Indoor Games to Play With Your Dog on Rainy Days
Rain, snow, extreme heat — there are plenty of reasons you might be stuck indoors with a restless dog. But a rainy day doesn't have to mean a bored dog. With the right games and toys, you can tire out your pup mentally and physically without setting foot outside.
Here are the best indoor games to keep your dog happy, stimulated, and exhausted on rainy days.
1. Hide and Seek
This classic game taps into your dog's natural search instincts and is one of the best ways to tire them out indoors.
How to play:
- Ask your dog to sit and stay (or have someone hold them)
- Hide in another room
- Call your dog's name
- Celebrate enthusiastically when they find you
For a toy variation, hide their favorite Golden Goose around the house and let them use their nose to track it down.
2. The Muffin Tin Game
Place treats in a muffin tin and cover each cup with a tennis ball or small toy. Your dog has to figure out how to remove the covers to access the treats. It's a simple DIY puzzle that's surprisingly effective.
3. Indoor Fetch
You don't need a yard for fetch — a hallway works perfectly. Use a soft plush toy like the Avocado Plush Toy to avoid breaking anything. Keep throws low and controlled to prevent crashes into furniture.
4. Treasure Hunt
Hide treats or treat-stuffed toys around a room and let your dog search. Start easy (in plain sight) and gradually increase difficulty. The Fried Chicken Interactive Toy loaded with treats makes an excellent treasure hunt target thanks to its SnackStash features.
5. Tug-of-War
A classic that never gets old. Tug-of-war provides excellent physical exercise in a small space. Use a durable toy like the Nunchucks Plush Toy and play by the rules: start on your cue, drop on command, and take breaks.
6. The Shell Game
Place a treat under one of three cups. Shuffle them and let your dog choose. This game builds problem-solving skills and is endlessly entertaining for both of you.
7. Obstacle Course
Build an indoor agility course using household items:
- Chairs for weaving
- Broomsticks across chairs for low jumps
- Blanket tunnels
- Couch cushion stepping stones
Use a squeaky toy like the Coffee Cup Plush Toy as the reward at the end of the course.
8. Training Session as Play
Learning new tricks is one of the best ways to mentally tire a dog. Spend 15-20 minutes teaching something new:
- Spin in a circle
- Shake with both paws
- Play dead
- Put toys away in a basket
- Ring a bell
9. Frozen Treat Puzzles
Freeze treats or peanut butter inside a puzzle toy for a long-lasting rainy day activity. The licking and problem-solving combination is incredibly calming for anxious dogs.
10. The Name Game
Teach your dog the names of their toys. Start with two distinct toys, say one name, and reward when they pick the correct one. Gradually add more toys. Some dogs can learn 20+ toy names!
How Much Indoor Exercise Does a Dog Need?
On days when outdoor walks aren't possible, aim for:
- Small/low-energy breeds: 20-30 minutes total (split into sessions)
- Medium breeds: 30-45 minutes total
- Large/high-energy breeds: 45-60 minutes total
Remember: mental exercise is just as tiring as physical exercise. A 15-minute puzzle session can be as exhausting as a 30-minute walk.
Tips for Successful Indoor Play
- Clear fragile items from the play area
- Use soft toys to avoid breaking things
- Keep sessions short and fun — end on a positive note
- Alternate active games with calm enrichment
- Always have water available
Final Thoughts
Rainy days are an opportunity to get creative with your dog. The games on this list will tire out dogs of any breed, size, or energy level — all from the comfort of your living room. Stock up on a few versatile PAWTY toys, and you'll always be ready for an indoor play day.
