keeping dogs mentally stimulated indoors
As a pet parent to my pack of six, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when walks or special adventures are cancelled due to poor weather. Wet days don’t just dampen our mood, they can interrupt our usual routines and even derail plans to visit the most amazing hiking spots for unforgettable adventures with our dogs.
When dogs don’t get enough mental or physical stimulation, they may become bored or frustrated. This can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviours such as:
- Excessive barking
- Chewing furniture
- Restlessness
- Digging or scratching
- Hyperactivity indoors
As most of this year has already been filled with grey clouds, minimal daylight and absolute downpour, I’ve put together the best indoor enrichment activities for dogs in wet weather. Enrichment activities help by giving dogs a productive outlet for their energy, so if you’re looking for things to do whilst staying dry, boosting your dog’s confidence and preventing boredom – you’re in the right place.
Scentwork & Mental Stimulation
I’ve found that scentwork is highly effective in my household and is a low-impact form of mental stimulation. It’s suitable for all breeds and ages and is a beneficial activity to keep my pack occupied, especially when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Dogs using their natural scent-seeking instincts helps improve their focus, reduce stress and boosts their confidence, not to mention reducing any boredom-induced destructive behaviours.
A firm favourite scentwork activity is a simple game of hide and seek with Freeze-Dried Treats scattered around the room, particularly under chairs, between cushions, and even hidden in plain sight to get the excitement going.
If you want to take it a step further, there are handy puzzle toys with treat compartments and lids, which encourage sniffing and problem-solving abilities to find where the treat is hidden. Problem-solving is important: not only does this help reduce anxiety, and satisfies their natural instincts to work, it delays cognitive decline in senior dogs and gives a brain-boosting activity to all ages – like a tricky crossword puzzle!
Interactive Feeding
Using toys or puzzles turns mealtimes into a fun, stimulating and slow-eating activity to bust the boredom and help reduce fussiness. Stuffed kongs and lick mats have been such a saving grace when the pack and I haven’t been able to get out and about. It helps to create a calm atmosphere and provides one of the best natural stimulants of licking by releasing endorphins and reducing stress.
My golden retrievers Mabel and Isla enjoy having deliveries arrive and their inquisitive noses are always first in the box to find out what goodies have arrived! Rather than throwing the boxes away, on rainy days I pop in some of their treats or food, along with scrunched newspaper, for them to unleash their natural foraging instincts.
Bonding by grooming
Regular grooming is not only beneficial for your dog’s health and hygiene, but is also the perfect time to spend calm, quality time together. Brushing, combing, washing, teeth cleaning and nail clipping help pets feel secure and accustomed to being handled, reducing anxiety and creating a positive, loving interaction. With four working cocker spaniels in my family, regular grooming is a must. Nurturing our bond in this way means they are relaxed and comfortable with their ears being cleaned or brushed to prevent matting, but it also gives us a chance to truly connect with one another – something I’ve always been hugely grateful for with my mental health journey.
Don’t let the rain get you down
Rainy days may keep us indoors, but with a little creativity, it can become the perfect time to explore fun enrichment activities that challenge your dog’s mind, satisfy natural instincts, and strengthen the bond you share. Do you have a regular indoor enrichment activity? I’d love to hear!
Until next time,
James x
