Why indoor enrichment matters when the weather is bad

October 26, 2026 My Store Admin

Rain pouring down, strong winds rattling the windows or a cold, miserable day keeping you indoors? If your usual dog walk is off the cards, you might be wondering how to keep your dog entertained in bad weather without turning your home upside down.

The good news is that you do not need a huge garden, expensive toys or hours of free time to make an indoor day enjoyable. Simple scent games, short training sessions, interactive feeding and gentle play can give your dog interesting things to do while strengthening the bond you share.

Whether you have a lively puppy, a large energetic breed, a curious adult dog or a senior companion who prefers gentler activities, there are plenty of ways to keep their mind occupied at home.

Quick answer: what can you do with your dog when it rains?

Try a treat treasure hunt, hide-and-seek, a cardboard-box sniffing game, indoor toy searches, reward-based training or a suitable food puzzle. Rotate activities throughout the day, provide opportunities to rest and choose games that match your dog's age, ability and temperament.

Why indoor games matter when the weather is bad

Dogs need more than somewhere comfortable to sleep. They benefit from opportunities to sniff, investigate, play, chew appropriate items, interact with their people and learn about their surroundings.

When bad weather disrupts your normal routine, indoor enrichment can provide some of those opportunities. It can also help break up a long day spent at home and give you a constructive way to interact with your dog.

Mental enrichment involves activities that allow dogs to use their senses, solve manageable problems and practise natural behaviours. A scent trail, for example, encourages a dog to investigate with their nose, while a short training session gives them a chance to learn and earn rewards.

According to Dogs Trust's guidance on enrichment activities, activities should be safe, appropriate for the individual dog and adjusted according to how the dog responds.

Indoor activities are not a guaranteed replacement for your dog's usual exercise or toilet needs. Think of them as a flexible way to add stimulation when outdoor activities need to be shortened, changed or postponed.

7 easy indoor games for dogs on rainy days

Start with one or two activities and see what your dog enjoys. You can use their favourite toy, a few pieces of their normal food or small suitable training rewards. Keep the first attempts easy so that your dog understands how to take part.

Game 1 · Scent work

1. Play a treat treasure hunt

A treat treasure hunt is one of the simplest indoor games for dogs because it encourages them to use their nose rather than relying on fast running or jumping. It can work well in a flat or a small house, provided you have a safe area to play.

How to play:

Ask your dog to wait briefly, or have someone gently hold their attention while you prepare.
Place a few small pieces of their normal food or suitable treats in easy-to-find spots around one room.
Bring your dog into the area and say a consistent cue such as "find it".
Let them sniff and discover the rewards at their own pace.
Once they understand the game, gradually make the hiding places a little more challenging.

Begin with visible rewards before hiding them behind a furniture leg or beside a safe toy. Do not place food near electrical cables, cleaning products, houseplants or places where your dog could become trapped.

Make it easier: Scatter a few pieces of food across a clear floor. For a more experienced dog, hide a reward beneath one of several open cardboard boxes.

Game 2 · Problem solving

2. Try the cardboard-box sniffing game

You do not need to purchase a puzzle toy to offer your dog a simple investigation challenge. A few clean cardboard boxes can become a supervised sniffing activity.

Place a small amount of your dog's normal food in one open box. Set it on a clear, non-slip surface and let your dog investigate. Once they understand the idea, you can put the food in a second box or arrange two or three boxes with plenty of space between them.

Allow your dog to use their nose and make their own discoveries. There is no need to rush them or repeatedly point to the correct box.

Important safety tip: Remove staples, tape, plastic labels and loose packaging. Supervise throughout and stop if your dog begins swallowing cardboard or tearing off pieces. Use a purpose-made enrichment toy instead if your dog tends to chew and ingest household materials.

Game 3 · Bonding

3. Play indoor hide-and-seek

Hide-and-seek gives your dog a chance to search for you, practise responding to their name and enjoy a little interaction without needing much space.

