Brain Games for Rainy or Hot Days: Top 10 Indoor Enrichment Ideas for Dogs

When temperatures soar or the rain just won’t let up, keeping your dog mentally stimulated indoors becomes a priority. Walks might be out of the question during the heat of the day, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to settle for boredom or frustration. Mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise, and it can make a massive difference to your dog’s behaviour, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

At Paws Academy, we know real life isn’t always walk-friendly. So here are our top 10 ideas for keeping your dog engaged indoors—whether you’re dodging a summer heatwave or just stuck inside for the afternoon. All of these activities are easy to do at home, and they’re designed to challenge your dog’s brain in ways that are both fun and rewarding.

1. Scent Games That Work the Nose and Mind

Scent work taps into one of the most powerful parts of your dog’s brain: their nose. Not only does sniffing provide rich sensory information, but it’s also calming and helps reduce stress. Even a few minutes of focused sniffing can mentally tire out a dog more than a short walk.

A great starting point is the “Find It” game. Begin by tossing a few treats in plain sight and encouraging your dog to sniff them out. As they catch on, gradually make it more difficult—hide treats under towels, inside rolled-up socks, or under cups placed around the room.

For more advanced play, teach your dog to locate a specific object by name and smell. You could even work up to them finding your keys or their favourite toy on cue. These games are not only enriching but also incredibly satisfying for your dog and easy for you to set up.

2. DIY Snuffle Mat Sessions

A snuffle mat mimics foraging and is one of the easiest ways to turn a short session into a full mental workout. These mats are made from strips of fleece where treats or kibble are hidden, encouraging your dog to dig and snuffle to find them.

They’re excellent for calming dogs down, especially in the evening or after a more stimulating activity. If your dog tends to rush meals, using a snuffle mat for feeding can also help slow them down.

You can purchase one or make your own with a rubber sink mat and strips of old fleece or t-shirts. The process of learning how to use it, combined with the satisfying reward of finding food, makes this a repeatable activity that doesn’t get old quickly.

3. Frozen Treat Puzzles for the Heat

Hot days call for cool solutions. When the sun is blazing and outdoor activities are off the table, frozen treats are your best friend. Fill a Kong or similar rubber toy with a mix of your dog’s favourite foods—think mashed banana, plain cooked chicken, natural yoghurt (in moderation), or soaked kibble. Freeze overnight and serve when needed.

These treats not only help your dog cool down but also give them a slow, satisfying way to engage with food. For longer-lasting versions, freeze the toy in layers, adding a few bits at a time. This increases the challenge and makes the treat last longer.

If you want to keep things fresh, alternate ingredients or rotate different frozen toys. This can quickly become a highlight of your dog’s day—and a reliable tool in your enrichment toolkit.

4. Interactive Toys That Keep Them Thinking

Not all toys are created equal. Some keep your dog physically busy, while others ask them to think and solve problems. Puzzle feeders and interactive toys are ideal for dogs who enjoy a challenge.

Start with simpler puzzles if your dog is new to this kind of enrichment. Toys with sliding compartments, flaps, or levers provide just enough challenge to get them engaged. Once your dog figures out the basic idea, you can move on to multi-step puzzles or toys that require more manipulation.

Make sure to supervise these sessions, especially when you introduce a new toy. It’s also smart to rotate toys every few days so they don’t become too predictable or lose their appeal.

5. Basic Training With a Twist

Training is a brilliant way to mentally exercise your dog, and it doesn’t need to be repetitive or dull. In fact, it should be playful and full of variation. A short five-minute training session can be more enriching than an hour’s walk—especially when the temperature outside makes walks risky.

Work on known cues and behaviours but change the context. Ask for a sit while you’re sitting on the floor. Try recall from different rooms. Introduce mild distractions, such as moving toys or background noise, and reward your dog for staying focused.

Teaching tricks is another great option. “Spin,” “play dead,” “high five,” and even “tidy up your toys” are achievable goals that also sharpen communication and build your dog’s confidence. You’ll be surprised at how much joy both you and your dog get from learning something new together.

