Rustle, sniff, find: a rainy-day game without a shopping list

Rain on the window. A toy at your feet. That look that says, well, what are we doing now?

Here is a small indoor idea: make finding something the game. The American Kennel Club's indoor-activity guide describes hide-and-seek and simple food-search activities. You can begin much more easily than a whole-room treasure hunt.

Choose a clear, nonslip spot. Let your dog see a familiar toy placed a short distance away, then invite them to find it. Keep the first turn easy enough to succeed. A little celebration and a bit of play can be the ending.

For food searches, use suitable food from your dog's normal allowance and account for any dietary restrictions. Supervise, keep other pets from competing, and stop if the activity becomes frustrating. Skip paper, fabric, or loose DIY parts if your dog may swallow them.

Curious about a snuffle mat? The official Dogs Trust video below shows one DIY approach. Watch the original tutorial and consider whether its materials suit your particular dog; a homemade toy is not automatically chew-proof.

What is your easiest indoor game when the weather says no?