Start by asking your dog to stay with a family member or wait while you step just behind an open doorway. Call their name in a cheerful voice. When they find you, reward them with praise, a short play session or a small treat.

As your dog learns the game, hide in slightly less obvious places, such as behind a sofa where they can approach safely. Keep the route clear and never encourage them to leap over furniture or scramble on slippery floors.

For dogs who are unsure about being separated from you, make the game very easy and keep yourself within sight initially. The aim is to build enjoyment and confidence, not create anxiety.

Game 4 · Toy play

4. Teach your dog to find a favourite toy

If your dog loves toys more than food, use that interest to create a searching game. It is also a useful way to add variety to your indoor routine.

Show your dog their favourite toy and let them investigate it.
Use a consistent cue, such as "find your toy", and place it somewhere easy to see.
Encourage your dog to approach or pick up the toy, then reward them with play or praise.
Repeat, gradually placing the toy just out of sight.

With practice, you can introduce the names of different toys one at a time. Some dogs learn to distinguish between familiar objects, although progress varies between individuals.

Use toys appropriate for your dog's size and chewing style. Inspect them regularly and remove any that are breaking apart or have exposed small components.

Game 5 · Gentle movement

5. Set up a mini indoor obstacle course

An indoor obstacle course can provide gentle movement and problem-solving opportunities without requiring a large room. It should be a series of simple, low-risk activities rather than an agility course.

For example, ask your dog to walk around a sturdy chair, follow your hand between two cushions placed well apart or step over a flat towel. Reward them for calmly following your guidance.

Keep obstacles low and stable. Avoid chairs that could tip, slippery surfaces, makeshift jumps, narrow gaps and anything that might frighten your dog. Never force a dog to climb onto furniture or perform a movement that is uncomfortable.

For puppies, senior dogs and dogs with mobility concerns, focus on gentle walking, sniffing and easy changes of direction. If your dog has a diagnosed joint or mobility problem, ask your vet which movements are appropriate.

Game 6 · Self-control

6. Play a gentle tug game with rules

If your dog enjoys tugging, a suitable tug toy can provide interactive play in a small space. It is also an opportunity to practise simple cues and calm transitions between activity and rest.

Invite your dog to take the toy and move it gently from side to side, keeping their feet on the floor. Pause regularly and reward them for releasing the toy when asked, using a reward-based approach.

Teach a release cue by offering a trade: present a small reward or another toy, wait for your dog to release the first toy, then praise and resume the game when appropriate.

Avoid lifting your dog off the floor, jerking their head or encouraging wild movements on smooth flooring. Choose another activity if your dog becomes overexcited, grabs clothing or struggles to disengage.

Game 7 · Quiet enrichment

7. Introduce a suitable food puzzle or snuffle mat

Not every indoor activity needs to involve running around. A snuffle mat, treat-dispensing toy or suitable food puzzle can encourage your dog to work for part of their meal at a comfortable pace.

Put a small portion of their normal daily food into the enrichment item and allow them to explore. Choose a simple design at first, especially if your dog has never used one before.

Watch how they interact with it. If they become frustrated, chew the toy aggressively or cannot work out how to access the food, make the task easier or switch to a different activity.

Always choose a product appropriate for your dog's size, strength and chewing behaviour. Some dogs should only use enrichment toys under direct supervision, and no toy is indestructible.

For further inspiration, read the Blue Cross guide to indoor games for dogs.

Indoor dog training games that are fun and useful

Bad weather can be an opportunity to practise everyday skills in a familiar, low-distraction environment. Short, positive training sessions are often easier to fit into the day than one long lesson.

Use a reward your dog genuinely enjoys, give a clear cue when needed and reward the behaviour you want to see. Keep sessions brief and finish while your dog is still interested. If they are confused or distracted, simplify the exercise rather than repeating the cue more loudly.

Teach a hand target

Hold an open hand a short distance from your dog's nose. When they voluntarily move towards it or touch it with their nose, mark the behaviour with a word such as "yes" and offer a reward. Gradually introduce a cue such as "touch".

