When the weather turns bad, it can be hard to do your usual walks and playtime with your dog. They may become very full of energy and look for things to do.
But don’t worry, there is no need to buy special and expensive toys. There are many items you can use at home to keep them busy.
Below are 10 free ways to keep your dog busy whilst at home on a rainy day. They are easy games to play which will help to keep them busy with their nose, brain, body and learning.
Why Should I Keep My Dog Busy?
Dogs need more than just somewhere to sleep and eat. They also need to get some exploration, nose work, learning and interaction with you.
By playing games at home, you can help to keep them stimulated.
Here are just a few reasons to keep your dog busy on a rainy day.
Whilst playing games at home will not give them the same amount of exercise as they usually get, mixing up activities can help.
10 Ways To Keep Your Dog Busy At Home
These games can be played using items you are likely to have at home. Choose activities that are suitable for your dog’s age, size, confidence and energy levels.
1. Hide And Seek With Treats
This is a simple nose work game. You don’t need any special toys. You can increase or decrease the difficulty of the game depending on your dog’s experience.
How To Play:
- Ask your dog to wait in another room or ask someone to gently hold your dog.
- Hide some small pieces of their usual treats in an easy to reach area.
- Let your dog into the room and encourage them to find the treats.
- Praise them when they find each treat. Gradually increase difficulty of where you hide the treats.
Start with hiding them in plain sight so they can understand what they are doing. Don’t hide them in areas where they may knock things over, get stuck or reach something dangerous.
2. Towel Treat Game
This is a simple nose work game you can play with a towel.
How To Play:
- Lay a clean towel down on a flat surface.
- Place a few pieces of their kibble onto the towel.
- Fold or roll the towel up loosely to cover some of the food.
- Place the towel on the floor and let your dog sniff around.
- Encourage them to work out how to get the kibble.
Use a few loose folds for beginner dogs. Once they have got the hang of it, you can make it slightly more challenging.
Make sure to supervise your dog. If they start to chew or eat the towel, remove it.
3. Find Their Favourite Toy
If your dog has a favourite toy, this is a simple search game.
How To Play:
- Show your dog their favourite toy.
- Let them sniff it.
- Ask them to wait whilst you hide their toy somewhere easy to reach.
- Give them a cue such as ‘Find it!’.
- Encourage them to search for their toy. Praise when they find it.
Start off by hiding their toy in plain sight. As they get better you can hide it behind a chair or next to a safe piece of furniture.
If they don’t understand what they need to do, show them where it is.
4. Cardboard Box Treasure Hunt
Using a cardboard box can help to keep them busy with some interesting nose work and searching.
What You Will Need:
- 1 clean cardboard box
- A few pieces of their kibble / treats.
- Some loose crumpled plain paper (optional).
How To Play:
- Remove any tape, staples, labels, or sharp / loose pieces.
- Place a few pieces of kibble into the box.
- Add some loose crumpled paper to make it more interesting.
- Place the box on the floor and encourage your dog to investigate.
- Let them sniff around to find the food.
Keep it simple. Don’t use any small items, plastic packaging or anything they can eat. Supervise them and if they start to eat the cardboard / paper, remove it.
5. Which Hand?
This is one of the easiest games to play if you have very little space. It helps to get them using their nose and making choices.
How To Play:
- Take a small piece of kibble or dog friendly treat.
- Let your dog see it and then hide it in one of your hands.
- Close both of your hands and show them to your dog.
- Encourage them to sniff each hand. When they have chosen the correct hand, open it to reveal the treat.
Play a few times, swapping hands each time. Keep the games short.
6. Indoor Fetch
If your dog likes to chase their toys, this is a great way to get them moving.
How To Play:
- Choose somewhere clear to play. Make sure there is plenty of space for them to move around safely.
- Remove any slimy rugs, breakable decorations and anything that could cause them to have an accident.
- Choose a soft toy that is suitable for their size.
- Roll or gently throw the toy a short distance.
- Encourage them to bring it back.
Keep the throws short and gentle. Don’t play on stairs, slimy floors or tight spaces where they may bang into furniture.
If they get too excited or start to slip, stop playing and try a calmer game.
7. Teach Them A New Trick
Rainy days are a great time to get them doing some basic training or teaching them a new simple trick. It will give them the opportunity to learn and spend quality time with you.
You could teach them:
- Nose touch
- Paw
- Spin
- Sit and wait
- Go to their bed
- Respond to their name.
How To Play:
- Choose one simple behaviour.
- Use a small treat or piece of kibble as a reward.
- Give them a clear cue or gently encourage them to do the behaviour.
- Reward them when they make progress. End on a positive note.
Keep the sessions short and fun. If they get confused or lose interest, take a break and try again later.
8. Cups
This is a simple DIY puzzle game. It will help to get them watching, smelling and searching for their reward.
How To Play:
- Get 2 or 3 strong, dog friendly cups.
