Rainy-Day Games for Dogs

With the Pawsitive Pals Canine Training touch

Hey, Pals! Jessica here with the latest blog from Jessica Clark’s Pawsitive Pals Canine Training. Here in the PNW, rain—and sometimes ice or snow—can make a walk difficult or impossible. But your dog still needs exercise, enrichment, and opportunities to learn. Keep reading for two fun indoor activities that can help keep your dog active and engaged when the weather keeps you inside.

Game 1: Hallway Highway the overpass/underpass game

Yes, you can practice agility indoors. The exercises you choose will depend on your home’s layout, your dog’s size, and their exercise needs. Ginger and I do not compete, but she loves learning agility skills—and this simple overpass/underpass game combines training, movement, and fun.

What You’ll Need

• A clear hallway, ideally 15–20 feet long. A shorter space can also work with a little creativity.

• One foam pool noodle—or two or three if your hallway is long enough. Save any leftover pieces for the next game.
  

Set Up the Course

• Cut each pool noodle to the width of your hallway, then wedge it securely between the walls.

• If you are using multiple noodles, position them about 4–5 feet apart.

Teach the Over-and-Under Pattern

1. Choose which noodle your dog will step or jump over and which one they will walk or crawl under. Select a clear verbal cue for each action; I use “jump” and “crawl.”
   

1. Place the first noodle low enough for your dog to step over comfortably—about 1 foot from the floor is a useful starting point. Position the second noodle 4–5 feet away and high enough for your dog to pass underneath without touching it. Adjust both heights to suit your dog’s size.

1. Walk down the hallway with your dog. Use your marker word—I use “yes”—each time they successfully go over or under a noodle. As they become comfortable, add the verbal cues. Gradually raise the low noodle and lower the high noodle to increase the challenge. If your dog is food motivated, reward completed attempts with treats.
   

Keep it positive: Let your dog move at their own pace, and do not raise or lower the noodles too quickly. The goal is to build confidence without apprehension or fear. This versatile game can also transition outdoors when the weather improves and you have a suitable yard or jump.

Game 2: Digging for Dollars

Modeled after a foraging box—but amplified—this game gives your dog a safe, controlled place to dig for treats or a toy. Digging provides enrichment and exercise and can help relieve boredom, stress, and anxiety without sacrificing your backyard.

What You’ll Need

• A plastic tub sized for your dog, or a large box with the flaps removed. It should be large enough for your dog to place their front paws inside and move around slightly, but not so large that they could be injured. I use my dogs toy box.

• Leftover pool noodle sections cut into pieces appropriate for your dog: about 2–3 inches for smaller dogs, 4–5 inches for medium dogs, and 5–6 inches for larger dogs. Pieces should be easy to move but too large to swallow.

• Dog-safe blocks, balls, or assorted toys that are large enough not to be swallowed. Customize the mix for your dog; I skip tennis balls because my girl is too obsessed with them. You can use packaging paper rolled into a tight ball, or packing cardboard pieces. Again, easy enough for them to move around but not to small that they can swallow. 

• A hand towel plus your dog’s favorite treats or kibble. Sprinkle food onto the towel, roll it up, and freeze it for a few hours.
  

Assemble the Digging Tub

1. Place the pool noodle pieces and dog-safe toys loosely in the tub.

2. Cut a medium-value, strong-smelling treat—such as a bacon- or fish-flavored option—into small pieces and scatter them through the tub. Add some kibble and mix everything together.

3. Place the frozen towel at the bottom of the tub.

4. Let your dog see the goodies going in, then invite them to dig for dollars. If your dog knows stay, put them in a stay then release them to go dig for dollars!

• If your dog is hesitant: Place a higher-value treat on top and allow your dog to take it without pressure. This can help them become comfortable with the tub and putting their paws inside.
  

• Supervise throughout: Because the tub contains loose pieces, do not leave your dog unattended. This is an activity to enjoy together, not an enrichment item to leave out while you are away.
  

These are just two of the games I teach my training clients—I can’t give away all my secrets! Many more are included in my rainy-day training package. Thank you for reading. I hope these activities help you keep your dog learning, moving, and having fun when a walk simply is not possible. Happy training Pals! Stay tuned for my next blog; Tips for a successful vet visit!