A hand target can help guide a dog from one place to another without pulling their collar. Practise in easy situations first, and never use it to force a worried dog towards something they want to avoid.

Practise settling on a mat

Place a comfortable mat on the floor and reward your dog for looking at it, stepping onto it or choosing to lie down. Deliver rewards calmly, close to the mat, and allow your dog to leave when they wish.

Over time, you can reward relaxed behaviour for slightly longer periods. The goal is to teach your dog that resting is worthwhile, not to insist they remain in one position when they need a break.

Refresh basic cues

Use a few minutes to practise familiar behaviours such as sit, down, wait, coming when called across a room or going to their bed. Keep the difficulty appropriate to your dog's current ability.

Once your dog is confident, introduce small changes, such as asking for a familiar cue from a different position in the room. Avoid combining too many new challenges at once.

Teach a simple trick

Depending on your dog's physical ability, you could teach a nose touch, a chin rest on your hand, a gentle paw target or picking up a familiar toy. Reward small steps towards the finished behaviour rather than expecting your dog to understand everything immediately.

Tricks should be comfortable and voluntary. Avoid repeated jumping, spinning or standing on hind legs, particularly for puppies, senior dogs or dogs with joint, back or balance problems.

The RSPCA's reward-based dog training advice explains why finding suitable rewards and keeping training manageable are important parts of teaching dogs.

How can training treats help?

Small, suitable rewards can make it easier to reinforce the behaviour you want during indoor games. Choose a treat your dog enjoys, break it into appropriately small pieces where possible and account for the food used in training as part of their overall daily intake.

Explore House of PDB's natural dog treats or browse the Training Starter Pack for potential reward options. Check current availability, ingredients and suitability before purchasing.

How to entertain a puppy indoors

Puppies are learning about the world, and indoor activities can offer opportunities to explore safely, practise new skills and develop positive associations with everyday experiences.

Try very short sessions of finding visible pieces of food, following your hand, investigating a safe open box or learning to settle on a comfortable mat. Use rewards, gentle play and plenty of breaks.

Young puppies need adequate sleep and rest. If your puppy becomes frantic, starts biting more intensely, struggles to concentrate or repeatedly abandons the activity, they may need a quiet break rather than another game.

Supervise closely and avoid small objects, long strings, swallowable cardboard pieces and toys that could break into dangerous parts. Choose activities that are suitable for your puppy's size, developmental stage and coordination.

Indoor activities for senior dogs and dogs with limited mobility

Older dogs can enjoy enrichment too, but the best indoor activities may look different from those that suit a young, athletic dog.

Try a simple scent trail on a clear floor, a few pieces of food hidden in an easy-to-reach location, a familiar toy search or gentle reward-based training while your dog is comfortable. Allow extra time to investigate and avoid asking for repeated changes between sitting and standing if these movements are difficult.

Provide a non-slip surface, easy access to water and a comfortable place to rest. If your dog has new mobility problems, appears painful or suddenly loses interest in activities they normally enjoy, arrange veterinary advice rather than assuming it is simply old age.

Keeping large and energetic dogs occupied indoors

A large dog does not necessarily need a large indoor play area. The key is choosing activities that provide a suitable challenge without creating excessive speed or excitement in a confined space.

For dogs that enjoy searching, try a more involved scent trail through one or two safe rooms. For dogs motivated by learning, practise hand targeting, finding a named toy or settling on a mat. You can also rotate a few safe toys so that familiar items remain interesting.

Strong chewers need particular care. Choose appropriately sized, durable enrichment items and inspect them frequently. Do not assume a natural chew is suitable just because it is marketed for dogs; hardness, shape, size and your dog's chewing style all matter.

For dogs that become highly excited by chase games, use calmer sniffing or training activities rather than repeatedly throwing toys down a hallway. Indoor play should be controlled enough that the dog can stop, turn and move without slipping or colliding with furniture.

