What is a quick indoor game for dogs?

Try 5-minute Find-It: scatter 5–10 treats in one room, cue "Find it," and let your dog sniff and search.

How long should rainy day enrichment last?

Short, focused sessions of 5–15 minutes work best. Two or three mini-sessions spaced apart beat one long session.

No. Use towels, boxes, muffin tins, plastic cups, or a cardboard tube. Rotate to keep novelty high.

It helps a lot when paired with rest, potty needs, and a predictable routine. Sniffing and problem-solving lower arousal.

Stuck inside does not mean skipping your dog’s brain workout.

These quick indoor enrichment games take 5–15 minutes and calm energy fast.

Space: Clear one room and remove slipping hazards, cords, and fragile items.
Fuel: Use your dog’s meal as rewards to avoid extra calories.
Timing: Keep sessions short and end while your dog still wants more.
Signals: Watch for yawning, shake-offs, or sniffing breaks as normal resets.

Find-It Sprint: Toss 5–10 tiny treats one by one and cue “Find it.”
Scatter & Settle: Scatter food on a towel, then cue a 30–60 second down stay.
Cardboard Rip: Place kibble in a toilet-paper tube, fold, and supervise shredding.

Muffin-Tin Puzzle: Put treats in a muffin tin and cover a few cups with tennis balls.
Towel Burrito: Roll treats inside a towel in layers for nose work and problem-solving.
Shell Game: Hide one treat under three cups and shuffle slowly, then progress.
Indoor Parkour: Use cushions, a chair tunnel, and a low pole for a safe mini-course.

Match activities to your dog’s style from our 16 Dogality Types.

Calm/Independent: Slow puzzles and scent mats reduce arousal without hype.
Energetic/Explorer: Cup shuffle, find-it sprints, and short parkour challenges.
Sensitive/Affectionate: Easy wins like towel burritos and gentle hide-and-seek.
Social/Interactive: Tug-with-rules and take-turns training with family members.

Stack two mini-sessions morning and evening instead of one long block.

Alternate scent, puzzle, and light movement to balance brain and body.

Finish with a predictable settle on a mat to keep arousal low.

Want a custom plan? Take our 🚀 Free Dog Personality Test and get ideas tailored to your dog’s type.

What is the easiest rainy day game?
Scatter 10 pieces of food on a rug and cue “Find it.”

How often should I rotate games?
Change the setup every 1–2 days to keep novelty high.

Can puppies do these?
Yes—keep it short, supervise chewing, and skip jumpy parkour.

What if my dog gets too excited?
Switch to slower sniff work and end with a calm mat settle.

Last reviewed by the Dogality Test Team on Oct. 16, 2025.