1. Teach some new tricks
Keep your dog engaged by teaching them new tricks. Most dogs can do the basic ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘lay down,’ so how about something more challenging? For example, you can try ‘play dead,’ ‘sit pretty,’ or even to balance a treat on their nose!
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2. Work their noses
Did you know that one of the best ways for a dog to burn calories is through sniffing? Searching for scents is a fantastic doggy workout for both body and mind. Hide treats around your house and allow your pup to go look for them.
Need to keep your pup in a controlled area? Use a snuffle mat! Bury treats between the fabric and let your dog use their snoot to get them. Give your dog the thrill of sniffing for exciting smells without having to go outdoors.
3. Work their brains
Stimulate your dog mentally by giving them a puzzle toy. Puzzles help your dog to build confidence because they emphasize individual play and problem-solving. Find a puzzle that suits your pet’s skill level (beginner, intermediate, hard) and increase difficulty once they have mastered the puzzle.
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4. Play bonding exercises
A classic game of tug-of-war will tire your dog out while strengthening your bond. Keep things interesting by occasionally breaking from play to do some tricks. Another fun game for rainy days is fetch. You don’t need a ton of space; just enough to casually toss or roll the ball. When playing indoors, it’s not so much about the distance traveled by the ball but the praise and positivity that you show your dog when they retrieve it.
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5. Schedule a play date
Does your dog have a best friend? Schedule a play date with them! If both dogs are comfortable at the other’s house, have your friends/family bring their dog over (or vice versa) for playtime. Socialization with familiar pets is a wonderful activity to keep your dog entertained when you are stuck indoors.
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6. Do agility training
Create an at-home obstacle course for your dog. You can purchase an indoor agility kit or use items around your house such as pillows, hula hoops, brooms, cardboard boxes, etc. to create your course. Design areas for burrowing, weaving, climbing, and jumping. Make sure that everything is stable and safe, though!
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7. Have a photoshoot
Practice your pup’s modeling skills! Set up a small photo area, get your dog’s attention with a high value treat, and start snapping photos. But even if your pictures don’t turn out as well as you’d like, the photoshoot process is still engaging enough to burn some of your dog’s restless energy.
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8. Give them a long-lasting treat
Whip up a yummy snack and freeze it in a Kong or similar treat mold. Find a recipe that includes some of your dog’s favorite ingredients and works well when frozen. Allow the treat to harden, then give to your pet in their bed/crate/designated spot. This works best following a physical activity, like agility training or tug-of-war.
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9. Go outside anyway!
If your dog doesn’t mind the rain, why not let them splash in the puddles? A little rain can be fun! If you do choose to go out, just remember to set a towel and some paw wipes by the door so you can clean up when you return; or you can bring your dog straight from the mud to the tub…
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10. Have a spa day
A spa day is a splendid way to spend time with your dog indoors. Give some T-L-C to your P-E-T! Pamper them to a bath, clean their ears, brush their teeth, and trim their nails. You can even create a natural, dog-friendly face mask. For the perfect salon finish, use a paw balm to massage and moisturize their pads after bathing.
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You don’t have to be outside to burn your dog’s energy. Being stuck indoors with your dog all day can actually give you a lot of creative bonding opportunities! Brain games, agility training, or a photoshoot are all ways that you can engage your pet’s mind and body at home. Do you have a unique method of helping your dog pass the time inside? Leave a comment with your favorites!
Thank you to the following sources:
(photos included in this article are for illustrative purposes & the rights to these images are reserved to their respective owners)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best rainy day activities to keep my dog entertained indoors?
A: Great rainy day activities include teaching new tricks, brain games and puzzle toys, indoor agility training, bonding exercises, and giving your dog a long-lasting treat like a stuffed Kong. These activities keep your dog mentally and physically engaged even when you can't go outside.
Q: How can I work my dog's nose indoors?
A: Nose work or scent games are excellent indoor activities. Hide treats or a favorite toy around the house and encourage your dog to sniff them out. You can also use snuffle mats or introduce formal nose work training to challenge their natural scenting abilities.
Q: What brain games can I play with my dog at home?
A: Puzzle feeders, hide-and-seek with toys, cup-and-ball games, and teaching new commands are all great brain games for dogs. Mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical exercise, helping your dog feel calm and satisfied.
Q: Can I do agility training with my dog indoors?
A: Yes! You can set up a simple indoor agility course using household items like pillows, chairs, and hula hoops as tunnels and jumps. Indoor agility training is a fun way to keep your dog active and build their confidence and coordination.
Q: Is it okay to take my dog outside in the rain?
A: Absolutely — most dogs can handle a walk in light rain, and some even enjoy it! Just make sure to dry them off thoroughly when you return home to keep them comfortable and prevent skin issues. A waterproof dog coat can help on wetter days.
Q: How do I arrange a play date for my dog indoors?
A: Invite a friend with a dog of similar size and temperament for a supervised indoor play session. Make sure there's enough space and remove any fragile items. Monitor the dogs during play to ensure it stays friendly and safe for both animals.
