Fall Enrichment Games for Rainy Days (and Cabin Fever Dogs)

The crisp air and golden leaves of autumn in Missoula are perfect for trail adventures and training field trips—but we all know the weather doesn’t always cooperate. Whether it’s a rainy day, early snow, or just muddy trails, being cooped up inside doesn’t mean your dog’s training (or energy) has to take a break.

In fact, indoor enrichment is one of the most underutilized tools for training progress, confidence-building, and better behavior around the house.

Here are our favorite fall-themed enrichment activities and obedience games to keep your dog’s brain and body busy—even when you’re stuck indoors.

Why Enrichment Matters (Especially in Fall)

Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity—especially for high-drive, working breeds, or dogs prone to anxiety, reactivity, or boredom-based behavior issues like:

• Barking out the window

• Chewing furniture or toys

• Zoomies and hyperactivity

• Whining or shadowing your every move

By giving your dog a “job” indoors, you create focus, drain energy, and reinforce structure during unpredictable fall weather.

Our Favorite Indoor Enrichment Games for Montana Dogs

1. Scent-Based Treasure Hunts

Hide treats or kibble around the house and let your dog sniff them out. You can hide them under blankets, behind furniture, or in puzzle toys to encourage deeper scent work.

Trainer tip: Start with easy placements, then gradually make them harder to find. This builds both confidence and problem-solving skills.

2. Place & Release Drills

Your dog’s “place” command shouldn’t just be for calm time—it’s also a perfect tool for building impulse control indoors.

• Practice sending them to place from across the room

• Add light distractions (TV sounds, dropped treats, door knocks)

• Practice “break” or release commands and recall back to place

Use meals or part of their daily kibble as rewards to make it part of your routine.

3. DIY Obstacle Courses

Use couch cushions, laundry baskets, broomsticks, and tunnels to create a mini obstacle course inside. Have your dog go “over,” “under,” or “through” on command.

It’s great for both physical movement and listening skills.

4. Food Puzzles & Snuffle Mats

When weather limits your walk time, make meals more challenging by putting food in puzzle toys, frozen Kongs, or snuffle mats.

This taps into your dog’s foraging instincts and can extend meal time from 2 minutes to 20—burning mental energy while you sip your coffee.

5. Halloween-Themed Obedience Challenges

Make training festive with themed cues or games:

• Practice “place” while kids ring the doorbell for Halloween

• Teach “leave it” using candy wrappers or fake treats

• Use a pumpkin as a “place” object for fall photo ops

• Have your dog wear a light bandana or costume piece (if comfortable) and hold a down while guests enter

What About Reactive or Anxious Dogs?

Rainy days and dark evenings often trigger reactivity in dogs who can’t get their usual physical outlets. Indoor enrichment is especially useful for:

• Building calm focus around the house

• Managing door excitement

• Replacing pacing or barking with scent games or problem-solving

If your dog struggles during seasonal changes, we can help with confidence-building strategies and in-home behavior plans.

Local to Missoula? Need Help Keeping Your Dog Engaged This Fall?

We specialize in helping dogs of all breeds and energy levels stay structured, stimulated, and calm—even when the weather keeps you inside. From obedience training to advanced behavior modification, our board & train programs and private lessons are designed for real life in Montana.

Contact us at 406-946-3037 or fill out the form below to learn more about our training options!