Rain Rain Go Away!! After days of rain and more on the way many dogs may be going a little stir crazy in the house. This post will be about the many things you can do in the house to help release some of that pent up energy. There are many types of indoor games that can be played some more physical than others but all mentally stimulating.

Game #1
Game #1 is not really a game at all. Instead the first thing on rainy days is to have plenty of objects and toys for your dog or puppy to chew on. This can be anything from stuffed toys, rope toys, chew bones to tennis balls. Bored dogs are more likely to get into trouble than dogs that have something to do. Make sure to change things up as well. Dogs will get bored of the toys that have been in the house for 2-3 weeks. Make sure to bring new toys into the mix and take a few of the old ones away. Bring the old ones out 3-4 weeks from now and the dog will think it is new again.

Game #2
Fetch-If your dog can play fetch this is a game that can still be done even when raining. Although you will not be able to throw very far the dog still will get some physical release of energy from playing the game. The dog will also get mental exercise from this game as well. To increase the amount of physical exursion to the game have the dog fetch the ball up the stairs and come running back to you. Running up the stairs is a lot of work and most dogs will get tired out much quicker this way.

Game #3
Puzzle Toys-There are many types of puzzle toys on the market all with varying degrees of difficulty. There is everything from the kongs that can be filled with peanut butter or canned foods to elaborate puzzle toys that involve the dog to figure out a puzzle in order to receive its treat. In all aspects these toys are having the dog use his/her brain to try to figure out how to get the food out of the toy. Puzzle toys wear dogs out mental vs physically but the result is the same one tired dog.

Game #4
Hide and Seek-This game can be played in many different ways. One is you can hide treats around the house and then have your dog find them. The second is to actually play hide and seek yourself and then calling the dog to come find you. The second way actually will help build a stronger recall for the dog. They want to find you no matter what it takes and those that succeed the reward is you plus or minus a treat. If you play the hide and seek game in the house you can also take it outside when the weather is sunny again.

Hope a few of these games will keep you and your dog busy during this rainy stretch.