Indoor Games for Rainy Days with Your Dog

Rainy days might be perfect for reading and couch snuggles, but if you’ve got a high-energy pup staring out the window like their world just ended, you know indoor boredom is real. And for dogs who rely on daily walks or backyard zoomies to burn off steam, a few days of bad weather can lead to restless pacing, indoor mischief, or downright sulking.

The good news? A little creativity goes a long way. With the right mix of games, training, and mental puzzles, you can turn a gloomy day into an indoor adventure—and even build some new skills along the way.

Here’s a collection of fun, energy-burning indoor activities to help your dog stay mentally sharp, physically active, and happily tuckered out until the sun reappears.

1. The Classic Game of “Find It”

Dogs have incredible noses, and you can tap into their natural scenting skills with a game of hide-and-sniff.

How to play:

Start by letting your dog watch you place a treat or toy somewhere visible.
Say “find it” and let them retrieve it.
Gradually increase difficulty by hiding treats under furniture, behind cushions, or in another room.

This game not only tires them out but builds confidence and problem-solving skills. For food-driven pups, it’s often more satisfying than a walk.

2. Indoor Obstacle Course

No fancy agility equipment needed—just a little furniture rearranging and some imagination.

Ideas for makeshift obstacles:

Use broomsticks or pool noodles balanced on books for jumps.
Stack cushions for climbing or crawling under.
Weave through chair legs or cones (or paper cups).
Add a command at each section—sit, down, wait—to keep it mentally challenging.

Adjust for your dog’s age, size, and mobility, and reward them at the end like they just completed a championship run.

3. Tug-of-War with Rules

Tug is more than a workout for your dog’s jaw—when done right, it’s a great tool for practicing impulse control.

How to play it well:

Use a sturdy toy and let your dog grab one end.
Before you start tugging, ask for a “sit” or “wait.”
Periodically cue a “drop it” and reward compliance with resuming the game.
Always end the game before your dog gets too amped up.

This gives your dog a physical outlet and teaches polite play—double win.

4. Cup Game (a.k.a. Doggie Shell Game)

For a quick and easy mental workout, grab three cups and a smelly treat.

How it works:

Place a treat under one cup and shuffle them around.
Let your dog sniff and choose the correct cup.
Start simple and increase difficulty by shuffling faster or adding more cups.

It’s a low-mess way to challenge their nose and focus—and it’s surprisingly fun to watch them work it out.

5. Trick Training Marathon

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to brush up on old tricks or teach new ones.

Try things like:

“Spin”
“Shake” or “High five”
“Touch” (target your hand with their nose)
“Roll over” or “Play dead”
“Back up” or “Bow”

Even five minutes of training can mentally exhaust your dog and deepen your communication. Keep sessions short and positive, with plenty of praise and rewards.

6. Food Puzzles and Frozen Treats

If your dog’s energy seems endless, let them work for their meals.

Options include:

Puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys
A snuffle mat to encourage foraging
Frozen KONGs stuffed with wet food, peanut butter (xylitol-free), or yogurt
Ice cube trays filled with broth and treats for lickable snacks

These activities slow down eating and keep dogs occupied for longer stretches, which is ideal when outdoor options are limited.

7. Hallway Fetch or Stairs Sprints (With Caution)

If you have a long hallway or a safe staircase, you can still squeeze in some cardio.

Fetch tips:

Use soft toys or tennis balls.
Keep the game short and watch for slippery floors.

Stairs:

Toss a toy up the stairs and let your dog retrieve it.
Always supervise and avoid if your dog has joint issues or is prone to slipping.

Controlled bursts of movement are a great way to expend excess energy indoors, just keep safety in mind.

8. Muffin Tin Game

All you need is a muffin tin, some treats, and tennis balls.

How it works:

Place treats in some or all of the muffin tin cups.
Cover the cups with tennis balls or other small toys.
Let your dog figure out how to remove the balls to get the treats.

It’s cheap, easy, and surprisingly entertaining—for both of you.

Indoor Days Don’t Have to Be Boring

Sure, a walk through the woods or a romp at the park is hard to beat—but rainy days are an opportunity to mix things up and engage your dog’s brain in new ways. Many dogs actually find mental exercise more exhausting than physical activity, which means you don’t need a huge backyard or sunny day to give them what they need.

Rotate a few of these games, keep the vibe upbeat, and celebrate their successes—no matter how small. With the right activities, even the rainiest day can be full of tail wags and tired-out paws.

And at the end of it all? A nap-worthy snuggle session on the couch, which might just be your dog’s favorite part.