Raincouver Survival Guide: 5 Mental Games to Tire Your Dog Out (Without Getting Soaked)

It’s nearly December in Vancouver. It’s dark at 4:30 PM, the rain is coming down sideways, and your dog is staring at you with that high-energy "let's go!" look.

You love your dog, but the idea of wrestling them into a raincoat for a muddy, wet slog at Trout Lake feels like a punishment for both of you.

Here is the secret most trainers won't tell you: Sometimes, skipping the walk is actually better.

While physical exercise is important, it isn't the only way to drain a dog's battery. In fact, 15 minutes of intense mental stimulation (brain work) can be as tiring as a 1-hour walk.

When we work a dog's brain, we burn energy efficiently without ramping up their adrenaline. So, put the leash away, stay dry, and try these 5 indoor brain games to survive the rainy season.

1. The "Cardboard Chaos" (DIY Destruction)

This is a personal favorite because it satisfies a dog's natural urge to dissect and shred—in a safe, controlled way.

• The Setup: Save your Amazon boxes, egg cartons, and toilet paper rolls.

• The Game: Put your dog's dinner (kibble) or high-value treats inside a small box. Tape it shut. Put that box inside a bigger box. Add some crumpled paper for texture.

• The Goal: Let your dog rip the cardboard apart to get to the food. It engages their nose, paws, and teeth.

• Safety Rule: Supervise closely. If your dog tries to eat the cardboard rather than just shred it, this game isn't for them!

2. The Muffin Tin Puzzle

You don't need expensive puzzle toys; you probably have a great one in your kitchen right now.

• The Setup: Take a standard muffin tin. Place a few treats or pieces of kibble in the cups.

• The Challenge: Place a tennis ball (or a crumpled pair of socks) on top of each cup to hide the food.

• The Goal: Your dog has to use their nose to find the food and their problem-solving skills to knock the balls out of the way.

It doesn’t have to be fancy! The Dollar store variety will do.

3. The Towel Burrito (Snuffle Mat Alternative)

This effectively turns a 30-second meal into a 10-minute foraging event.

• The Setup: Lay a bath towel flat on the floor. Scatter a handful of treats or kibble over the surface.

• The Game: Roll the towel up tight (like a burrito).

• The Goal: Your dog has to use their nose and paws to unroll the towel incrementally to get the rewards.

• Level Up: Once they master the roll, tie the towel into a loose knot to add a layer of difficulty.

If your dog ends up like a Burrito instead…you’re not doing it right!

4. "Find It" (Nose Work)

This is the ultimate game for tiring out a dog because sniffing lowers a dog's pulse rate and is incredibly mentally taxing.

• The Setup: Put your dog in a "Stay" (or put them in another room).

• The Hiding: Hide 5-10 treats around your living room—behind a table leg, on a low shelf, under a chair.

• The Game: Release your dog with the cue "Find it!" Encourage them to sniff out every single piece.

• Why it Works: They have to map the room with their nose, which uses a massive amount of brainpower.

5. The Shell Game (Cognitive Skills)

This is the classic magic trick, adapted for canines. It teaches focus and impulse control.

• The Setup: Get three identical opaque cups (plastic cups or flower pots work well). Show your dog a high-value treat.

• The Move: Place the treat under one cup while your dog watches. Shuffle the cups slowly.

• The Goal: Ask your dog to "Pick." They must tap or nose the correct cup to earn the reward. Start with one cup, then two, then three.

Still Climbing the Walls?

Mental stimulation is powerful, but it isn't a cure-all for severe behavioral issues.

If you’ve tried these games and your dog is still unable to settle, destroying furniture, or showing signs of anxiety, they may need more than just enrichment—they may need a behavior modification plan.

Don't spend another rainy winter stressed out. Let's build a custom plan for your home.