5 Creative Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy and Active on Rainy Days
5 Creative Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy and Active on Rainy Days
Rainy days can be tough for dog owners, especially when their energetic pup is stuck indoors. Without regular exercise and mental stimulation, dogs can become bored, restless, and even destructive. But just because the weather is dreary doesn’t mean your dog has to be.
At Canine To Five, we know how important it is to keep dogs engaged—rain or shine. Whether you’re looking for an active daycare solution, DIY enrichment ideas, or alternatives for dogs who prefer solo play, we’ve got you covered.
1. Send Your Dog to Doggy Daycare
The best way to ensure your dog stays active, even on a rainy day, is to bring them to doggy daycare. At Canine To Five, dogs enjoy supervised play in a climate-controlled indoor space, allowing them to run, wrestle, and socialize without tracking mud through your house. Plus, if your dog is joining us in April, make sure to check out our April Showers photoshoot and other indoor activities to add some extra fun to their day! Visit our event calendar for more information, and find a location near you.
Not sure if daycare is necessary? Check out our blog, Top 10 Reasons Why Doggy Daycare Is Essential, Even When You Work from Home, to learn why regular socialization and exercise are key to your dog’s well-being.
2. Engage Their Mind with DIY Indoor Enrichment
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. If you’re staying home with your dog on a rainy day, try these enrichment activities to keep them entertained:
- Snuffle mats & treat puzzles – Hide kibble or treats inside a snuffle mat or puzzle feeder to encourage problem-solving and slow eating.
- Frozen Kong challenge – Stuff a Kong with peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food and freeze it for a long-lasting treat.
- Hide and seek – Hide your dog’s favorite toy or treats around the house and encourage them to find it using their nose.
- DIY obstacle course – Set up an indoor agility course using pillows, chairs, and blankets to create tunnels and jumps.
3. Try Pawsitive Enrichment for Dogs Who Prefer Solo Play
Not every dog is comfortable in a daycare setting, and that’s okay. Pawsitive Enrichment is a great alternative for dogs who need structured mental and physical activities without group play. At Canine To Five, we offer:
- One-on-one treadmill sessions to help burn energy in a controlled, low-impact way.
- Small doggy playdates for pups who prefer a quieter social environment.
- Interactive games and puzzle toys designed to challenge your dog’s mind.
Even on rainy days, dogs need an outlet for their energy. Finding the right balance of solo play and enrichment can keep them happy and engaged.
4. Teach a New Trick or Practice Obedience Training
Rainy days are a great time to reinforce training or teach your dog something new. A short training session can provide mental stimulation and strengthen your bond. Try working on:
- Basic commands like sit, stay, and down
- Fun tricks like spin, shake, or play dead
- Impulse control exercises like “leave it” or “wait”
Need help? Our friends at K9 Turbo Training offer free training resources on their website at K9TurboTraining.com/free-resources. Whether you want to refine basic manners or teach fun tricks, their guides can help you make the most of a rainy day indoors.
5. Let Them Play Outside, Then Book a Bath
Some dogs love the rain, and if yours enjoys splashing through puddles, there’s no need to stop them. However, wet fur and muddy paws can quickly become a hassle.
Canine To Five offers full-service grooming and basic bath appointments to help keep your dog fresh and clean after an outdoor adventure. Whether they need a simple wash or a full spa treatment, we’re here to help.
Keep Your Dog Happy, Rain or Shine
Rainy days don’t have to mean a bored or frustrated dog. Whether you choose doggy daycare for socialization and exercise, DIY enrichment activities, or Pawsitive Enrichment for independent play, there are plenty of ways to keep your pup happy and engaged.
If your dog enjoys outdoor adventures but you don’t want the mess, book a grooming or bath appointment at Canine To Five to keep them looking and smelling fresh.
Eager to join in on the fun? Here’s what you’ll need to start:
- Your pup must be at least 12 weeks old
- They must have their DHPP, Lepto, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines (Rabies by 18 weeks old for puppies)
- Puppies over 9 months old must be spayed/neutered to participate in our pack-style environment; Unaltered dogs may continue to join us for Pawsitive Enrichment
If your dog is eligible to start, click here to fill out our new client inquiry form and our Canine Concierge will get in touch with you to go over next steps!