- Let them watch you put a piece of kibble under one of the cups.
- Encourage them to find the food.
- Once they have found it, lift the correct cup and let them enjoy their reward. Repeat, moving the food to a different place.
If they are new to this game, start with just 1 cup. Use cups that won’t break easily and supervise them.
9. Tug
Tug can be a fun game to play with your dog. Use a dog friendly tug toy or strong toy.
How To Play:
- Choose a safe toy that is a good size for your dog.
- Invite them to grab one end.
- Hold the other end and let them gently tug.
- Keep the movements controlled. Don’t tug.
- Pause regularly and let them drop the toy when asked.
Don’t use any fabric from around the house or anything that will tear easily. Keep it gentle especially with puppies, elderly dogs or dogs with physical issues.
10. Treasure Hunt With Food
Instead of just putting all their food into their bowl, you can turn part of their meal into a simple search game.
This is an easy way to add some enrichment without spending any money.
How To Play:
- Measure out their usual meal.
- Take some of their kibble.
- Put small amounts into a few safe and easy to reach places.
- Encourage them to search for the food.
- Let them enjoy their meal at a comfortable pace.
Hide the kibble in a few places in one room or spread it out on a clean, non-slimy surface.
Use their usual amount of food per day. Make sure all the hiding places are safe.
Choosing The Best Game For Your Dog
Not all dogs will like the same games. Some may like searching for food, others may enjoy playing with their toys or learning new tricks.
Use their behaviour to decide what to play.
| Preference | Game |
|---|---|
| Loves Nose Work | Treasure hunt, towel game, treasure hunt with food. |
| Enjoys Toys | Find favourite toy, gentle fetch. |
| Likes Learning | New tricks, cups. |
| Lots Of Energy | Gentle fetch, gentle tug. |
| Prefers Calmer Games | Which hand, treasure hunt. |
Start with simple games and see how they react. If they seem frustrated, anxious or uninterested, simplify the game or choose a different game.
Tips For Keeping Your Dog Safe
Make sure any enrichment you do with them is fun and safe. Prepare the area before you start.
- Clear the floor – Remove any breakable items, loose wires and anything they could trip over.
- No slimy surfaces – Choose a surface they can move around on.
- Use suitable food rewards – Use small treats and remember to count them into their daily food allowance.
- Supervise DIY puzzles – Only use cardboard, towels, paper and cups if you can supervise them.
- Keep games short – If they lose interest or get tired, give them a break.
- Be considerate – Puppies, elderly dogs and dogs with physical issues may need gentler games.
Never force them to play. The goal is to keep them entertained.
How Long Should I Keep My Dog Busy?
There isn’t a set time for every dog. The right amount of activity will depend on their age, health, breed, personality and usual exercise.
Try to do a few short games throughout the day.
For example:
- Morning – Play a short treasure hunt.
- After breakfast – Play the towel game.
- Midday – Practice a simple trick.
- Afternoon – Play a gentle fetch or hide their favourite toy.
- Evening – Use part of their dinner for a treasure hunt.
You can alter this depending on how much energy they have. Remember they need to have some downtime.
FAQs
1. How Can I Keep My Dog Busy Without Buying Toys?
Use items from around the house to play simple enrichment games. Try hiding their kibble in a towel, treasure hunt with a cardboard box, hide and seek or teach them a new trick. Always ensure the items are safe for your dog and supervise them during DIY games.
2. What Can I Do With My Dog If It Rains All Day?
Try a mix of games. Try treasure hunting, gentle tug, training, gentle fetch and finding their favourite toy. You can also use part of their usual mealtime as a food searching game.
3. Are Indoor Games Enough Exercise For Dogs?
They can provide some exercise but may not provide as much as they usually get. When the weather improves, get them back into a suitable walking and exercise routine. Make sure to consider their individual needs.
4. How Can I Stop My Dog Getting Bored Whilst At Home?
Vary the games you play. Mix nose work, training, food puzzles and gentle games. Make sure to give them some downtime.
5. Are Rainy Day Activities Suitable For Puppies And Senior Dogs?
Many simple activities can be done with puppies and senior dogs. Keep the hiding places simple, keep the movements gentle and keep the games short. Avoid any games involving jumping, slipping or too much exercise. If they have any health or physical issues, ask your vet which games are suitable.
6. Can I Use Their Usual Kibble For Enrichment?
Yes! You can use their usual kibble for many searching games. Measure out their daily food allowance and use some of it for their games.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to get bored with your dog on rainy days. With a bit of creativity you can use everyday items and food to create fun enrichment games.
Try a treasure hunt, towel puzzle, cardboard box game or a short training session. You don’t have to do all 10 ideas. Start with the games they enjoy the most and vary throughout the day.
A few simple games can help to keep them interested whilst they are at home. They will get to use their nose, brain, learn and spend time with you.
