It’s raining. Again.
You’re on your third cup of coffee, and your dog is currently staring a hole through the back of your head, holding a soggy tennis ball. They’ve got "the look", that pent-up energy that says, “If we don’t go to the park in the next five minutes, I’m going to eat the baseboards.”
When the weather refuses to cooperate, physical exercise is off the table. But here’s the secret: Mental exercise is actually more exhausting for a dog than a walk around the block. Working their brain for 15 minutes can tire them out as much as a 45-minute jog.
Here are two of our favorite "rainy day" DIYs to keep your pup occupied while you try to get some work (or Netflix) done.
1. The DIY No-Sew Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat is basically a high-pile rug made of fleece strips. You hide dry food or treats inside the fabric, and your dog has to use their nose to "hunt" for their dinner.
Why it works: Sniffing lowers a dog’s heart rate and releases endorphins. It’s basically meditation for canines.
What you need:
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A rubber sink mat (the kind with holes in it).
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About a yard of fleece fabric (an old blanket works great).
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Scissors.
How to make it:
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Cut the strips: Cut your fleece into strips about 1 inch wide and 6-7 inches long. You don’t need to be precise, your dog doesn't care about aesthetics, trust me.
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The "Push and Tie": Poke one end of a strip through a hole in the mat, and the other end through the hole next to it. Tie them in a simple double knot.
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Fill the gaps: Keep going until every hole has a fleece tail poking out. It should look like a giant, colorful, shaggy mop.
Pro Tip: Don't just throw the treats on top. Bury them deep! Make them work for it.
2. The "Pupsicle" (Frozen Enrichment)
If your dog is a "power chewer" or just gets bored easily, freezing their food is a game-changer. It turns a 30-second snack into a 20-minute project.
The "Standard" Pupsicle:
Take a hollow rubber toy and plug the small hole at the bottom with a bit of peanut butter (xylitol-free!). Fill the inside with a mix of plain Greek yogurt, mashed banana, or even just wet dog food. Pop it in the freezer for 4 hours.
The "Ice Block" Challenge:
If you have a larger dog, fill a Tupperware container with water and a splash of low-sodium chicken broth. Drop in some blueberries, carrots, and a few kibbles. Freeze it solid, then pop the giant ice block out onto a towel (or in the kitchen where it’s easy to mop). They’ll lick their way through the ice to get to the "treasures" inside.
The Ultimate Rainy Day Combo
Sometimes, a rainy day isn't just about boredom—the sound of thunder or heavy rain on the roof can actually make some dogs pretty anxious.
If your dog is pacing or can't seem to settle down even with a toy, I like to combine enrichment with a little extra help.
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The Chill-Out Strategy: Break up a few Sea Biskitz - Advanced Calming Treats and hide them inside your snuffle mat or freeze them right into the center of a Pupsicle. It gives them a high-value "jackpot" to find, and the calming ingredients help transition them from "Hyper Rainy Day Mode" to "Nap on the Couch Mode" once the game is over.
Which one should you try?
If you're not sure which to start with, look at how your dog plays:
| If your dog is a... | Try this first: |
| "The Nudger" (Uses their nose for everything) | The Snuffle Mat |
| "The Licker" (Loves to groom or lick) | Frozen Yogurt Toy |
| "The Destroyer" (Chews things to pieces) | The Broth Ice Block |
Rainy days don't have to be a struggle. With a bit of fleece or a frozen toy, you can turn a boring afternoon into a brain-building adventure for your best friend.
Wishing you calm seas and wagging tails,
The Sea Biskitz Pack
