10 Rainy Day Indoor Activities for Dogs

Rainy days can throw a wrench in your pup’s usual outdoor adventures, but that doesn’t mean boredom has to set in. Keeping your dog entertained, stimulated, and active indoors is possible with creativity. Whether you’re looking for games for dogs indoors or ways to offer mental enrichment, this list of rainy day dog activities will turn those gloomy days into fun bonding moments. From interactive play to simple DIY ideas, you'll find something perfect for your furry friend. Ready to discover how to keep your dog happy and healthy inside? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

• Indoor Fetch with Soft Toys
• Puzzle Feeders & Treat-Dispensing Toys
• Teach a New Trick or Command
• Indoor Agility Course
• Hide and Seek (with Treats or Toys)
• Snuffle Mats & DIY Foraging Games
• Cuddle & Enrichment Time
• Watch Dog TV or Nature Videos
• Tug of War
• Photo Shoot with Dog Accessories

Indoor Fetch with Soft Toys for Rainy Day Fun

Fetch isn’t just an outdoor game! Indoor fetch using soft toys is one of the simplest indoor dog activities that burns energy without damaging your furniture. Look for plush, lightweight toys like a soft macaron or squeaky donut designed for safe indoor play. Roll the toy down a hallway or toss it into an open space like the living room. If you have stairs, try tossing it gently up or down for an extra workout.

Want to level up your fetch game with enriching gear? These indoor activity products for dogs are designed to keep your pup moving, even when it's stormy outside.

Explore our collection of dog plush toys that are perfect for rainy-day fetch.

Puzzle Feeders & Treat-Dispensing Toys for Mental Stimulation

When the weather forces you inside, dog mental stimulation becomes even more important. Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys challenge your dog's brain while rewarding them with tasty bites. From simple snuffle balls to advanced puzzles with sliding parts, there's something for every skill level.

If you're wondering how to entertain your dog inside, try stuffing a Kong with peanut butter and freezing it, or use a wobble toy filled with kibble. For added variety, switch puzzles every few days or combine multiple types in one session. Or elevate the experience with our dog treat subscription plan for a rotating selection of gourmet treats that fit perfectly in puzzle toys. This keeps boredom at bay and satisfies their natural problem-solving instincts.

Interactive toys like puzzle feeders don't just entertain—they also help prevent destructive dog behavior by redirecting pent-up energy.

Teach a New Trick or Command

A rainy day is the perfect time to work on training. Teaching new tricks or reinforcing commands is one of the best rainy day dog activities that strengthens your bond while keeping their brain engaged.

Try fun tricks like:

●    Spin in a circle
●    Play dead
●    Shake paws
●    Fetch a specific toy by name

Or focus on useful skills like:

●    "Leave it"
●    "Place" (go to a designated spot)
●    "Touch" (nose to hand)

Make it rewarding with praise, belly rubs, or rainy day treats for dogs. Use high-value rewards like our dog macarons – 6-count for extra motivation during training. Trick training is mentally tiring, which often leads to a calm, happy pup afterward.

Training sessions are a great time to introduce toy-based rewards. Check out the best chew toys for indoor play that make training more engaging.

Indoor Agility Course: Creative Rainy Day Dog Activities

Turn your home into a mini agility playground! This is one of the most exciting rainy day dog activities for energetic pups. Use what you have:

● Broomsticks across chairs for jumps
● Sofa cushions as hurdles
● Blankets draped over furniture as tunnels
● Hula hoops to jump through

Time your dog or create a mini competition. Incorporate commands like “jump,” “over,” or “crawl.” This not only gives physical exercise but also boosts their confidence. Mark their progress with a reward at each checkpoint—try our dog macarons – 40-count for easy portioning. Add some of the best dog toys for indoors as checkpoints or rewards throughout the course.

Need more ideas for energy-burning indoor activities? Our guide on indoor entertainment for dogs shares how to turn your home into a mini obstacle course.

Hide and Seek (with Treats or Toys)

This classic never gets old! Hide and seek activates your dog’s natural hunting instincts while providing excellent dog mental stimulation.

Try hiding:

● Yourself (call them to come find you)
● Their favorite plush toy
● Rainy day treats for dogs under pillows, behind doors, or in open drawers

Start simple, then increase difficulty by changing hiding spots or using scent-based clues. Make it extra fun with our themed dog treats, perfect for interactive scent games. You'll be amazed at how focused your dog becomes during the hunt—and how satisfying it is when they "win" by finding the prize.

