Top 18 'Zoomie-Taming' Enrichment Games to try at home for High-Energy Dogs on Rainy Days - Goh Ling Yong
The rain is drumming a steady rhythm against the windowpane, and the world outside is a soggy, grey blur. Inside, however, a different kind of storm is brewing. Your high-energy dog, denied their usual romp in the park, is ricocheting off the furniture. The tell-tale signs are all there: the frantic play-bows, the wide-eyed stare, and the sudden, lightning-fast laps around the living room. Welcome to the rainy-day zoomies.
It’s a scene familiar to any owner of a spirited pup. While a long walk or a game of fetch is the usual go-to for burning off that excess energy, being stuck indoors presents a unique challenge. But here's the secret weapon that many savvy dog owners, including us here at Goh Ling Yong's blog, swear by: mental enrichment. Tiring out your dog isn’t just about physical exertion; it’s about engaging their brilliant minds. A 15-minute brain game can be more exhausting for a dog than a 30-minute run.
So, before you resign yourself to a day of chaos, let’s reframe this rainy day as an opportunity. It's a chance to bond with your dog, challenge their intellect, and turn that pent-up energy into focused, productive fun. Here are 18 of our favorite "zoomie-taming" enrichment games that require minimal space and simple household items, perfect for transforming a dreary day into a delightful one.
1. The Muffin Tin Puzzle
This is a classic DIY puzzle that’s incredibly easy to set up. It encourages your dog to use their nose and problem-solving skills to figure out how to get the treats. It’s a fantastic starting point for dogs new to enrichment games.
To play, simply place a few high-value, smelly treats in some of the cups of a standard muffin tin. To make it more challenging, cover each cup with a tennis ball or other dog-safe toy. Your dog will have to sniff out the right cups and then figure out how to nudge the balls away to get their reward. It’s a low-cost, high-reward mental workout.
2. Snuffle Mat Magic
A snuffle mat is essentially a shaggy rug designed for hiding food. It mimics the act of foraging in grass, which is a natural and deeply satisfying behavior for dogs. It slows down fast eaters and turns mealtime into an exciting scent-work challenge.
You can buy a pre-made snuffle mat or easily make one yourself by tying strips of fleece through a rubber sink mat. Sprinkle your dog's regular kibble or some small, dry treats into the mat and rustle the fabric to hide them. Then, simply let your dog "snuffle" their way to a tasty meal. This is a brilliant way to serve breakfast or dinner on a day you can’t get outside.
3. The Shell Game
You’ve seen magicians do it, and now it’s your dog’s turn to play! The shell game is a wonderful way to sharpen your dog’s focus and scenting ability. All you need are three opaque cups and a single, smelly treat.
Start easy. Place the treat under one cup while your dog watches. Let them sniff and nudge the correct cup, then reward them enthusiastically when they "find" it. As they get the hang of it, you can start shuffling the cups around slowly to increase the difficulty. This game not only works their brain but also strengthens your communication and bond.
4. DIY Puzzle Box
For the dog who loves to shred and destroy, this game is a safe and productive outlet for that instinct. It’s the ultimate recycling project for all those delivery boxes you have lying around.
Take a cardboard box and fill it with crumpled-up newspaper, packing paper, or even old t-shirts. Sprinkle treats or kibble inside the box among the filling. You can also add other items for them to explore, like toilet paper rolls with the ends folded in. Then, close the box (don’t tape it shut) and let your dog have at it! They will have a blast tearing, ripping, and sniffing to find their treasures. Just be sure to supervise to make sure they aren't ingesting the cardboard.
5. Hide-and-Seek with Treats
This game turns your entire home into a giant puzzle for your dog's nose. It's a simple way to get them moving and thinking, encouraging them to use their most powerful sense.
Start by having your dog in a "stay." Place a few treats in obvious spots around the room while they watch. Then, release them with an enthusiastic cue like "Find it!" As they get better, you can start hiding treats in more challenging locations—under a rug, on a low chair seat, or behind a door. This game is easily scalable to your dog’s skill level.
6. Hide-and-Seek with You!
This variation of the classic game is fantastic for both mental stimulation and reinforcing their recall skills. It also taps into their pack-animal instinct to keep track of their family members, making it a wonderful bonding activity.
Have one person gently hold your dog or ask them to "stay" while you go hide. Don't make it too hard at first—behind a curtain or a couch is perfect. Once you're hidden, call your dog’s name in a happy, excited voice. When they find you, reward them with a jackpot of praise, pets, and maybe a special treat. It’s a game that feels like pure fun but is secretly great training.
7. The Towel Burrito
This is another brilliantly simple game that uses an item you definitely have at home. It’s a great way to make treat time last longer and requires your dog to use their nose and paws to unroll their reward.
Lay a towel flat on the floor and sprinkle some treats or kibble across it. For beginners, simply fold the towel in half. To make it harder, roll the towel up tightly like a burrito. You can even tie a loose knot in the middle for an expert-level challenge. Your dog will have to nudge, paw, and unroll the towel to reveal the hidden goodies.
8. The "Find It" Game
This is less of a single game and more of a foundational command that opens up a world of scent-work possibilities. Teaching your dog a "find it" cue helps them understand the objective of any scent-based game.
Start by showing your dog a treat in your hand, saying "Find it!" and then tossing it a few feet away for them to get. After a few repetitions, they'll associate the cue with searching for a reward. You can then use this command as the starting signal for Hide-and-Seek (Game #5) or for finding a specific scented toy.
