Dog Activities
15 Indoor Games for Dogs (Perfect for Rainy, Hot or Cold Days)
Quick answer: The best indoor games for dogs mix movement with brain work: hide-and-seek, “find the treat,” tug with rules, the cup game, indoor fetch down a hallway, stair-free agility with cushions, and short trick-training sessions. Ten to fifteen minutes of focused play can tire a dog surprisingly well when a walk isn’t possible.
Storms, heatwaves, icy pavements, a busy workday. Some days a long walk just isn’t happening. These games keep your dog busy, burn energy and — best of all — you play them together.
Before you start
- Clear a space and move breakables.
- Use rugs or mats on slippery floors to protect joints.
- Use small, soft treats and count them as part of the day’s food.
- Keep sessions short and end while your dog is still keen.
15 indoor games to play with your dog
1. Hide-and-seek
Ask your dog to wait (or have someone hold them), hide in another room, then call their name. Celebrate when they find you. Great for recall, too.
2. Find the treat
Show your dog a treat, ask them to wait, then hide it somewhere easy. Say “find it!” Make hiding spots harder as they learn.
3. The cup game (shell game)
Put a treat under one of three cups, shuffle slowly and let your dog nose the right one. Start with one cup.
4. Tug with rules
Tug is a great energy burner. Teach “take it” and “drop it,” and pause the game if teeth touch skin. Keep the toy low and let your dog win sometimes.
5. Hallway fetch
A soft toy rolled down a corridor works well for dogs who love to retrieve. Avoid hard floors for sharp turns.
6. Cushion agility course
Use cushions, a broom laid across two books, and a chair to weave around. Lure slowly with a treat. Keep jumps very low.
7. “Which hand?”
Hide a treat in one fist and let your dog choose with a nose bump or paw.
8. Learn a new trick
Spin, shake, touch, bow, “go to your mat.” Five-minute trick sessions are excellent brain work.
9. Name that toy
Teach your dog the names of two toys, then ask for one by name. Some dogs learn many.
10. Treasure box
Fill a cardboard box with scrunched paper and a few treats and let your dog dig. Supervise so they don’t eat the paper.
11. Muffin tin puzzle
Put treats in some holes of a muffin tin and cover all holes with tennis balls.
12. Bubbles
Pet-safe bubbles are a fun, gentle chasing game for many dogs.
13. Stair-free “red light, green light”
Walk around the room; when you stop, your dog sits. Move again, they follow. Builds focus and impulse control.
14. Snuffle towel
Roll treats into a towel and let your dog unroll it.
15. Calm chew time
End with a long-lasting, size-appropriate chew. Chewing is soothing and helps dogs settle after play.
Which games suit which dog?
| If your dog is… | Try |
|---|---|
| High energy | Tug, hallway fetch, hide-and-seek, cushion course |
| Food-motivated | Find the treat, cup game, muffin tin, snuffle towel |
| A puppy | Short find-it games, “which hand?”, simple tricks |
| A senior dog | Nose games, snuffle towel, gentle tricks, chews |
| Small apartment dweller | Cup game, tricks, name that toy, snuffle towel |
Hot day or cold day?
On hot days, choose calm nose work over chasing, play in the coolest room, and offer plenty of water (see how much water a dog needs). On cold days, an energetic indoor session plus a short toilet trip works well for most dogs.
Games vs. mental stimulation
The games above are things you play together. For enrichment your dog can enjoy on their own — puzzle feeders, lick mats, scent work while you work from home — see our guide to mental stimulation for dogs.
Make it a memory
Rainy-day games are where some of the funniest moments happen — the first time your dog finds you behind the shower curtain, the proud face after a new trick. Grab a quick photo and jot down what happened. Looking for more ideas for the weekend? Try 25 things to do with your dog this weekend.
FAQ
How do I tire out my dog indoors?
Combine a short physical game (tug, hallway fetch) with brain games (find it, tricks). Mental work tires dogs quickly.
How long should I play with my dog indoors?
Several 5–15 minute sessions spread through the day usually work better than one long session.
Is tug-of-war bad for dogs?
Not when played with clear rules. Teach “drop it,” keep the toy low, avoid jerking, and stop if your dog gets over-excited.
What can I do with my dog on a rainy day?
Hide-and-seek, nose games, trick training, a treasure box and a calm chew. A short walk in a raincoat still counts too.
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