Enrichment · 5 min read · June 7, 2026

Indoor games for dogs on rainy days♡
5 calm activities

Q: What indoor games can I play with my dog?

Great indoor games for dogs include sniff and search (hiding treats), the cup game, puzzle toys, towel roll enrichment and short training sessions. These use your dog's natural instincts and tire them out mentally without needing outdoor space.

Q: How do I keep my dog entertained on a rainy day?

On rainy days, rotate enrichment activities like snuffle mats, lick mats, treat puzzles and training games. Even a 5-minute sniff session or cup game can settle an overexcited dog for hours.

Q: Are indoor games enough exercise for a dog?

Mental stimulation through indoor games can be just as tiring as physical exercise, often more so. A 10-minute sniff-and-search or puzzle session can leave many dogs settled for the rest of the afternoon.

When walks aren't possible, these calm indoor
games help your dog sniff, think and relax.
Perfect for rainy days and cozy days at home.

See the 5 games → Shop Lana's picks

Anelda Bosch Light Paw Studio

Golden retriever wrapped in a lavender blanket, indoor games for dogs on rainy days

Follow along @lana.thegoldenretriever

❤

Start here

Choose the right game for your dog's mood

Your dog needs to calm down

↓

Try a snuffle mat or a slow sniff game.

Your dog loves food

↓

Try a puzzle toy with a few treats or kibble.

Needs movement

↓

Use a treat ball for gentle indoor activity.

Your dog is clever

↓

Use a puzzle board or tube toy for a challenge.

Want something simple

↓

Roll treats in a towel and let them work.

Not sure where to start?Choose a snuffle mat first for calm sniffing, or a puzzle toy if your dog loves treat-based games.

The 5 calm indoor games

❤

Sniff & Search

Hide treats around the room or in a snuffle mat and let your dog use their nose.

See snuffle mat

Cup Game

Hide a treat under one of three cups and let
them find the
winner.

See cup game toy

Puzzle Toys

Great for mental stimulation and keeping your dog calm and focused.

See puzzle toy

Towel Roll

Roll up treats in a towel and let your dog sniff, unroll and enjoy.

See towel roll

Gentle Training

Practice simple cues
like sit, down or paw. Keep it short, positive and fun.

Gentle training tips

Why calm games?

Some days a walk just isn't possible, it's raining, it's too hot, or life is simply busy. Those are the days I reach for our little collection of indoor games. Each one uses what dogs love most: sniffing, problem-solving and connection with you. No fancy equipment needed. Just a willing pup and five minutes.

Reduces boredom & anxiety❤A mentally occupied dog is a calm, settled dog.

Mentally stimulates your dog❤Uses their nose and brain, often more tiring than a walk.

Strengthens your bond❤Time spent playing together builds trust and connection.

Creates a more peaceful home❤A dog who's had enrichment is easier to live with.

Shop the picks

Lana's rainy-day favourites

The games above can be done simply, but these are the rainy-day toys we reach for when we want to make indoor enrichment easier.

Best for: food-motivated dogs

Lick N' Flip Puzzle Toy

A flip-and-lick puzzle board, dogs nose open the covers to find hidden treats underneath. A great beginner-level challenge.

View puzzle toy

Best for: puppies & beginners

Puppy Treat Puzzle

A gentle fish-shaped sliding puzzle with hidden compartments, an easy first challenge for a curious pup.

View treat puzzle

Best for: dogs who like to tug

Interactive Snuffle Ball

Fleece strips hide kibble around a durable rubber ball for playful, tug-friendly foraging.

View snuffle ball

Best for: clever dogs

Food Puzzle Game

A treat-release toy for dogs who enjoy figuring things out, tip the rotating tubes to release treats.

View tube toy

Best for: calm sniffing sessions

Snuffle Mat

Scatter treats into the felt layers for a soothing foraging game your dog can do on their own.

View snuffle mat

Best for: multi-tasking sniffers

Dog Spinny Puzzle Feeder

A spinning wheel with three textured compartments, dogs nose, paw and lift the covers to find kibble hidden underneath.

View spinny feeder

Best for: slow, steady sniffers

Paw Puzzle Feeder

Nine paw-shaped covers hide kibble underneath, dogs nose and paw each one open for a satisfying slow-feed challenge.

View paw puzzle

Best for: lick mat treats

Pet Licking Mat Set

Two textured suction mats for spreading yoghurt, peanut butter or wet food, a calm, licking-focused activity for anxious moments.

View lick mat set

Best for: gentle comfort play

Plush Hippo Dog Toy

A soft, cuddly hippo for gentle tug and comfort play, a calm counterpart to the puzzle games on busy indoor days.

View plush toy

Shop full collection

Common questions

Good to know

What indoor games can I play with my dog?

Great indoor games include sniff and search, the cup game, puzzle toys, towel roll enrichment and short training sessions. These use your dog's natural instincts, sniffing, foraging and problem-solving. and are often more tiring than a walk.

How do I keep my dog entertained on a rainy day?

Rotate enrichment activities like snuffle mats, lick mats, treat puzzles and the five games above. Even a 5-minute sniff session can settle an overexcited dog for hours. Pick one or two based on your dog's mood and energy level.

Are indoor games enough exercise for a dog?

Mental stimulation is often just as tiring as physical exercise, sometimes more. A 10-minute sniff-and-search or puzzle session can leave many dogs settled for the rest of the afternoon. On days when a walk isn't possible, enrichment is the best substitute.

Do puppies benefit from indoor games too?

Yes, gentle indoor games are great for puppies. Keep sessions short (2 to 3 minutes) and easy, a beginner puzzle toy or a simple towel roll builds confidence without overwhelming a young pup.

How often should I do indoor enrichment games?

Most dogs do well with one or two short sessions a day, more on rainy days when walks are limited. Rotate between the five games so your dog doesn't get bored of any single activity.

♡ A tip from Lana

You don't have to do all five in one day. Pick one or two that suit your dog's mood and energy level. On truly rainy, lazy days we usually do a sniff search followed by a lick mat loaded with a frozen treat, and Lana is perfectly settled for the rest of the afternoon.

Lana and Marshie both enjoying the snuffle mat together

Marshie invited himself. Naturally. ♡ If you try any of these with your dog, we'd love to see them. Tag @lana.thegoldenretriever on Instagram and show us your pup's best sniff-and-search face. ♡

See Lana's rainy-day picks →

Indoor games for dogs on rainy days♡
5 calm activities