6. The Shell Game (and Other Cup Challenges)

This is a classic game that never gets old. Hide a treat under one of three (or more) identical cups. Shuffle them gently and encourage your dog to point out the right one. Some dogs will nose it, some will paw, and others might simply stare.

This game sharpens memory and observational skills. It also helps dogs practise patience and decision-making, which are hugely beneficial behaviours in everyday life.

As your dog becomes more skilled, add a second person to shuffle the cups faster or add more cups to increase difficulty. Just be sure to keep the experience fun and rewarding—it’s not about getting it “right” every time, but about learning and engaging.

7. Teach a New Name for a Toy

Some dogs love toys so much they practically name them for you. Others need a bit of help. Start by choosing one toy and naming it consistently—“Duck,” “Ball,” “Teddy,” whatever suits. Show the toy, say the name clearly, and then reward your dog when they interact with it.

Once the name is understood, place the named toy alongside another and ask your dog to choose. Reward when they get it right. Gradually build the game to include three, four, or more toys.

This type of learning stretches their memory and introduces word association. It’s a long game, but a deeply enriching one. Dogs who excel at this tend to enjoy the process of solving the “puzzle” and can retain a surprising number of words.

8. “Which Hand?” Game for Focus and Fun

This game is simple to play, requires no equipment, and takes less than a minute to set up. Take a small treat and hide it in one of your hands. Present both closed fists to your dog and encourage them to choose. If they select the correct hand, they get the treat.

It’s a great way to practise gentle interaction and impulse control, especially if your dog is prone to excitement or over-arousal. You can also use it as a mini “reset” activity between more stimulating tasks. Dogs learn to watch closely, sniff carefully, and make decisions—perfect indoor entertainment with zero mess.

9. Make Mealtime More Meaningful (Without Skipping Routine)

Consistency in mealtimes gives dogs a sense of security, especially those prone to anxiety or digestive upset. But that doesn’t mean mealtimes have to be dull. You can enrich the experience without disrupting the schedule.

Use slow feeders, puzzle bowls, or lick mats to make meals more engaging. Spread a portion of food into small containers or hide it in paper rolls for a bit of a treasure hunt. For kibble-fed dogs, scattering a handful across a snuffle mat can add extra satisfaction.

The key is to keep the timing and portions consistent, while occasionally changing the format. This maintains structure while offering variety—something most dogs thrive on.

10. Virtual Training Sessions and New Learning

Some days, you just want support that goes beyond DIY. That’s where professional guidance comes in. At Paws Academy, we offer virtual training sessions for dogs of all ages, backgrounds, and behavioural needs. These sessions are fully interactive and tailored to your dog’s specific situation—whether you’re working on reactivity, obedience, anxiety, or just want to boost their enrichment routine.

Virtual consultations are especially valuable when weather limits in-person sessions or if you’re located further afield. We also offer in-person training across Ireland for those who prefer that approach.

We know every dog is different, which is why we don’t offer one-size-fits-all advice. Instead, we listen, observe, and collaborate with you to build a plan that’s achievable, enjoyable, and sustainable.

When the Weather Wins, the Brain Still Works

Hot weather or rainy spells can make walking difficult, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out. Mental stimulation is every bit as tiring—and arguably more rewarding—than physical exercise. Mixing up enrichment and keeping things fresh will help your dog feel calmer, more settled, and less likely to develop habits like barking or chewing from boredom.

The secret isn’t just what you do—it’s how consistently you do it. A mix of daily structure and creative play keeps your dog emotionally and mentally healthy, even when the weather outside is working against you.

Start with one or two activities and see what lights your dog up. The more you observe what they enjoy, the more you can fine-tune your enrichment routine.

Let’s Make Indoor Days Count

Whether it’s puzzles, scent games, or teaching a new trick, you’ve got plenty of options to keep your dog mentally active—even when outdoor walks are off the table.

Need help getting started? Reach out to Paws Academy for personalised training and behaviour support. We offer virtual consultations worldwide and in-person sessions across Ireland. Whether you’re working through challenges or simply want to enrich your dog’s life, we’ve got your back.