At-Home Enrichment is a monthly series from the pros at The Dog Den & The Puppy Den! Each activity is designed to be easy, affordable, and fun — using simple household items and little-to-no “special” equipment. Because enrichment shouldn’t be complicated… it should be something you can actually do on a busy (or very rainy) day.

Looking for a way to burn some energy when the weather isn’t cooperating? This month’s enrichment feature is a DIY Rainy Day Obstacle Course — a fun, confidence-building game that turns your living room into an adventure zone.

This activity is great for:

energetic dogs stuck inside
dogs who need confidence building
busy brains who love problem-solving
families who want to join in on the fun

Why We Love This Activity

We love this one because it:

builds body awareness and coordination
boosts confidence in new environments
strengthens your bond as you explore together

✨ Bonus: It can be super simple or surprisingly challenging — depending on your dog.

Supplies Needed

You’ll need:

pillows or cushions
chairs
not-easily-breakable household items (plastic mixing bowls, stuffed animals, laundry hamper, broom, etc.)
a few of your dog’s favorite rewards (treats or toys)

No fancy agility equipment required — your house is the playground.

**How to Set It Up**

Get creative! Start with a small path across the living room or down a hallway. As your dog gains confidence, you can expand the course throughout the house.
Every dog’s course will look different, but here are some obstacle ideas:
Step over a broom
Navigate a “sea” of mixing bowls
Crawl under a chair
Jump over a laundry basket
Walk across a slightly wobbly cushion
Weave around stuffed animals
Start simple. You can always add more later.

Start Easy

If your dog is new to obstacle-style games:

Introduce one obstacle at a time
Reward generously for curiosity and effort
Keep heights low and movements simple

The goal is confidence — not perfection. We want your dog thinking, “This is fun!” not “What is happening?!”

Level Up

Once your dog understands the game, you can increase the challenge:

Add more obstacles
Make the path longer
Combine two movements (crawl under → step over)
Increase balance challenges slightly (like thicker cushions)

Pro tip: Focus on individual obstacles instead of one giant, complicated course. Master one piece, then build from there.

How to Play

Once your obstacles are set up:

Place rewards throughout the course and encourage your dog to explore on their own
OR
Keep rewards with you and move through the course together, guiding and cheering them on

You can lure with treats, toss rewards ahead for motivation, or use a favorite toy to keep energy high.

Follow your dog’s pace. Sniffing, investigating, and moving slowly is just as valuable as zooming through.

Estimated Play Time

10–30+ minutes depending on difficulty level and your dog’s engagement.

Even short sessions can provide great mental and physical stimulation!

Safety Notes

Supervise at all times
Avoid slippery surfaces
Keep jumps low and safe
Don’t force participation — curiosity is the goal
Remove anything sharp, breakable, or unsafe

If your dog seems unsure, make it easier. Success builds confidence.

At-Home Enrichment: Rainy Day Obstacle Course