Rainy days, winter winds, and chilly evenings don’t mean the fun has to stop for you and your pup. When the weather outside is frightful, it’s the perfect time to get creative indoors — keeping your dog’s body active and mind engaged (and saving your sanity in the process!).
Whether you’ve got a high-energy herder like my Australian Shepherds, Seven and Paige Turner, or a couch-cuddling companion who just needs a nudge to move, here are some of the best indoor dog activities to turn your living room into a playground.
1. Doggie Treadmill 🐾
When it’s too wet or cold for long walks, a treadmill can be a lifesaver — for both of you.
We use the DogPACER Treadmill, a safe and versatile choice for dogs needing regular exercise or an extra way to burn off energy indoors. It’s a sturdy, foldable option that’s quieter than many other dog treadmills and designed to provide a safe environment. It has simple controls, a few built-in programs to vary the speed, and side rails to help keep your dog focused and centered.
My Paige Turner now loves her treadmill, but it wasn’t always like that. Getting her comfortable took patience, treats, and plenty of praise. Here’s how we did it:
How I Taught Paige to Love Her Treadmill
- I knelt down in front of it holding a handful of treats.
- First, she received a treat just for stepping on it.
- Once she was confident standing on it, I turned it on for just a few seconds — treat, treat, treat!
- Gradually, I increased the time as she relaxed into the rhythm.
- If she hesitated, I gently grasped her collar to help her stay grounded.
Now? She hops on and walks like a pro, happily settling into her little stride. A treadmill isn’t a replacement for walks, but it’s a great supplement, especially when the weather turns bad. Plus, watching her use it sparks great conversations when guests visit.
2. Bring the Playground Indoors
Create a mini agility course with what you already have at home — a broomstick between two chairs for a jump, a blanket-covered table for a tunnel, or couch cushions for balance practice. If the DIY route isn’t quite right for your space, you can also invest in easy-to-assemble at-home agility gear, like this six-obstacle set from Ruby & Friends, which is a sturdy and fun option for most dogs.
Reward every success with high-value treats (I use Zuke’s Mini Naturals or Stella & Chewy’s Wild Weenies, both available on Amazon).
They come in a variety of flavors, but I usually stick with chicken. My boy Seven has a sensitive stomach, so I don’t like to experiment too much in case something doesn’t agree with him.
3. Brain Games & Treat Toys 🧠
Mental stimulation is just as important as exercise. Keep your pup’s brain busy with puzzle toys or snuffle mats. They’re one of the best indoor dog activities for dogs who love to “hunt” for their snacks.
🛒 Favorites:
Tip: Start easy so your dog builds confidence before you level up the challenge.
4. Practice Fun Tricks & Polite Manners
Stormy days are perfect for sharpening your dog’s skills and teaching something new. Short training sessions give your pup a mental workout and deepen your bond.
You might:
- Refresh basics like sit, down, stay, and come
- Teach fun tricks like spin, high-five, or touch (nose to hand)
- Work on polite manners like waiting at doors or settle on a mat
Just 5–10 minutes at a time is plenty. End on a success, keep it playful, and sprinkle in lots of praise and treats. A few focused sessions can leave your dog as tired and happy as a long walk.
5. Snuggle, Stretch & Reset Together 🕯️
When the rain keeps falling, sometimes the best activity is no activity at all. Cozy up with your pup, do some gentle stretches, or have a movie night. Dogs mirror our calm — a quiet evening together can be just as restorative as a romp outside.
The Bottom Line
Bad weather doesn’t have to mean bored dogs (or frustrated humans). With a little imagination — and a few smart Amazon finds — you can keep your pup happy, healthy, and moving all winter long.
Paige Turner’s treadmill might not come with a view of the beach, but it comes with something just as good: a satisfied dog, a tired mind, and a wagging heart. ❤️
Want more dog stories, training tips, recommendations, and heart-to-heart reflections?
Join me on BlissDog on Substack — where I share the lessons my dogs teach me about love, purpose, and the everyday magic of life with paws.
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