When the rain starts pouring, the sudden shift from outdoor adventures to indoor confinement can lead to bored, restless, and destructive dogs. Fortunately, the rainy season doesn't mean the end of fun!
Indoor games are essential for mental and physical enrichment, and they are the perfect opportunity to use high-value rewards like our single-ingredient dog treats to keep your dog engaged and happy.
How Do I Entertain My Dog on a Rainy Day?
Entertaining your dog on a rainy day means shifting the focus from physical exercise to mental stimulation. Mental work tires a dog out faster and more effectively than simple walks. This is where food-puzzle games, scent work, and training sessions shine.
To entertain your dog on a rainy day, focus on mental enrichment activities such as scent work (like "Find It"), using food puzzle toys stuffed with irresistible rewards, or teaching new tricks like "shake" or "spin." These indoor activities help drain mental energy, reduce boredom, and strengthen your bond without needing to go outside.
5 Best Indoor Games & Activities for Dogs
Turn your living room into an adventure zone with these simple, high-engagement indoor games. Always use high-value rewards to keep your dog interested!
1. The Treat Hunt (Scent Work)
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The Game: Start by showing your dog a high-value treat, like a small piece of Chicken Jerky. Ask them to "stay," and then hide small pieces around the room (behind a chair leg, under a blanket). Release your dog with the cue "Find It!"
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Why It Works: Scent work uses massive amounts of brain power, tiring your dog quickly.
2. The Shell Game (Puzzle)
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The Game: Place three opaque cups upside down. Let your dog watch you place a treat (like a small, easily manageable Bully Bite) under one cup. Shuffle the cups slowly and ask your dog to "find it."
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Why It Works: This is a simple problem-solving game that builds confidence and focus.
3. New Tricks & Training Sessions
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The Game: Spend 5-10 minutes teaching a new trick. Use small, easily consumed treats like Vegan Training Treats for rapid-fire repetitions.
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Why It Works: Short, positive training sessions provide immense mental enrichment and reinforce your relationship.
4. The Kong/Chew Challenge
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The Game: Prepare a long-lasting chew or puzzle toy. Stuff a KONG with kibble and a sprinkle of a highly palatable item, like our Dog Food Topper - Beef Liver. Or, give your dog a long-lasting Beef Cheek Roll.
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Why It Works: Chewing and licking are calming behaviors that manage anxiety and keep your dog busy for extended periods.
5. Indoor Fetch or Tug
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The Game: If you have a long hallway or open space, a quick game of fetch with a soft toy is great for a physical burst. Tug-of-war is also an excellent indoor activity that channels a dog's natural energy.
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Safety Tip: Ensure all fragile items are out of the way!
Maximize Mealtime with Food Toppers
Rainy days are perfect for transforming regular meals into mental activities. Our Dog Food Toppers are ideal for this.
Instead of just pouring the meal into the bowl, use the topper to:
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LickiMats: Spread wet food or yogurt mixed with a topper on a LickiMat for a calming, slow-feeding activity.
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Food Dispensing Toys: Mix a pinch of topper with dry kibble and place it in a slow-feeder or puzzle ball to make mealtime an engaging challenge.
Quick Rainy Day FAQs
Do dogs enjoy playing in the rain?
Most dogs do not inherently enjoy playing in the cold, heavy rain. While some breeds (like retrievers) may tolerate it, most prefer to stay dry. It's crucial to prioritize mental games indoors and save the outdoor exercise for a break in the weather.
What to do when it's raining and your dog needs to pee
If your dog is reluctant to go out, take them on a leash to a covered porch or a small patch of grass. Use a rain jacket if needed, and give them a small, high-value reward like a piece of a Sweet Potato Treat immediately upon returning indoors to create a positive association with quick trips outside.
Indoor activities for dogs in winter
The same principles apply to both rainy days and winter confinement: focus on enrichment. Cold or snowy days are the perfect time to give your dog a long-lasting, focused activity like a Collagen Chew to prevent cabin fever.
Beat the Boredom: Shop Indoor Rewards
Stock up on the perfect treats and tools for mental stimulation on the next rainy day:
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Dog Food Topper - Beef Liver (The ultimate high-value stuffing reward)
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Bully Bites (Perfect size for quick puzzle rewards)
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Beef Cheek Rolls (Long-lasting chew for quiet time)