Games like this are fun and mentally enriching. For more ways to keep dogs happy indoors, check out these additional ideas from our archive.

Snuffle Mats & DIY Foraging Games for Indoor Play

Cuddle & Enrichment Time: Low-Energy Rainy Day Dog Activities

Not every rainy day has to be about high-energy play. Sometimes your pup just wants to relax with you. Combine cuddle time with calming enrichment by offering:

● A stuffed Kong or lick mat
● A chew toy designed for longer sessions, such as our plush toys
● A plush comfort toy

This quiet bonding time supports emotional well-being, especially for anxious pups who may dislike storms. Our cozy dog plush toys are perfect for stormy snuggles. Brush their coat, give them a gentle massage, or simply sit together on the couch. Even low-key indoor dog games like "find the hand with the treat" count toward enrichment.

Watch Dog TV or Nature Videos Together

Yes—this is a thing! Many dogs genuinely enjoy watching Dog TV, nature documentaries, or animal footage on YouTube. The moving squirrels, birds, or critters captivate their attention and provide passive enrichment.

Set your pup up with a cozy blanket, a chew toy, or one of the best dog toys for indoors, then let them enjoy the visual entertainment. Some platforms even offer music frequencies designed to calm dogs during bad weather. It's a fantastic option when you need a breather but still want to keep your dog engaged.

Tug of War: Rainy Day Dog Activities with a Workout

Tug of war is one of the most effective indoor dog activities for burning energy and strengthening your bond. Grab a sturdy rope toy, rubber ring, or heavy-duty plush, and let the game begin.

This activity satisfies your dog's natural prey drive, builds jaw strength, and reinforces manners. Remember to teach commands like "drop it" or "release" to ensure the game stays safe and fun. Alternate between tug and other games, tossing in some rainy day treats for dogs during breaks for extra motivation.

Photo Shoot with Dog Accessories: Fun & Creative Play

Rainy days are the perfect excuse for a doggie photoshoot! Dress your pup in cute outfits like bandanas, hoodies, or even mini raincoats. Set up a cozy backdrop using blankets, pillows, string lights, or houseplants.

Use treats or their favorite dog toys for indoors as props to capture their attention. This is not only a fun way to bond but also a chance to snag some adorable content for your Instagram or TikTok. Bonus idea: turn it into a themed shoot—like pajama day, cozy cabin vibes, or rainy day blues. Browse our collection of stylish dog accessories to complete your pup’s rainy day look.

Make Rainy Days Rewarding

Rainy days don't have to be boring. With a mix of creative rainy day dog activities, your pup can stay mentally stimulated, physically active, and emotionally fulfilled without ever stepping outside. From indoor fetch and hide-and-seek to agility courses and foraging games, these activities transform gloomy weather into joyful bonding moments.

Looking for ways to make rainy days even more rewarding? Check out our Dog Advent Calendar and themed treat boxes, durable plush toys, or  treat combos—perfect for keeping tails wagging no matter the weather. Rain or shine, happy dogs make happy homes.

Keep Tails Wagging: Creative Indoor Fun for Rainy Days

What to do with a dog if it's raining?

A rainy day doesn't mean a boring day for your dog! Try indoor games like hide-and-seek with treats, or spend quality time teaching a new trick. You can also use snuffle mats, puzzle toys, or even have a cozy cuddle session. Your dog will love the attention and stimulation, even if you're both stuck indoors.

How to entertain your dog indoors?

Indoor fun can be just as exciting! Rotate interactive toys, play tug-of-war, set up a mini obstacle course, or try scent games that challenge your pup's nose. Even simple training sessions with high-value treats can turn a rainy afternoon into something enriching.

Do dogs get bored on rainy days?

Yes, just like humans, dogs can get bored without mental or physical activity. If walks aren't an option, be creative indoors. Mental enrichment — like food puzzles, learning new tricks, or interactive play — can help your dog stay happy and tired, even without going outside.

How to exercise your dog when the weather is bad?

When the weather isn't ideal, exercise your dog indoors with games like fetch down the hallway, stair sprints, tug, or agility-style exercises. You can even use training as a form of mental workout. Keeping your dog engaged is what matters most, rain or shine.