The clocks have gone back, the air is crisp (sort of), and let’s face it: the November weather in the UK often makes that last walk of the day feel more like a forced march than a fun adventure. But shorter, muddier walks don’t mean your dog’s brain has to switch off!

Boredom leads to mischief (hello, chewed sofa!), so keeping your canine companion mentally stimulated is essential.

Here are 5 simple, no-equipment-needed indoor games that will tire out your dog’s brain just as effectively as a long ramble—perfect for those long, dark evenings!

1. Classic Hide and Seek (The Engagement Booster)

This isn’t just a children’s game; it’s excellent for bonding and testing your dog’s hearing and scent work!

  • How to Play: Have your dog wait (or have a helper gently hold them) while you quickly hide somewhere accessible but out of sight (behind a door, under a duvet, in a cupboard).
  • The Cue: Call your dog’s name excitedly with the cue: “Find me!” When they find you, reward them with huge praise, cuddles, and a high-value treat.
  • The Benefit: It engages their recall and location skills and is a brilliant confidence builder. They learn that searching for you is a fun, rewarding challenge.

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2. The Treat Shell Game (The Focus Builder)

A quick, easy game that relies on your dog’s scent discrimination and focus. All you need are a few items from the recycling bin.

  • How to Play: Place three identical, opaque containers (like empty plastic cups, old mugs, or small upturned food bowls) on the floor. Let your dog watch as you hide a high-value treat under just one of the containers.
  • The Cue: Give a release command (“Find it!” or “Search!“) and encourage them to use their nose to choose the right cup.
  • The Benefit: This is excellent for mental focus and slows down fast eaters. As your dog gets better, you can shuffle the cups slightly to increase the difficulty.

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3. The Muffin Tin Puzzle (The Slow Feeder)

This simple DIY puzzle provides a rewarding hunt for treats and is great for keeping them occupied for several minutes.

  • How to Play: Take a standard 12-hole muffin tin. Place a small, dry treat or a portion of kibble in each hole. Cover some or all of the holes with tennis balls or crumpled old socks.
  • The Cue: Present the tin and encourage them to use their nose and paws to dislodge the covers and get the treats.
  • The Benefit: It teaches problem-solving skills and uses their foraging instinct. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to slow down dogs who usually inhale their dinner!

Find out more here

4. Scent Trail Challenge (The Anxiety Distractor)

November is a tough month for sensitive dogs due to the sound and flashes of Bonfire Night fireworks. This game uses their strongest sense—smell—to anchor their focus indoors.

  • How to Play: Get their favourite, strongest-smelling treats (small pieces of cheese, dried liver, or high-value biscuits). Put your dog in another room. Start at the front of the house and lay a trail of single treats leading deeper into the house, culminating in a big jackpot reward in their safe space/den (e.g., their crate or under a bed).
  • The Firework Trick: During a period of firework activity, release your dog and encourage them to follow the trail. The intense focus required to sniff out the high-value trail will often override their anxiety response, shifting their focus from the noise to the reward.
  • The Benefit: This is a crucial tool for noise desensitisation by creating a positive association with their safe space and distracting them from external stimuli.

Find out more here

5. The Box Fort Destruction (The Energy Burner)

Got some delivery boxes lying around? Let your dog channel their inner destructor in a safe, fun way!

  • How to Play: Take an old cardboard box (remove any staples or sharp plastic). Place a mix of scrunched-up newspaper, old towels, and a few high-value treats inside. Gently close the flaps.
  • The Cue: Tell your dog, “Get it!” or “Open!” and let them rip, paw, and tear the box apart to get to the goodies inside.
  • The Benefit: This is a fantastic outlet for natural chewing, shredding, and digging instincts, providing a great physical and mental workout without leaving the house. (Just be ready for a small clean-up afterwards!)

Find out more here