How to keep your dog entertained on a rainy day in East Tennessee

Let’s face it—rainy days in East Tennessee can be a real buzzkill when you have an energetic pup staring at you, full of pent-up energy and no backyard playtime in sight. Whether you’re a Knoxville pet owner or living in the surrounding East Tennessee areas, you’ve probably had those days where you wonder, “How am I going to tire this dog out without getting soaked?”

We get it. At DoodyCalls of East Tennessee, we know that even a drizzle can throw off your entire routine. But keeping your dog entertained (and out of trouble!) doesn’t have to mean braving the rain or resigning yourself to muddy paw prints on the furniture. Here are some creative, indoor-friendly ways to help your dog beat boredom and stay mentally and physically stimulated—even when the weather outside is anything but paw-sitive.

Set up indoor enrichment games
If your dog is used to exploring outside in the yard or going on long walks through Knoxville’s greenways, a rainy day can be especially frustrating for them. Enrichment games are a great way to replicate that mental stimulation indoors.

Try this:
Hide small treats around the house and encourage your dog to find them. You can start simple—like placing a treat behind a chair leg—and gradually make it more challenging. Nose work is a great way to tire your dog out mentally, and it's ideal for rainy days when physical play is limited.

Rotate their toys to keep things fresh
Dogs can get bored with the same old chew toys. If you have a basket of toys lying around, pick a few to put away and reintroduce them later like they’re brand new. This trick works wonders for keeping your pup interested without spending money on new toys every week.

Bonus tip for Knoxville dog owners: Check out local East Tennessee pet stores for interactive puzzle toys or treat-dispensing balls. These are fantastic boredom busters that also reward your dog for using their brain.

Create an indoor obstacle course
You don’t need fancy equipment to get your dog moving indoors. Pillows, boxes, broomsticks, and chairs can all become part of a fun obstacle course. Guide your dog through the course with treats or verbal cues and reward them for following along. It’s a great way to provide physical exercise when the backyard is a muddy mess.

Plus, you’ll have fun watching them try to figure it all out—it’s like a doggy version of American Ninja Warrior right in your living room.

Practice new tricks or reinforce old ones
Rainy days are perfect for brushing up on obedience skills or teaching your dog something new. Have you ever wanted to teach your dog to roll over, shake, or even put their toys away? Now’s your chance.

Short, frequent training sessions (5–10 minutes at a time) can make a big difference. Not only does training burn energy, but it also strengthens your bond with your pup—and it’s something the whole family can get involved in.

Schedule a rainy day doggie playdate
If your dog is well-socialized and has a furry friend nearby, consider hosting an indoor playdate. Just make sure the space is dog-safe and all pups are supervised. It’s a great way for dogs to let out energy and keep each other entertained when the East Tennessee rain just won’t let up.

Use mealtime as entertainment time
Instead of feeding your dog from their regular bowl, turn mealtime into a game. Use food puzzles, snuffle mats, or hide kibble in muffin tins under tennis balls to get your pup working for their food. It slows down their eating and makes the experience more stimulating.

This approach can be especially useful for high-energy breeds or younger dogs who need something to do—not just something to eat.

Don’t forget potty breaks
Even if your dog isn’t thrilled about going outside in the rain, they still need to do their business. Keep a towel near the door and consider using a covered area like a porch or awning for quick potty breaks.

And remember—DoodyCalls of East Tennessee is here to help! We offer reliable dog waste removal services throughout the Knoxville area and beyond. Rain or shine, we help keep your yard clean and poop-free so you have one less thing to worry about.

When in doubt, cuddle it out
Some days, the best solution really is just to curl up together and wait for the weather to pass. Your dog likely loves your attention more than anything else. Take the time to relax, snuggle, and enjoy a cozy afternoon indoors with your best friend. Sometimes a quiet day can be just as fulfilling—for both of you.

Let us handle the dirty work while you enjoy your pup

Rainy days can disrupt your schedule, but they don’t have to disrupt your home. With a little creativity, you can keep your dog entertained, active, and happy no matter what the East Tennessee skies are doing.

If the stormy weather has left your yard looking less than fresh, DoodyCalls of East Tennessee has your back. We offer routine dog poop pickup services in Knoxville and the surrounding areas, so you can focus on what really matters—making memories with your four-legged family member.