
Tips & Training
15 Fun Indoor Activities for Dogs & Rainy Day Games
Beat the wet weather blues with these indoor dog activities!
Katy and Shell are two style-savvy dog mums celebrating the best in pet-friendly living. A professional pet photographer and dog lifestyle writer, together they share dog-friendly inspiration, pet product reviews, dog treat recipes, expert pet advice and on-trend dog brands with discerning pet parents around the world.
Found: indoor activities for dogs you and your pooch will love!
Here at Pretty Fluffy we love spending time with our dogs. But when it’s cold and rainy out, it can be hard to come up with indoor activities to keep them entertained. So, we’ve done the hard work for you.
From trick training to dog treat puzzles, try these indoor dog activities if your pup is showing signs of boredom…or it’s simply time for them to get off the couch!
15 Indoor Activities for Dogs When It’s Cold Outside
1. Indoor agility
Why not build your own lounge room dog agility course? Use couch cushions to jump over, or add in a collapsible kids tunnel. Use dog treats to guide your dog through and see how fast they can get!
Here are some fun tips on how to set up your own indoor agility course.
2. Indoor ball games with iFetch
The iFetch automatic ball launcher is your rainy day dreams come true. It throws balls for your dog so you don’t have to!
Simply set it up and your dog can play fetch for hours, while you watch your favorite dog movie.
For more details read our full iFetch product review.
3. Dog Treat Puzzles by Nina Ottosson
When it comes to indoor activities for dogs, Nina Ottosson dog toys are the perfect boredom busters! They not only keep your dog entertained and engaged, but they also boost their intelligence.
The indoors range consists of durable interactive games, each with a unique mechanism that requires mental as well as physical dexterity to work through the challenges and reveal hidden food rewards.
Designed to stimulate a dog’s brain whilst reinforcing their relationship with you, they are a must for your rainy day arsenal!
To find out more read our full Nina Ottosson dog toy review here.
4. Puppy pamper session
Turn your rainy day at home into a spa sesh! While dogs will stretch naturally, canine massage has the additional benefit of increasing circulation for dogs, releasing endorphins and reducing stiffness.
To massage your pooch, simply apply slight pressure with your palms as you would normally pat your dog. Experiment with circular motions and movements, making note of what your dog enjoys and spots where they may be holding tension.
To learn more about canine massage and pampering, see these great tips by AKC on how massage can help your dog.
5. Learn some new tricks
No matter how old your dog, they can always learn new tricks. You can start with the basic commands like sit and stay, or use your indoor time to try some fun ones!
All you need are some yummy dog treats – such as dog biscuits, cooked chicken or cheese cubes.
For more ideas, get your hands on Dr Katrina Warren’s Wonderdogs Tricks and Training book – featuring 20 fun tricks from easy to advanced!
6. Fill up a treat ball
Almost every dog loves a treat ball!
Just fill up your favourite dog treat ball with kibble or small dog treats, and let your dog enjoy their rainy day afternoon searching for them! It’s probably the easiest indoor activities for dogs you’ll find.
Our favourite treat balls include The Odin and The Bob-A-Lot.
7. Fun and games with iFetch Frenzy
With its quirky and clever design, the iFetch Frenzy dog toy engages your dog on a physical and mental level.
Like a carnival game, when you pop the ball into the top of the Frenzy it randomly comes out 1 of 3 chutes at the base – keeping your dog guessing right ’til the very end!
Working on gravity alone, the iFetch Frenzy has no need for power or batteries and is perfect for indoor play – set it up, lay on the couch, while the Frenzy keeps your dog them engaged and occupied for hours.
Read our full iFetch Frenzy review here.
8. Have an at-home pet photography session
There’s something about lazing the day away at home and capturing your dog one-on-one, with a little in-home pet photography.
With your dog completely relaxed and with their favourite person (you!) by their side, you’re in the prime position to capture those special details only you know about.
See our 5 top ideas for at-home pet photography here.
9. Make a batch of easy no-bake dog treats
Ready in just minutes, these treats require no baking and your dog can enjoy them straight away.
No more sad pup who can’t go on a walk…just a happy dog with their favourite snack!
Try these no-bake dog treats you can share with your pooch, or our popular No-Bake Coconut Dog Treats (a reader favorite!)
10. Blow bubbles!
They ‘aint just for kids. Dogs love romping around trying to catch bubbles in the air.
There are special ‘doggie flavoured’ bubble mixes like this ‘Bacon Bubble Machine’ (that blows bacon bubbles!!), but you’re also ok to use non-toxic kids bubbles.
11. Practice using your dog carrier
OK, so this activity may not rate as high on the ‘fun scale’ as all the others…but it does involve treats!
It’s a handy one for you too, so essentially it’s a win-win for both you and your dog.
See our tips on how to introduce your dog to a carrier.
12. Make your own no-sew dog toy
Everyone loves a new toy, and dogs are no different!
So while you may be stuck indoors, this super easy no sew dog toy tutorial will have your dog enjoying their new toy in no time.
13. Make your own healthy Kong filling
Kongs are the perfect indoor dog toy! Flling them up with yummy goodies guarantees your dog will be occupied for hours.
Make your Kong stuffing extra healthy and yummy with our very own DIY peanut butter bone filling!
14. Make a simple homemade Kong
All you need is an apple, an apple corer and your favourite filling!
Completely edible, delicious, and healthy, your dog will be content to stay indoors allll day with one of these babies by their side.
See our DIY Edible Apple Kong Dog Toy tutorial here.
15. Make your own DIY dog toy
Who doesn’t love an eco-friendly dog toy that reuses existing materials?
Simply grab some old t-shirts and within minutes your pup will have a new tug toy to while away the rainy day!
See how easy it is to make this DIY dog tug toy.
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