9. Learn a New Trick
A rainy day is the perfect opportunity for a focused training session. Learning a new trick is an incredible mental workout that requires concentration, problem-solving, and communication between you and your dog.
Pick a trick you've always wanted to teach, like "spin," "play dead," "roll over," or "wave." Keep the sessions short (5-10 minutes) and positive, using plenty of high-value rewards. Even if you just work on the first few steps of a complex trick, you’ll be amazed at how mentally tired your dog will be afterward. This kind of focused work is a fantastic zoomie-buster.
10. Indoor Obstacle Course
You don’t need fancy agility equipment to give your dog a fun physical and mental challenge. Your living room can become a super fun course with just a few household items.
Use pillows for them to step over, a row of dining chairs for them to weave through, and a blanket draped over two chairs to create a tunnel. Lure your dog through the course with a treat or a favorite toy. This helps build their confidence, improves their body awareness, and burns energy in a structured, low-impact way.
11. The "Go to Mat" Game
This game, also known as station training, is a powerhouse for teaching impulse control and a reliable "settle." It gives your dog a "job" to do, which can be incredibly calming for an anxious or over-excited mind.
The goal is to teach your dog to go to a specific mat or bed on cue and stay there until released. Start by rewarding any interaction with the mat—a sniff, a paw-on, a step-on. Gradually shape the behavior until they are lying down on it. Once they have the basics, you can practice sending them to their mat from further away. It's a game that pays dividends in everyday life.
12. Bubble Chasing
Who says bubbles are just for kids? Many dogs go absolutely wild for chasing and popping bubbles. It’s a whimsical and fun way to get them moving without being too high-impact on their joints.
Make sure you use dog-safe, non-toxic bubbles, which are readily available at most pet stores. Some are even flavored with things like bacon or peanut butter to make them extra enticing! This is a lighthearted game that can break up the monotony of a rainy day and bring a smile to everyone's face.
13. Frozen Licking Challenge
Licking is a natural, self-soothing behavior for dogs. Providing a long-lasting licking opportunity can help an over-stimulated dog calm down and settle. This is my personal go-to for when I need my high-energy dog to have some quiet time.
You can stuff a KONG or a similar durable toy with wet food, plain yogurt, or pumpkin puree and then freeze it for a few hours. LickiMats are also fantastic—smear them with a dog-safe spread and freeze. The frozen treat will keep your dog occupied for a good 20-40 minutes, and the act of licking releases calming endorphins.
14. Cardboard Box Demolition Crew
This one is for the super-shredders! If your dog’s favorite activity is de-stuffing toys, give them a safe and appropriate outlet for this natural behavior. It's messy, but the joy it brings them is undeniable.
Gather some cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, or paper egg cartons. Place a few treats inside and let your dog go to town ripping and tearing them apart. It's pure, instinctual fun. As always, supervise closely to ensure your dog is shredding, not swallowing, the materials.
15. The Name Game
Did you know dogs can learn the names of hundreds of different objects? Teaching your dog to identify their toys by name is a next-level brain game that builds their vocabulary and cognitive skills.
Start with two distinct toys. Hold one up, say its name (e.g., "Ball"), and when your dog shows interest, reward them. Do this several times. Then, do the same with the other toy ("Rope"). Once they're familiar, place both toys on the floor and ask, "Get your ball!" Reward them like crazy when they pick the right one. This game takes time and patience but is incredibly impressive and rewarding.
16. Controlled Stair Sprints
A note of caution: This activity is only suitable for healthy, adult dogs with no joint issues and should be done on carpeted stairs to prevent slipping. For the right dog, a few controlled stair sprints can be a great way to quickly burn off a burst of physical energy.
Have your dog sit and wait at the bottom of the stairs. Toss a soft toy to the top landing and give them the cue to "Go get it!" They will run up and bring it back down. A few repetitions of this are usually enough to take the edge off their energy. Always prioritize safety and keep the game short.
17. Canine Massage and Calm Settle
Enrichment isn't always about high-energy games; it's also about teaching your dog how to relax. A rainy day is a perfect time to practice calming activities like a gentle canine massage.
With your dog lying comfortably, use long, slow strokes along their back and shoulders. Gently massage their ears and neck. Pay attention to their body language to see what they enjoy. This not only helps them relax but also gets them used to being handled. Follow it up by rewarding them for simply lying calmly and doing nothing. This teaches them that a settled state is a rewarding one.
18. Indoor Flirt Pole
A flirt pole is like a giant cat toy for dogs—a long pole with a rope and a lure (toy) at the end. It's a fantastic tool for satisfying their natural prey drive in a controlled way.
You can make a simple indoor version with a PVC pipe or a wooden dowel, some rope, and your dog's favorite soft toy tied to the end. In a clear, open space, drag the lure along the ground in circles and quick movements, encouraging your dog to chase it. Let them "catch" it every so often as a reward. This game is physically and mentally demanding, so keep sessions short (just a few minutes) to avoid over-arousal.
Tame the Storm Within
A rainy day doesn't have to mean a chaotic house. By shifting your focus from purely physical exercise to mental enrichment, you provide your high-energy dog with the stimulation they crave. These games are more than just boredom busters; they are powerful tools for building confidence, strengthening your bond, and creating a calmer, happier companion. As we always say on Goh Ling Yong's blog, a tired dog is a good dog, but a mentally fulfilled dog is a truly happy one.
So next time you're stuck inside, pick a few games from this list and give them a try. You might be surprised at how quickly those zoomies transform into zzz's.
What are your favorite indoor games to play with your dog? Share your best zoomie-taming tips in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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