Rainy days happen especially in regions like Spokane and the Inland Northwest. While walks are ideal for burning off your dog’s energy, when the weather keeps you inside it’s smart to have a solid backup plan. This is especially important for high‑energy dogs who need both physical movement and mental engagement to stay balanced. Here’s how you can swap the puddles for productive indoor play that leaves both you and your pup satisfied.

Recognize the Need for Alternatives

If your dog has lots of energy, a single walk may not be enough and when that walk becomes impossible because of rain, wind, or icy surfaces, pent‑up energy can turn into barking, chewing, or restless behavior. The goal is to create indoor activities that substitute for the walk’s exercise benefit and provide mental stimulation to help your dog relax afterward.

Top Indoor Activities for High‑Energy Dogs

1. Set up a simple indoor obstacle course
Use furniture, cushions, blankets, chairs and other household items to create jumps, tunnels, or weave paths. Ask your dog to go under a blanket draped over chairs, jump over a broom set on low supports, or weave between sofa cushions. This kind of controlled, indoor movement engages both brain and body.

2. Nose work and scent games
High‑energy dogs often also have high‑drive brains. Treat hide‑and‑seek games or snuffle mats stimulate them mentally. For example, hide small treats around a room or underneath blankets and say “Find it!” Let your dog sniff out the rewards. Gradually increase the difficulty so their brain stays engaged.

3. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders
Toys that challenge your dog mentally are excellent for rainy days. Puzzle feeders, treat‑dispensing toys, snuffle mats, and lick mats can occupy your dog for longer with less movement. These activities mimic foraging behavior and help release mental energy.

4. Fetch, tug, and short drills in controlled space
Even indoors you can play fetch down a hallway or tug in a living room if space allows. Use soft toys or lightweight balls to avoid damage. Also, obedience drills like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” and “come” help redirect energy into training and reinforce good behavior.

5. Teach new tricks or refresh old ones
Mental effort tires a dog nearly as much as physical effort. Use rainy days to teach your dog a fun new trick — a roll‑over, spin, or holding a pose. Short, positive sessions build skill, attention, and satisfaction for the dog and the owner.

Tips to Make Indoor Sessions Effective

• Match the activity to your dog’s age, health, and breed. High‑energy breeds need more challenge.
• Limit sessions to manageable lengths. Two or three focused 10‑ to 15‑minute sessions are better than one marathon.
• Combine physical and mental activities so your dog uses both body and brain.
• Provide fresh water and let your dog rest appropriately afterwards.
• Ensure the space is safe, free from hazards like slippery floors, chewable cords, or fragile items.

When Indoor Isn’t Enough

If your dog is still restless or destructive despite indoor efforts, you might want to consider professional help. A midday visit from a dog walker or pet sitter can break up the day and provide the extra kinetic release your dog needs — even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Final Thoughts

Rainy days don’t have to mean restless dogs. With the right indoor alternatives, you can keep your high‑energy dog engaged, happy, and healthy even when the skies are grey. Use indoor obstacle courses, scent games, interactive toys, fetch and trick training to give your pup a fulfilling day. The reward? A calmer, happier dog and a more peaceful home environment.