How to entertain your dog without buying toys

Some of the best rainy-day dog activities cost nothing. You can use your dog's normal food, familiar toys and a few suitable household items to introduce variety.

Scatter feeding: Scatter a small portion of your dog's meal across a clean, safe area of floor for them to find.
Find the toy: Hide a familiar toy just out of sight and encourage your dog to search for it.
Cardboard exploration: Let your dog investigate a clean, open box under supervision, provided they do not swallow pieces.
Training refresh: Practise a familiar cue, hand targeting or settling on a mat for a few minutes.
Choice of toys: Offer two suitable toys and allow your dog to choose which one they would like to explore.

Household items must be safe for the individual dog. Avoid plastic bags, elastic bands, loose string, sharp edges, small detachable parts and anything that could splinter or be swallowed. Supervise homemade enrichment throughout.

Using treats safely during indoor games

Food rewards can be helpful for scent games and training, but more treats are not necessarily better. Dogs vary in their dietary needs, appetite, allergies and tolerance of particular ingredients.

Whenever possible, use a portion of your dog's usual complete food allowance for simple games. If you use additional treats, account for them in the daily feeding plan and follow any dietary advice provided by your vet.

Choose suitable treats for your dog's size and chewing behaviour, and introduce unfamiliar foods cautiously. If your dog has a diagnosed food allergy, is following an elimination diet or has a medical condition requiring a specific diet, check with your veterinary professional before introducing new treats.

Chews need extra care. Supervise your dog, select an appropriate size and type, and remove the item when it becomes small enough to swallow or develops sharp or hazardous pieces. Avoid any chew that your dog struggles to manage safely.

Fresh drinking water should remain available, even when your dog is spending more time indoors.

How long should indoor dog games last?

There is no single ideal duration for every dog. A puppy learning a new skill may benefit from just a minute or two of practice, while an adult dog may happily investigate a scent game for longer.

Start with a short activity and watch your dog's response. If they remain engaged and relaxed, you can continue a little longer. If they walk away, repeatedly fail to solve the task, become frustrated or get overexcited, make the game easier or stop.

Several small activities spread throughout the day can be more practical than one long session. Alternate active games with quiet enrichment and rest, and maintain a routine that also accommodates meals, toilet breaks, sleep and appropriate outdoor opportunities.

A simple rainy-day routine for your dog

You do not need to schedule every minute. Use this example as a flexible starting point and adapt it to your dog's normal routine, age, health and energy levels.

Part of the day	Suggested activity	Main purpose
Morning	Usual toilet opportunity, followed by a short scent hunt	Sniffing and exploration
Late morning	Practise hand targeting or familiar cues	Learning and interaction
Midday	Meal in a suitable puzzle or simple supervised food search	Enrichment at mealtime
Afternoon	Gentle toy play or a short hide-and-seek game	Play and bonding
Evening	Calm sniffing activity, appropriate chew or relaxed companionship	Wind-down and rest

This is an example, not a requirement to complete every activity. Your dog may need fewer sessions, more rest or a different balance of activities. Toilet needs and safe outdoor exercise still matter whenever conditions allow.

Indoor dog games: common mistakes to avoid

Trying to tire your dog out through constant excitement

More activity is not always better. Repeated high-energy games can leave some dogs increasingly aroused rather than ready to settle. Mix movement with sniffing, simple training and quiet rest.

Making puzzles too difficult

If a dog cannot work out how to access a reward, they may give up or become frustrated. Start with easy wins and increase the challenge gradually.

Using slippery floors or unstable furniture

Clear the play area and use secure, non-slip surfaces. Avoid indoor chasing games that involve sharp turns on polished flooring or jumping over furniture.

Leaving enrichment items unattended when they are not suitable

Some dogs chew or dismantle toys rather than using them as intended. Supervise homemade puzzles, inspect toys and remove damaged items immediately.

