When the weather outside is dreadful, keeping your dog active and entertained indoors is essential. Whether it’s freezing temperatures, heavy rain, or sweltering heat, indoor activities ensure your pup stays mentally and physically stimulated. At The Canine Hub, we know that a happy, engaged dog leads to better behaviour and a stronger bond with their human.
Watch Laura & Colin in Action!
On Tuesday, when we had to cancel lessons due to the wet weather, our trainer Laura made the most of the time indoors by filming this incredible video with her dog. Watch below for inspiration on the kind of fun, advanced tricks you can teach at home—even when the weather is against you!
Whether your dog is a beginner or already knows a few tricks, indoor training is a fantastic way to keep them engaged and learning. Below, we’ve put together a list of our favourite indoor activities to help keep your dog happy and active when heading outside isn’t an option
Let’s explore some fun indoor dog activities for winter months that will keep tails wagging no matter what’s happening outside!
Hide-and-Seek: A Brain-Boosting Adventure
Dogs love using their noses, so why not turn a simple game into an exciting mental workout? Hide somewhere in your home and call your dog’s name. When they find you, reward them with treats and praise.
Drift loves this game—especially when treats are involved! She takes her search mission very seriously and always looks so proud when she finds me hiding behind the sofa.
Bonus Challenge: Hide treats or toys around the house and let your dog sniff them out for an added enrichment boost!
DIY Agility Course
Transform your living room into a mini agility course with household items! Use chairs for weaving, pillows for jumping over, and tunnels made from blankets or boxes. This is a great way to provide indoor dog exercise while reinforcing basic cues like “jump” and “crawl.”
Skip, being the little speedster he is, absolutely flies through our homemade obstacle courses. He especially loves jumping over cushions and weaving through chair legs—it’s hard to keep up with him sometimes!
Pro Tip: Use your dog’s favourite toy or treat as motivation to navigate the course.
Tug-of-War: A Classic Energy Burner
A simple game of tug-of-war can be an excellent way to keep your dog active indoors. It’s a great muscle workout and can also reinforce impulse control—just teach them a solid “drop it” cue for safe play.
Gem has an impressive tug grip and doesn’t back down easily. She takes this game very seriously, but she’s also fantastic at responding to the “drop it” cue when it’s time to reset.
Safety Tip: Always let your dog “win” sometimes to keep the game enjoyable and build their confidence!
Puzzle Toys and Food Games
Dogs love to work for their food! Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, or even DIY snuffle mats can provide hours of entertainment. These activities tap into their natural foraging instincts and prevent boredom.
DIY Idea: Place kibble inside a muffin tin and cover it with tennis balls—your dog will have to figure out how to move the balls to get their food!
Indoor Fetch with a Soft Toy
If space allows, a gentle game of fetch with a soft toy or rolled-up sock can help burn energy. Hallways or long, open spaces work great for this game. Just be mindful of breakables!
Skip lives for a game of fetch, especially when it involves his favourite squeaky toy. We’ve had some very competitive games down the hallway—he’s always ready for “just one more throw!”
Get Creative with Our Free Style Workshops
Winter is the perfect time to explore Free Style—a fun and creative way to bond with your dog through movement and tricks. Our monthly Free Style Workshops at The Canine Hub provide a fantastic opportunity to try something new, challenge your dog’s mind, and boost their confidence—all in a positive and supportive environment.
Drift loves learning new moves, especially spins and leg weaves. Watching her figure out a new routine is always a highlight—she’s such a natural performer!
Try This at Home: Teach your dog to weave between your legs or spin in a circle to get a taste of Free Style training!
Variety Club: Keeping Training Fun All Year Round
Looking for a way to keep your dog engaged indoors and outdoors? Our Variety Club is perfect for exploring different training styles, games, and activities each month, ensuring your dog stays mentally and physically stimulated. Whether it’s scent work, recall games, or confidence-building exercises, there’s always something exciting to try!
Recall Training Indoors
Limited outdoor time doesn’t mean you can’t work on recall! Practise calling your dog from one room to another, rewarding them generously when they come to you. Gradually increase the difficulty by adding distractions or using a longer distance.
Want to take your recall training to the next level? Our recall course at The Canine Hub is designed to build a reliable response, setting your dog up for success both indoors and outdoors.
What’s Your Dog’s Favourite Winter Activity?
We’d love to hear from you! What’s your go-to indoor activity when the weather is bad? Share your favourite winter game or training tip in the comments!
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Dog Happy Indoors
Bad weather doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored! By incorporating these fun indoor dog activities for winter months, you’ll keep them mentally stimulated, physically active, and happy year-round.
For expert training, join our Free Style Workshops, Variety Club, or recall course at The Canine Hub—all fantastic ways to keep your dog engaged and learning, no matter the season!
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