DIY Enrichment Games for Rainy Days

Easy at-home boredom busters your pup will love.

Rainy days don’t have to mean lazy, restless pups pacing the house. While walks may be shorter (or skipped altogether), your dog still craves mental stimulation, movement, and a sense of purpose.

Without it? You may start seeing some less-than-ideal behaviors—like chewing shoes, zooming through the house, or barking at every sound. That’s where enrichment games come in.

These simple at-home activities keep your pup’s brain and body engaged—even when the weather says “no thanks” to outdoor adventures.

What Is Enrichment, Anyway?

Enrichment is anything that allows your dog to use their natural instincts: sniffing, searching, problem-solving, chewing, foraging, and yes—playing! Just like a crossword puzzle keeps your brain sharp, enrichment keeps your dog happier, calmer, and more fulfilled.

It doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or messy. In fact, here are five easy DIY options you can try today.

1. Towel Snuffle Roll

Grab an old towel, scatter a handful of kibble or treats along it, then roll it up like a sleeping bag. Let your dog sniff, paw, and unroll it to find the goodies inside.

• Why it works: Taps into natural foraging instincts and nosework

• Bonus: Slows down fast eaters

2. Muffin Tin Puzzle

Take a muffin tray, drop a treat into a few of the cups, then cover all the holes with tennis balls. Your dog will have to sniff out the right spots and figure out how to lift the balls to get the treats.

• Why it works: Problem-solving + scent work = enrichment jackpot

• Try it with: Freeze-dried treats, veggies, or their dinner kibble

3. Sock Tug Snake

No rope toy? No problem. Tie a few mismatched socks together into a long "snake." You’ve got an instant tug toy. Add a treat or crinkle wrapper inside for extra intrigue.

• Why it works: Satisfies chewing and tugging needs

• Important: Supervise to prevent sock shredding and swallowing

4. Scent Bottle Spinner

Poke small holes in an empty water bottle, drop in some smelly treats, and screw the lid on tightly. Let your dog bat it around the floor until the scent leaks out and a treat rolls free.

• Why it works: Builds patience and reward-driven focus

• Pro tip: Use freeze-dried liver, salmon treats, or kibble

5. “Find It” Game

Hide 3–5 treats around one room—under rugs, behind table legs, on the lower shelf of a coffee table—and say, “Find it!” Your pup gets to play detective using their nose.

• Why it works: One of the best confidence-boosting games for anxious dogs

• Make it harder: Expand to multiple rooms or add “decoy” hiding spots

Final Tip: Keep It Fresh

Rotate your games just like you would with toys. Repeating the same enrichment every day can get stale, just like hearing the same playlist over and over again.

When in doubt, let your dog lead. If they show extra enthusiasm for one game, bring it back in rotation more often. If they seem disinterested, switch it up!

Remember: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise—and on rainy days, even more so. A tired dog might nap. A mentally satisfied dog relaxes.

Got a favorite rainy day game? Tag us @ViandPet on Instagram and show us your enrichment setup!

Want a printable enrichment calendar to keep your pup stimulated all week long?
Let us know—we’ll create one!

— The Viand Team