoor games to turn cabin fever into tail wags.
1. The Muffin Tin Game
What You Need: A muffin tin, tennis balls, and some treats or kibble
Hide treats in a few muffin tin cups, then cover all cups with tennis balls. Let your dog sniff and remove the balls to find the food underneath. This boosts their nose work and problem-solving skills.
2. Tug of War
What You Need: A durable tug toy
This classic game builds strength and burns energy fast. Use clear start and stop cues (“take it” and “drop it”), and always supervise play. For extra engagement, play in short, high-energy bursts.
3. Hide and Seek
What You Need: Just yourself and your dog!
Have your dog sit and stay while you hide in another room. Then call them to come find you. This game reinforces recall, keeps them mentally sharp, and adds a little excitement to your routine.
4. Find the Treat
What You Need: Treats and a few small boxes or containers
Hide treats under cups or small boxes and shuffle them. Let your dog sniff out the reward. Start easy and increase the challenge over time. It’s a fun way to stimulate their strongest sense—their nose.
5. DIY Obstacle Course
What You Need: Household items like cushions, chairs, blankets, broomsticks
Create a mini agility course through your living room: crawl under a blanket tunnel, jump over a broomstick, weave around pillows. Reward with treats and enthusiasm at each stage.
6. Treat Dispensing Toys & Puzzles
What You Need: Toys like KONGs, snuffle mats, or treat balls
Stuff KONGs with peanut butter or freeze kibble in a puzzle toy. These provide mental stimulation and keep your dog occupied for 10–30 minutes (or longer!). Great for solo play while you work or cook.
7. Training Refreshers
What You Need: Treats and 5–10 minutes of your time
Use rainy days to brush up on commands like sit, stay, spin, and paw—or teach a new trick. Keep sessions short, fun, and reward-heavy. Mental work tires dogs out just like physical activity.
Bonus Tip: Rotate Activities
Just like humans, dogs get bored doing the same thing. Try a few games throughout the day in different rooms of the house. Keep sessions upbeat and stop while your dog is still having fun.
Final Thoughts
Even without sunshine, your dog can still enjoy a day full of play, learning, and love. Indoor games help release energy, prevent bad behavior, and build your bond. So grab those treats, get a little silly, and turn your living room into your pup’s favorite playground.
Rainy day? More like waggy day.
