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Rainy Day Activities for Energetic Dogs (and Tired Humans)

Rainy days can be a welcome break for some - but for energetic dogs and their weary humans, they often spell frustration. When walks are short and outdoor adventures are on hold, your dog’s excess energy can quickly turn into restlessness, barking or mischief.

The good news is that you don’t need endless energy or special equipment to keep your dog stimulated indoors. With the right balance of play, training and relaxation, you can transform even the wettest day into an opportunity for connection, calm and enrichment.

Here are some simple, vet-approved ways to keep your dog happy, tired and engaged - no umbrella required.

Nose Work Games 

A dog’s sense of smell is extraordinary, and harnessing it is one of the best ways to tire them out mentally. Scent work not only builds focus and confidence but also provides emotional satisfaction.

How to play:

  • Scatter part of your dog’s regular kibble around a room or under blankets.

  • Gradually make hiding spots more difficult as your dog gets the hang of it.

  • For an extra challenge, use cardboard boxes or rolled-up towels.

Research shows that scent work and olfactory foraging behaviour improve canine wellbeing and reduce stress-related behaviour. For example, a study found that dogs who regularly engaged in nose work showed a more positive judgement bias - an indicator of better emotional welfare. 

DIY Puzzle Feeders

You don’t need fancy puzzle toys to challenge your dog’s brain - using what you have at home works just as well.

  • Hide treats in a muffin tin and cover each slot with a tennis ball.

  • Roll kibble into a towel or newspaper tube for your dog to unroll.

  • Fill a cardboard box with scrunched-up paper and scatter food inside.

These low-effort games encourage problem-solving and persistence, which improve focus and patience indoors. Studies on interactive enrichment show that offering dogs novel tasks and foraging opportunities supports emotional balance and reduces stress. 

Short, Structured Training Sessions

Training doesn’t have to mean formal obedience drills. Five to ten minutes of learning new tricks or practising simple commands can be surprisingly effective at burning mental energy.

Why it works:
 Training builds trust, attention and self-control. Your dog learns that calm, focused behaviour earns rewards - an important skill when cabin fever strikes. Studies on enrichment and positive reinforcement show that interactive learning enhances welfare in domestic dogs, reducing stress-related behaviours.

Try teaching:

  • “Touch” (nose to hand target)

  • “Spin” (gentle directional cue)

  • “Settle” (calm on a mat command)

Keep sessions short, upbeat and end on a positive note with praise or a treat.

Calming Chews for Rest Time

Some dogs struggle to switch off, even after play. Pairing gentle enrichment with structured rest helps them wind down.

  • After active play, encourage your dog to settle in a quiet corner.

  • Use a soft bed, familiar toy and maybe play gentle background music or white noise.

  • These “down times” help regulate stress hormones, support recovery and reinforce calm behaviour.

Interactive Play Without Chaos

A mild indoor game of tug or gentle fetch down a hallway can release energy while reinforcing training cues such as “drop” or “wait.” For dogs who love a challenge, hide-and-seek (with you or their favourite toy) adds fun while building recall skills. Finish with calm praise and a short cool-down to reinforce the idea that excitement is followed by rest.

Nutrition Still Matters Indoors

Even when activity levels dip, balanced nutrition keeps your dog’s body and brain performing at their best. A diet rich in digestible protein and gut-friendly fibre supports steady energy, healthy digestion and stable mood - especially on indoor days when movement is reduced.

Sources

What vets are saying

Trusted by experts

Dr. G Hampson | BVSC MRCVS

Dr. M Degawa | BVSc MRCVS

Dr. M Kipperman | BVM&S MVetSci MRCVS

Amelia Jones | Veterinary Nurse

Dr. H Vaughan | BVSC MRCVS