Rainy winter days can be cozy for us, but for dogs? Not always. When the weather is too cold, wet, or windy for long walks, your dog can quickly become bored, restless, and full of pent-up energy. And a bored dog indoors can lead to chewing, whining, over-excitement, or constant pacing.

The good news: with the right indoor activities for dogs, you can turn even the rainiest winter day into a fun, enriching, and mentally stimulating experience, all while keeping them warm, calm, and happy.

Let’s get into the best rainy day indoor activities for dogs that support their physical and mental well-being.

1. Create a Mini Indoor Adventure Walk

When walks are shorter due to rain or cold weather, you can recreate the fun indoors.

Set up a simple adventure route:

• Cushions to step over

• Blankets to crawl under

• A tunnel made from chairs and a sheet

• A pillow mountain to climb

• A snuffle towel at the end

Guide your dog through the course using Soopa Healthy Bites as motivation. It’s one of the easiest indoor activities for dogs and keeps their brain and body active.

2. Scent Games (Dogs LOVE This)

Rainy days are the perfect time for scent-play — dogs get a huge dopamine boost from using their nose.

Try these games:

• Hide Soopa treats around the living room

• Place treats under cups and shuffle them

• Put 2–3 Healthy Bites inside an old hand towel and roll it

Dogs burn as much energy sniffing as they do on a walk — ideal for days when the outdoors is too miserable.

Use small, low-fat snacks like Soopa Banana & Pumpkin Healthy Bites for scent work. They won’t overload your dog with calories, even on low-exercise days.

3. Use a Puzzle Feeder or Snuffle Mat

Puzzle toys are fantastic for indoor activities for dogs because they:

• Improve problem-solving

• Encourage slower eating

• Reduce boredom

• Provide sensory stimulation

Sprinkle a handful of Soopa Healthy Bites or break up a Soopa Dental Stick and hide pieces inside.

Puzzle ideas:

• Muffin tin with tennis balls

• DIY plastic bottle treat dispenser

• Snuffle blanket

• Kong stuffed with mashed pumpkin & crushed Soopa treats

This keeps dogs mentally occupied for up to 30 minutes — GOLD on a rainy day.

4. Trick Training (Bond + Brain Workout)

Dogs LOVE learning new things, and winter is perfect for teaching cute tricks or reinforcing manners.

Try:

• Spin

• High five

• Sit pretty

• Roll over

• Place / bed

• Leave it

• Bow

Training is one of the most enriching indoor activities for dogs because it tires out their brain and deepens your bond.

Use Soopa bites as training rewards — they’re soft, small, and healthy.

Read our Morning Routine Guide for Dogs to build healthy habits for your pup.

5. Tug-of-War or Indoor Fetch (Low Impact)

A short, safe game of tug or fetch can burn off lots of energy indoors.

Tips:

• Use a soft rope toy

• Avoid slippery tiles

• Keep throws low to avoid injuries

• End sessions with calm praise

Afterwards, offer a Soopa Dental Stick as a recovery treat — chew time helps calm dogs down after excitement.

6. Indoor Calm-Down Stations

Sometimes indoor activities for dogs aren’t about movement — they’re about calm enrichment.

Create a little relaxation zone with:

• A cozy bed

• A warm blanket

• A licking mat with mashed banana or pumpkin

• A Soopa Dental Stick for slow enjoyment

Licking and chewing reduces anxiety, which is common on stormy days.

Read next: How to Keep Dogs Warm in Winter

7. Rainy Day Feeding Games

Rainy days = perfect time to combine food + enrichment.

Ideas:

• Scatter feeding

• Hide-and-seek meals

• Mat feeding

• Frozen treats in a Kong (pumpkin + Soopa crumbles)

• DIY “food hunt” around the house

This supports digestion and provides mental stimulation when walks are shorter.

READ NEXT: What to Feed Dogs in Winter

8. Short Burst Exercise Circuits

You can keep dogs physically active indoors with mini circuits:

• 10 seconds of tug

• 5 sit-to-stands

• 10 sniffs for hidden treats

• 10 belly rubs

• 10 seconds “stay”

• Repeat 3–5 times

A few rounds of this is the indoor equivalent of a brisk walk.

9. Grooming as a Winter Indoor Activity

Grooming is often overlooked as enrichment.
A quiet brushing session:

• Boosts circulation

• Removes loose fur

• Hydrates skin by distributing oils

• Helps with dry winter skin

• Strengthens your bond

Reward with a Soopa Coconut Dental Stick — great for skin and coat health.

Read Next: Winter Skin & Coat Care for Dogs

10. Create a “Rainy Day Routine”

Dogs LOVE structure — especially in winter.
A simple rainy day routine could look like this:

Final Thoughts

Rainy day indoor activities for dogs aren’t just fun — they keep your dog mentally stimulated, emotionally balanced, and physically content when the weather ruins your usual walk routine.

And by using Soopa’s natural, low-fat superfood treats as rewards, scent-game snacks, and puzzle fillers, you can enrich your dog’s winter days in a healthy, delicious way.

A happy dog doesn’t need a long walk, they just need the right enrichment.

FAQs: Rainy Day Indoor Activities for Dogs

Q: How do I exercise my dog when it’s too cold or rainy to walk?
Indoor puzzles, training, scent games, and tug-of-war are great options.

Q: Do indoor games tire dogs out?
Yes! Mental stimulation uses as much energy as physical exercise.

Q: What treats should I use for indoor games?
Soopa Healthy Bites are perfect for training, puzzles, and scent work.

Q: Is tug safe indoors?
Yes, if you use soft toys and avoid slippery floors.

Q: How long should indoor play sessions be?
10–20 minutes at a time, a few times per day.