Genius Ways to Keep Your Dog Active During Rainy Days
We all know that rainy days can be a bit of a drag for both humans and dogs alike. It’s hard to imagine how to keep a dog active when the weather outside is less than inviting. As a Veterinary Technician/Nurse who specializes in nutrition, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to maintain your dog’s activity levels even when the weather isn’t cooperating. After all, a tired dog is a happy dog! So, if you’re wondering how to keep a dog active during rainy days, I’ve got you covered with plenty of fun, indoor activities to keep your furry friend engaged, healthy, and entertained.
Why Is It Important to Keep Your Dog Active?
Keeping your dog active isn’t just about tiring them out—it’s essential for their overall health. Dogs need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight, stimulate their brains, and stay happy. If your pup doesn’t get enough physical activity, they can become bored, anxious, and even start exhibiting destructive behaviors. Plus, staying active can help manage health conditions like obesity, arthritis, and diabetes. So, even on a dreary day, it’s crucial to find ways to burn off some energy indoors.
Start with Mental Stimulation
Rainy days can be the perfect opportunity to switch things up by providing your dog with mental stimulation. Just like humans, dogs get bored, and their minds need exercise too! Mental stimulation helps tire them out just as much as physical activity. And the best part? You don’t need a lot of space to do this.
- Interactive Toys: Toys that dispense treats when your dog figures out how to manipulate them are fantastic for rainy days. It keeps them focused and engaged. I personally love the Kong Wobbler—it’s a great way to challenge your pup while rewarding them with their favorite snacks!
- Hide and Seek: Hide your dog’s favorite toys or treats around the house and let them search for them. Not only does it engage their brain, but it also adds an element of fun and excitement.
- Training Sessions: Rainy days are a great time to brush up on your dog’s obedience skills. Spend 10-15 minutes teaching them new tricks or reinforcing the ones they already know. This is a perfect bonding activity that’s both mentally and physically stimulating for your dog.
Engage Your Dog’s Body Indoors
Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean your dog can’t get their zoomies out! You can still find ways to get them moving indoors. While it may seem a bit challenging, there are actually many ways to incorporate physical exercise without having to step outside into the rain.
Interactive Games
One of the best ways to keep your dog active indoors is through games that get them moving. Here are a few fun ones that can help your dog burn off some energy:
- Indoor Fetch: Yes, you can still play fetch indoors! Use a soft ball or toy and find a long hallway or open space where your dog can run and retrieve. Just be careful with fragile objects!
- Tug-of-War: This classic game is perfect for a rainy day. It doesn’t require a lot of space, and it helps your dog burn energy and strengthen their muscles. Plus, it’s a great way for you to bond!
- Obstacle Course: Set up a mini agility course using furniture, cushions, and any other objects you have around the house. Encourage your dog to jump over or crawl under obstacles to keep them moving and mentally engaged. It’s a great way to work off that excess energy!
Use a Treadmill
If you have a treadmill at home, you’re in luck! Some dogs can be trained to walk or run on a treadmill. Start slow and ensure your dog is comfortable with it before increasing speed or duration. If your dog is hesitant, you can use treats to entice them onto the treadmill. Just remember to supervise them closely while they’re using it, and never leave them unattended.
Don’t Forget About Enrichment
When it comes to keeping your dog active during rainy days, it’s not just about physical activity. Enrichment plays a significant role in a dog’s overall well-being. Dogs need to use their minds and senses, and rainy days can be the perfect time to provide them with a bit more sensory stimulation.
Interactive Puzzles and Toys
Investing in some interactive puzzle toys is a game changer for rainy day play. These toys require your dog to figure out how to access treats, which not only stimulates their mind but also keeps them entertained for extended periods. I recommend puzzle toys like the Nina Ottosson puzzle games—they offer varying difficulty levels and are great for mental engagement.
DIY Scent Games
Dogs love using their noses, so you can easily set up a scent game indoors. Hide some treats or a favorite toy and let your dog sniff them out. This engages their sense of smell and provides mental stimulation while they search. You’d be surprised how tiring a good nose work session can be for your pup!
