7 simple indoor enrichment games for dogs

Rainy days can leave you looking for something to do with your dog between walks. Luckily, a favourite toy, a little of their usual food and a clear bit of floor are enough to get started.

Here are seven simple indoor games to try. Pick one that suits your dog and keep the first attempt easy. There’s no need to work through the whole list in one afternoon.

A few things before you start

Use a non-slip surface and stay with your dog while they play. Choose food that suits their diet and take it from their daily allowance where possible.

If your dog loses interest, let them stop. If they’re struggling, make the game easier. These activities fit around their usual exercise and rest.

GAME 01

Search for scattered food

Golden retriever sniffing scattered pieces of dry food on a rug.

Place a few pieces of your dog’s usual dry food on a clean patch of floor. Let them sniff around and find each piece.

Keep everything in plain sight at first. Once they understand the game, spread the pieces a little further apart.

This is an easy one to start with because there’s almost nothing to set up.

GAME 02

Find a favourite toy

Golden retriever finding a soft toy partly hidden behind a cushion.

Show your dog a toy they like, then place it a short distance away where they can see it. Encourage them to find it and reward them with a little play.

Once they’ve got the idea, partly hide the toy behind a cushion at floor level.

Choose spots they can reach easily. Avoid places where they would need to climb, jump or squeeze behind furniture.

GAME 03

Find your person

Golden retriever approaching a woman crouching in an open doorway.

Ask another adult to stay with your dog while you move a few steps away. Stay visible for the first attempt, call your dog once and reward them when they come over.

As they get used to the game, try standing just beyond an open doorway.

Keep the hiding places easy. If your dog seems worried when you disappear, stay in sight.

GAME 04

Follow a food trail

Golden retriever following a curved trail of food across a rug.

Lay a short trail of food pieces across the floor, with a small cluster at the end. Then let your dog follow it at their own pace.

Keep the route clear of stairs, furniture and anything slippery. Start with the pieces close together so the trail is easy to follow.

GAME 05

Try a nose-to-hand touch

Golden retriever touching an open hand with its nose.

Hold an open hand near your dog and let them investigate. When their nose touches your hand, say “yes” and give them a small reward from your other hand.

If they need a little encouragement, rub some of their usual food on the hand you want them to touch. Let them come to you rather than moving your hand into their face.

After several successful attempts, say “touch” just before offering your hand. A few repetitions are enough before taking a break.

GAME 06

Search an open cardboard box

Golden retriever searching for food in a shallow cardboard box.

Choose a clean, shallow cardboard box and remove any tape or staples. Drop a few food pieces inside and let your dog investigate.

Keep the box open and easy to reach into. There’s no need to add layers or make a complicated puzzle.

Skip this game if your dog eats cardboard. Stay beside them and remove the box if they start swallowing pieces.

GAME 07

Practise something they already know

Seated golden retriever receiving a food reward from a woman.

Choose a familiar action your dog can do comfortably, such as sitting or lying down. Ask once, then reward them with food, praise or a toy they enjoy.

Keep it short. A few successful attempts can be enough.

If they don’t respond, take a break or make the task easier instead of repeating the instruction. This should feel like enjoyable time together.

Which game should you try first?

Start with what your dog already likes. If they love sniffing, try a food search. If they’re always bringing you a toy, start with the toy-finding game.

Watch their response and let that guide you. You might discover a favourite straight away, or find that they prefer different activities on different days.

And when they’re ready to rest, put the games away. They don’t need to be entertained every minute.

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Want more guided training activities?

If you’d prefer a structured programme to follow at home, you can take a look at Brain Training for Dogs, a paid online dog-training course.

We haven’t personally tested the course. Check the seller’s description to see whether the approach and activities suit you and your dog.

Explore Brain Training for Dogs

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