Winter doesn’t always play nice. Some days it rains sideways and heading to the park with your dog is just not going to happen. But just because the weather’s miserable doesn’t mean your dog has to be. With a little imagination, you can turn your home into an enrichment theme park!

Sniff and sneek
Your dog’s nose is far more powerful than ours and scent-based games are one of the easiest ways to tire them out indoors. Start by hiding some treats around a room while they’re not looking. You can tuck them under rugs, behind doors, or inside open boxes. Then encourage your dog to “find it!” As they get better at the game, increase the difficulty. Use more challenging hiding spots, or scatter treats in multiple rooms. It’s simple and requires no special equipment.

Tug time
A quick game of tug-o-war is a great way to bond with your dog and burn off energy - especially in smaller homes or apartments. Use a sturdy rope toy or an old tea towel, and remember to let your dog win sometimes. That feeling of “victory” builds confidence and keeps them coming back for more. Tug can also be a training opportunity. Reinforce commands like “drop it” or “wait”, just make sure it stays friendly and controlled with no overly rough play.

The cup game
This is a classic that's easy, fun, and great for sharpening your dog’s problem-solving skills. Place a treat under one of three identical cups or buckets, shuffle them slowly, and encourage your dog to guess which one hides the reward. Most dogs love this game, and it keeps them mentally stimulated without needing much space. You can mix it up by using different objects to hide treats or even playing “which hand is it in?” games.

Lick mat time
If your dog is losing it indoors, a lick mat is your secret weapon. Spread a mix of peanut butter, mashed pumpkin, yoghurt, or even a little wet food onto the mat, then pop it in the freezer for a longer-lasting experience. Licking is naturally calming for dogs - it helps release endorphins and soothes anxiety. Give one to your dog while you hop on a work call, make dinner, or wind down for the evening. 

Trick time
Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to brush up on training. Keep sessions short, fun, and reward-based. You can teach simple tricks like “high five,” “spin,” or “touch,” or level up with more advanced ones. Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity, and even ten minutes of training can leave your dog satisfied and tired. Use this time to strengthen your bond and build communication.

So when the weather makes the park off limits, you’ve still got options. Your dog doesn’t care about the forecast - they care about time with you. And with these games, rainy days might just become a highlight instead of a lowlight.