7 Rainy Day Activities to Keep Your Dog Happy (When British Weather Ruins Walkies)

7 Rainy Day Activities to Keep Your Dog Happy (When British Weather Ruins Walkies)

Let’s face it, rainy days in the UK are basically guaranteed. And while some dogs live for a muddy puddle moment, others take one look at the drizzle and decide today is absolutely not the day.

When walks are shorter (or skipped altogether), dogs still need mental stimulation, enrichment and a bit of fun to stop them bouncing off the walls. The good news? You don’t need a massive garden or hours of free time.

Here are seven brilliant rainy day activities for dogs, all tried-and-tested ways to beat boredom indoors, featuring some Bob-approved favourites.

1. Turn Tug Time Into a Proper Workout

Featuring: Green & Wilds Big Rope 3 Knot

A good old game of tug is perfect for rainy days, it burns energy, builds engagement and takes up very little space.

The Green & Wilds Big Rope 3 Knot is ideal because it’s:

  • Tough enough for enthusiastic tuggers

  • Easy to grip (for both humans and dogs)

  • Made from natural materials

  • Also check out our wide range of Tug-e-Nuff toys for max tuggaro

Top tip:
Mix tug with basic cues like drop, wait or sit to turn playtime into a sneaky training session.

2. Natural Chewing for Calm, Focused Dogs

Featuring: JR Pet Ostrich Foot

When the rain’s relentless, chewing is your best friend. It helps dogs relax, releases endorphins and keeps them occupied far longer than most toys.

The JR Pet Ostrich Foot is a brilliant rainy-day chew because it’s:

  • 100% natural

  • Long-lasting

  • Great for dogs who love a proper crunch

  • Check out our full range of JR Pet chews for other ideas like Beef Feet, Buffalo Wraps, Lamb Braids and Beef Tendons

Perfect for those afternoons when you just want five minutes of peace and a hot cuppa.

jr pet ostrich foot chew

Lick Away the Boredom

Featuring: LickiMat + Peamutt Butter

Licking is incredibly calming for dogs - ideal for stormy afternoons or dogs who hate bad weather.

Spread Peamutt Butter onto a LickiMat, pop it down, and watch your dog happily zone out.

Why it works:

  • Mental enrichment without over-excitement

  • Slows down treat consumption

  • Helps anxious or restless dogs settle 

  • Check out our blog on how to use your Lickimat to its best 
  • Be careful if you are going to use 'human' peanut butter as it may contain dangerous sweeteners - always read the label. Be safe and buy dog specific peanut butter.

Pro moves:
Freeze it for an extra challenge and longer-lasting fun.

Use your dog's wet food to turn your lickimat into a slow dinner.

Does your dog like fruit? You can spread loads of stuff on a Lickimat - if it spreads, use it!

lickimat for dogs

Make Mealtimes a Game

Featuring: KONG Rewards Ball

Rainy days are the perfect excuse to ditch the bowl.

The KONG Rewards Ball turns feeding into a puzzle, encouraging:

  • Problem-solving

  • Movement indoors

  • Slower eating

Simply fill it with kibble or low-fat treats and let your dog work out how to get the goods.

This is especially great for high-energy dogs who normally rely on long walks to burn fuel.

kong rewards puzzle ball for dogs

Toy Rotation = New Toy Energy

Featuring: KONG Layerz Chicken & Hedgehog

Ever noticed how a toy suddenly becomes exciting again after disappearing for a week? That’s the magic of rotation.

The KONG Layerz Hen and Hedgehog are ideal rainy-day toys thanks to:

  • Multiple textures

  • Built-in squeakers

  • Soft but durable layers

Rotate toys every few days to keep things fresh, your dog will think they’re getting new ones without you spending a penny more. A toy put away and played with together is SO much more interesting and fun to one that's just left lying around.

DIY Indoor Scent Games

Featuring: Innocent Hound Low-Fat Salmon Treats

Scent work is exhausting in the best way. Five minutes of sniffing can tire a dog more than a long walk.

Try this:

  • Hide Innocent Hound Low-Fat Salmon Treats around one room (top tip, cut them into small pieces to make the packet go further!)

  • Start easy, then increase difficulty

  • Encourage your dog to “find it”

Why these treats?

  • Low fat (great for frequent rewards)

  • Strong smell

  • Simple, natural ingredients

This is enrichment gold - especially for senior dogs or those on restricted exercise.

Check out our full range of low fat treats.

low fat treats for dogs

Combine Activities for a Mini Indoor Adventure

On particularly grim days, don’t rely on just one thing. Stack activities:

  • Tug game → chew time

  • Puzzle feeder → scent work

  • Lickimat → cosy nap

Dogs thrive on variety, and mixing physical, mental and calming activities keeps them balanced, even when the weather is doing its worst.

Rain Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

British weather might be unpredictable, but your dog’s happiness doesn’t have to be. With the right toys, chews and enrichment ideas, rainy days can be just as fun as dry ones.

Back to blog

Leave a comment