Rainy Day Blues? 7 Indoor Games to Tire Out Your Dog Without Leaving the House

Let’s be honest—Kiwi winters have a way of turning dog walks into soggy missions involving gumboots, towels, and a whole lot of mud. When the weather closes in, your dog’s need for movement, stimulation, and fun doesn’t just pause until spring.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to brave sideways rain to keep your pup happy and well-exercised. These seven indoor games will get your dog’s tail wagging, brain buzzing, and energy burnt—all from the comfort of home.

1. “Find It!” – A Scent Work Classic

Dogs experience the world through their noses. Channel that super-sniffer with a DIY game of scent work.

How it works: Start simple—hide a treat or favourite toy in plain sight and say “Find it!” Gradually increase the challenge by placing it behind furniture or under a blanket.

This game can be surprisingly tiring because sniffing engages their brain deeply. Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce recall and focus.

🧠 Fun fact: Mental stimulation like this can be just as exhausting as physical play!

2. Tug-of-War with a Twist

If your dog loves a good wrestle, tug-of-war is a fantastic rainy-day release. All you need is a sturdy tug toy and a bit of space.

Add commands like “take it” and “drop it” to sneak in some obedience practice. And yes—it’s perfectly healthy if done right. Just let them win sometimes. Dogs love that.

👉 Bonus tip: Tug-of-war can be a confidence builder for anxious dogs too!

3. Indoor Fetch—Yes, Really

You don’t need a rugby field to play fetch. A hallway, lounge, or even a stairwell can become your makeshift arena.

Use soft toys (like plush balls or squeaky favourites) to avoid damaging furniture—or your shins.

🚧 Safety check: Clear the area of slippery rugs and fragile items before playtime kicks off.

4. Obstacle Course Challenge

Turn your home into a mini agility course using chairs, broomsticks, couch cushions—whatever you’ve got on hand.

Crawl under tables, leap over a rolled-up towel, weave through chair legs. Time your dog for fun or challenge them to beat their “personal best.”

🎯 This activity ticks all the boxes: physical exertion, problem-solving, and bonding.

5. The Shell Game (With Treats!)

Place a treat under one of three cups, shuffle them around, and let your dog guess where it is. This brain teaser improves memory, focus, and sniffing skills.

Start slow—your dog’s no magician just yet. But once they get the hang of it, it’s addictive.

🕵️ Pro tip: Use different-smelling treats to really test their scent skills.

6. Training Tune-Up Time

Think of winter as your dog’s personal off-season training camp. Use short sessions to reinforce commands like sit, stay, down, or even teach a brand-new trick.

Dogs crave purpose—and training feeds that. Just 10 minutes can leave your dog satisfied and mentally tired.

🎓 Need inspo? Try teaching them to put toys in a basket. Clean-up time becomes playtime!

7. The Calm Game (Yes, It’s a Game)

This one’s perfect for dogs who get overstimulated indoors. Practice relaxation using calming commands, slow breathing (yes, they mirror you), or just peaceful cuddles.

Pair it with a FlexiPaw Calm & Relax Chew formulated with chamomile, ashwagandha and L-theanine to help support calmness and you’ve got the perfect indoor chill session.

🌧️ Ideal for stormy nights when your dog’s feeling a little uneasy.

Rainy Days Don’t Have to Mean Boring Days

The truth is, dogs don’t mind being inside if they’re engaged. And as any seasoned dog parent knows, a tired dog is a happy dog—and far less likely to unroll your toilet paper or shred the couch cushions.

Whether you’re juggling a high-energy Border Collie or an easily-bored Staffy, these games offer a bit of everything: stimulation, bonding, and even a little structure to the wet-weather chaos.

So the next time the rain sets in, grab a handful of treats, cue your best “game voice,” and get the tail wags going. Because rainy days can be awesome too—with the right kind of fun.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is for educational purpose only. We recommend you talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns, if the lameness worsens or are unsure. Products on this website are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.