Make Mealtime More Engaging
One thing I’ve learned working with dogs and their diets is that mealtime doesn’t have to be boring. Especially on rainy days, it’s a golden opportunity to turn feeding into a fun, enriching experience. As someone who specializes in canine nutrition, I always try to weave in movement and mental stimulation with meals—it’s a win-win for your dog’s health and happiness.
Use Puzzle Feeders
Instead of tossing kibble into a bowl, why not make your dog work for it? Puzzle feeders and slow-feed bowls are perfect tools to slow down fast eaters and engage their brains. I personally love the Outward Hound slow bowls or snuffle mats—dogs absolutely go wild sniffing out every last piece of kibble!
It turns a five-minute meal into a 20-minute game. Not only does this help burn energy, but it also reduces the risk of bloat in larger breeds and helps prevent overeating.
Make a Treat Scavenger Hunt
On gloomy days, I like to hide my dog’s food or treats in different corners of the house. I’ll call it “the breakfast hunt.” It’s a simple but super effective way to keep your dog moving and thinking. You can even wrap treats in towels, place them under furniture (safely), or use cardboard boxes as makeshift puzzles.
Try Doggy Dance Parties
Okay, hear me out—it might sound a little silly, but dancing with your dog can actually be a fun, low-impact way to get them moving indoors. I’ve done this with plenty of patients (and my own pup), especially those who are recovering from injury or are seniors who need gentler forms of activity.
Put On Your Favorite Music
Play something upbeat and get your dog excited by clapping, hopping, and encouraging them to move along with you. You can use basic commands like “spin,” “jump,” “side,” and “shake” to choreograph a little routine. It might feel goofy at first, but trust me—it becomes a hilarious bonding activity. Bonus: it’s great cardio for you too!
Incorporate Commands for Extra Training
Use the dance time to reinforce commands. Ask for a “sit,” then a “down,” and reward with a treat or some enthusiastic praise. Dogs thrive on praise and positive reinforcement. Rainy days give us more uninterrupted time to focus on these moments.
Build a Cozy Indoor Adventure Zone
Sometimes, especially with energetic breeds like Aussies or Huskies, you’ve got to get creative. One of my go-to solutions is building a cozy indoor adventure space—a safe, soft area with tunnels, pillows, ramps, and toys. Think of it like a DIY doggie gym-meets-playground.
Blanket Forts and Tunnels
I’ve used kids’ play tunnels (the pop-up kind) or even a bunch of blankets draped over furniture to create exciting paths for dogs to explore. Toss in a few squeaky toys, a peanut-butter-stuffed Kong, and you’ve got yourself a rainy-day haven. This is especially helpful for shy or anxious dogs—it gives them a little sanctuary to retreat to while still being active and engaged.
Rotate Toys for Novelty
Dogs, like toddlers, can get bored with the same toys. I always recommend rotating your dog’s toys every week or two. Store half of them in a box and then swap them out to keep things fresh and exciting. You’ll be surprised how your dog lights up when an old toy “magically” reappears again.
Practice Calm and Controlled Exercises
Not every dog needs or wants high-energy play. Some, especially older dogs or those with joint issues, do better with more controlled exercises. I’ve worked with countless senior dogs who benefited tremendously from gentle indoor movement. Rainy days give you the perfect excuse to slow things down and focus on these low-impact activities.
Stretching and Canine Massage
A quick stretching session can help loosen up stiff muscles. You can gently guide your dog into play bows or use treats to lure them into slow movements. Follow that up with a gentle massage—it’s calming, improves circulation, and helps with bonding.
When I worked at a rehab-focused clinic, we’d often recommend passive range of motion exercises for our senior pups. Just a few minutes of gently moving their limbs can make a big difference in their comfort and flexibility.
Balance Work and Core Strength
If your dog is up for it, try some balance-focused exercises. Have them stand with their front paws on a stable, low surface like a pillow or balance disc. These kinds of movements help strengthen their core and stabilizing muscles, which is great for preventing injuries—especially in athletic or older dogs.
Let Them Watch the World
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of simply watching the world go by. Dogs love stimulation, even if they’re not moving. One of my clients used to open the curtains on rainy days and let her Golden Retriever sit by the window and watch the rain and people passing by. She called it “Dog Netflix,” and it became part of their routine.
You can even play some dog-friendly YouTube videos that feature birds, squirrels, or calming music. These visual and auditory cues help soothe anxious pups and keep them entertained when the weather is keeping them cooped up.