Forgetting rest and toilet breaks

Dogs still need opportunities to relieve themselves, drink water and rest. Indoor enrichment should complement a suitable care routine rather than replace every other need.

What if bad weather makes your dog anxious?

Some dogs are uncomfortable with thunder, heavy rain, strong winds or sudden noises. A dog who is frightened may pace, pant, hide, tremble, vocalise or refuse food. In that situation, entertainment should not be the main priority.

Give your dog access to a safe, comfortable place where they can choose to rest or hide. Keep your behaviour calm and allow them space. You can offer a familiar toy or gentle activity if your dog is receptive, but do not force them to play or complete training exercises.

If your dog has a severe or worsening fear of storms, speak to your vet. A veterinary professional or suitably qualified behaviourist can help you develop an appropriate plan.

Read the Blue Cross advice on dogs and thunderstorms for further guidance on supporting a worried dog.

Frequently asked questions about entertaining dogs indoors

How do I keep my dog entertained when it rains all day?

Rotate a few activities, such as treat treasure hunts, indoor hide-and-seek, toy searches, reward-based training and suitable food puzzles. Provide rest between activities and maintain your dog's toilet and exercise routine as conditions allow.

What can I do with my dog indoors without toys?

Try scent games using part of your dog's normal food, practise familiar training cues, teach a hand target or play a simple hide-and-seek game. You can also use a clean cardboard box for supervised exploration if your dog will not chew and swallow it.

How can I tire my dog out indoors?

Combine appropriate mental enrichment with gentle physical activity. Scent searches, short training sessions and interactive play can be useful, but no activity guarantees that every dog will become tired. Avoid excessive excitement and allow time to rest.

What are the best rainy-day activities for puppies?

Use short, easy activities such as finding visible food, investigating a safe box, following a hand target and learning to settle on a mat. Puppies need plenty of sleep, close supervision and games suited to their stage of development.

How do I entertain a large dog in a small house?

Choose activities that use less floor space, such as scent trails, finding a named toy, hand targeting and mat training. Avoid fast chasing games, jumping and tight turns around furniture, especially on slippery floors.

Can I use my dog's normal food for enrichment games?

Yes. Using part of your dog's usual daily food allowance for scatter feeding, scent hunts or suitable puzzle toys can add variety without automatically adding extra calories. Make sure the activity is safe and appropriate for your dog.

How many training treats can I give my dog indoors?

There is no single number that suits every dog. Treat requirements depend on the dog's size, diet, health and the energy content of the rewards. Use small pieces where suitable, account for extras in the daily food allowance and seek veterinary advice if your dog has specific dietary needs.

Can indoor games replace dog walks?

Indoor games can help provide stimulation when a walk is unsafe or impractical, but they do not fully replace the varied exercise, toilet opportunities and environmental experiences that dogs may need. Adapt your dog's routine to the weather, their health and individual needs.

What should I do if my dog will not play indoors?

Try a familiar activity, an easy scent search or quiet companionship rather than insisting on play. Your dog may prefer resting, or they may be worried, uncomfortable or unwell. Seek veterinary advice if their behaviour changes suddenly or you notice signs of pain or illness.

Are natural dog treats suitable for indoor training?

Some natural dog treats can be used as training rewards if their ingredients, size and texture are appropriate for the individual dog. Check product details carefully, account for treat calories and consult your vet if your dog has a diagnosed allergy or prescribed diet.

Make every indoor day an opportunity to connect

Keeping your dog entertained in bad weather does not have to be complicated. A simple scent hunt, a few minutes of reward-based training or an enjoyable toy search can add variety to an otherwise quiet day at home.

The most effective approach is to pay attention to your individual dog. Some love searching for food, others prefer toys, learning new skills or simply spending calm time with you. Offer activities they can enjoy safely, make challenges manageable and give them the freedom to stop and rest.

Make rainy days more rewarding with House of PDB

Looking for suitable rewards for your next indoor training session? Explore our range of natural dog treats and discover options to help make positive training and enrichment part of your everyday routine.

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