14 Rainy Day Dog Enrichment Ideas: Indoor Games & Toys for NZ Homes
Rainy days are perfect for curling up with your pup – but they can also be a challenge when your dog’s energy needs don't stop for the weather. If your walks are cut short or outdoor play is off the table, you might find yourself with a fidgety fur-baby zooming up and down the hallway. Enrichment isn't just about burning energy – it’s essential for a dog’s mental wellbeing too. That’s where rainy-day dog enrichment comes into play. At Petdirect, we get pet, and we're here to share 14 fun and easy enrichment games and toys you can enjoy right inside your warm and dry New Zealand home.
1. Snuffle Mats And Nose Work Toys
Dogs love to sniff – it's not just fun, it's how they explore the world. Snuffle mats and nose work toys encourage your pooch to use their natural foraging skills by hiding treats in fabric folds, compartments or pockets. It’s perfect for rainy-day enrichment and a must-have for food-motivated pups.
2. Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toys
Designed to challenge your dog’s thinking, treat-dispensing toys keep dogs busy and mentally stimulated. Vary the difficulty level to match your pup’s skill, and stock up on their favourite training treats to keep them interested. Nina Ottosson puzzles and KONG toys are favourites that are equal parts fun and rewarding.
3. Indoor Fetch And Tug Toys
Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean the zoomies stop. Use soft plush fetch toys or tug toys like rope knots that won’t damage your home’s walls or furniture. Rope and tug toys from Yours Droolly or KONG are gentle on teeth and ideal for a quick game in the lounge or hallway.
4. DIY Obstacle Course
Turn your living room into a mini canine gym with everyday items like couch cushions, broomsticks, and dining chairs. Guide your dog through the course using treats and lots of praise. It’s a creative way to keep them both moving and thinking – rain or shine.
5. Hide And Seek (Yes, Really)
Grab your dog’s favourite toy or treat, ask them to “stay”, and go hide. Then call them to find you! This simple game builds your dog’s focus and recall skills – plus, it’s a whole lot of fun for both of you.
6. Lick Mats For Calm Enrichment
Lick mats are fantastic for promoting calm, especially with dogs that get cabin fever. Spread peanut butter (make sure it’s xylitol-free), canned food, or yogurt and pop it in the freezer for extra challenge. Licking is naturally soothing and can keep your dog content for longer than you’d expect.
7. Scent Bottles & Toilet Roll Trails
Create your own sniffari trail using small containers filled with different scents (think herbs, essential oils, or dog-safe spices) and hide them around the room. Or try a treat trail using toilet paper rolls and their favourite chewy treats inside the rolls. Let them use their detective nose to find them all!
8. Doggy Calming Chews And Chew Toys
For dogs that get restless indoors, calming chews paired with durable chew toys provide both mental stimulation and relaxation. Discover calming supplements for anxious dogs that support indoor enrichment naturally and safely.
9. Interactive Smart Toys
Tech-savvy pups rejoice – interactive tech toys like moving balls, automatic treat dispensers, and smart puzzle feeders like Cheerble or PETKIT keep dogs entertained when you're on a Zoom call or trying to work from home. Some even have timers or motion sensors to keep things interesting.
10. “Which Hand?” Game
Place a treat in one hand, close both fists, and ask your dog to choose. It sounds basic, but it's a great mental workout – and teaches your pup to think before acting.
11. Training Sessions (With A Twist)
Rainy days are perfect for brushing up on old skills or teaching a new trick. Keep sessions short and use high-value rewards like training & reward treats. Trick ideas: roll over, spin, or even “put toys away” for an extra clean-up bonus.
12. Muffin Tin Game
Take a standard muffin tray, place treats in a few holes, then cover all holes with tennis balls. Let your pup nudge around to find the goodies – it’s basically a doggy treasure hunt.
13. Chilly Chews
Pop a freeze-dried treat or chewy bone in the freezer for a longer-lasting distraction. Ideal for stormy evenings when your pup needs something to do while the rain pours outside.
14. Create A “Rainy Day Box”
Fill a box with a rotation of indoor toys – puzzles, plushies, chew toys, interactive toys, and lick mats. Only bring them out when the weather turns, so every rainy day feels like a mini surprise party for your pup.
Keep Your Pooch Stimulated, Rain Or Shine
Rainy days don’t have to leave your dog (or your furniture) bouncing off the walls. With a mix of interactive toys, clever games and calming support, you can keep their minds busy and their tails wagging happily indoors. Plus, rainy days are the perfect excuse to stretch your creativity and bond with your best friend – win-win!
For all your enrichment essentials – from toys to calming aids and delicious treats – Petdirect has you covered, rain or shine. Don’t forget to join our Pet Perks loyalty programme, earn Airpoints™, and set up Autodeliver to keep the fun coming without lifting a paw!