Turn Training into a Game
Another great way to keep your dog active during rainy days is to double down on training—but make it fun. Think of it like game night, but for your dog. I’ve always found that rainy days give us that extra bit of time to slow down and really focus on those little skills we often overlook when the weather is nice and we’re rushing out the door for walks.
Teach a New Trick
Rainy days are perfect for learning something new! Whether it’s “roll over,” “play dead,” or even a cute high-five, teaching new tricks is not only stimulating but also builds your dog’s confidence. When I was working in a clinic, I’d often see dogs who came in anxious or shy completely open up once we started simple training with treats and praise.
Start with short, positive sessions. Dogs learn best in bursts, so keep it to 5–10 minutes at a time and make it rewarding. Use healthy treats (freeze-dried liver is always a hit!) and don’t forget the enthusiastic, high-pitched “Good job!”—they love it more than we think.
Work on Impulse Control
Practicing impulse control exercises is another great use of indoor time. Games like “leave it,” “wait,” and “stay” are essential for a well-behaved pup, and they can be practiced right in your kitchen or living room.
- “Leave it” Game: Place a treat on the floor and cover it with your hand. Wait for your dog to back off, then reward them with a different treat. It builds focus and patience.
- “Stay and Release”: Ask your dog to stay while you slowly walk away. Release with a cue like “okay” or “free.” It’s harder than it sounds when there’s peanut butter in play!
Rotate Roles and Give Your Dog a “Job”
Some dogs just thrive when they feel like they have a purpose. Herding breeds, working dogs, and even your average family Lab can benefit from having a job to do. Rainy days are a great chance to let your dog “earn” their toys or food and give them a bit of structure and satisfaction in the process.
Put Their Nose to Work
We touched on scent games earlier, but let’s take it up a notch. Try a basic version of scent detection training. Start by having your dog sit and watch you place a small treat or toy under one of three cups. Shuffle them around, and then ask them to “find it.” You can increase the challenge as they improve. It’s a mental workout and helps reduce boredom and restlessness.
Let Them Help You Around the House
Believe it or not, dogs can learn to help out! I’ve taught dogs to fetch the TV remote (yep), put toys in their basket, and even close drawers. You’ll need patience and consistency, but it’s so rewarding—for both of you.
Start with simple tasks like retrieving specific toys by name. Build up from there. Just be mindful of your dog’s physical ability and make sure tasks are safe and positive. Helping out can be just as stimulating as a run around the park.
Set a Routine and Stick to It
One of the biggest things I emphasize with my clients is structure. Dogs thrive on routine. When it’s rainy for days on end, the usual morning walk or trip to the park might not be an option—but the structure can still stay. Try to keep feeding, playtime, and downtime on schedule to give your pup a sense of predictability.
When I fostered a very anxious rescue dog last year, sticking to a routine was key in helping her feel safe. Even if we couldn’t go outside much, she knew when to expect breakfast, training, cuddles, and bedtime. That predictability helped lower her stress levels and made those rainy days a lot easier on both of us.
Know When to Just Chill
This might sound a little contradictory in an article about keeping dogs active—but sometimes, it’s okay to just relax. Not every rainy day needs to be packed with activities. If your dog is already getting regular enrichment and exercise, a quiet cuddle day on the couch isn’t the end of the world. In fact, for many dogs, it’s their idea of a perfect day.
Especially for senior dogs, dogs with chronic pain, or those recovering from illness, rest is just as vital as activity. You know your dog best. So if they seem content snoozing through the storm, let them enjoy it guilt-free.
Final Thoughts on Rainy Day Dog Fun
Finding ways for how to keep a dog active during rainy days doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A little creativity and a willingness to be goofy can go a long way. Whether it’s indoor fetch, a trick training session, or letting your pup help sort the laundry, every little activity adds up to a healthier, happier dog.
And from someone who’s spent years working hands-on in the veterinary world—I can tell you that dogs who stay mentally and physically engaged tend to live longer, healthier lives. So don’t let the rain stop you from keeping things moving. With the right approach, those wet, gloomy days might just turn into some of your favorite moments together.
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Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s routine, exercise plan, or diet—especially if they have underlying health conditions or special needs.
