Why Indoor Training Matters in Poor Weather

Young dogs require both physical movement and mental stimulation. When walks are shortened or skipped entirely due to weather, the balance shifts. Without adequate engagement, dogs often create their own entertainment, which may involve chewing skirting boards, pestering children, or pacing the house.

Indoor training and enrichment serve three important purposes:

• They prevent boredom-driven behaviours
  
• They reinforce good manners in the home
  
• They build focus and impulse control
  

Crucially, mental work tires a young dog more effectively than physical exercise alone, particularly during the developmental stages.

Indoor Training: What to Focus On When You Can’t Walk Far

Prioritise Foundational Skills

Poor weather offers an ideal opportunity to reinforce the basics. Indoors is a low-distraction environment, making it perfect for building reliability.

Focus on:

• Sit, down, and stand on cue
  
• Recall between rooms
  
• Loose-lead behaviour using a short indoor lead
  
• Settle on a mat or bed
  

The aim is not novelty, but consistency. Reliable responses indoors translate to better behaviour outdoors when conditions improve.

1. Food Search Games

Scatter feeding or hiding kibble around a single room encourages natural sniffing behaviour, which is calming and mentally tiring.

Guidelines:

• Start with visible placements
  
• Progress to harder hiding spots
  
• Keep sessions contained to one room
  

Sniffing work is particularly helpful for anxious or high-energy young dogs.

Teaching Calm Indoors Is a Training Skill

The Importance of “Doing Nothing”

Many behaviour issues stem not from lack of exercise, but from a dog never learning how to rest. Teaching calm is as important as teaching sit or recall.

Practical ways to encourage calm:

• Reward relaxed postures
  
• Use a designated settle mat
  
• Avoid constant interaction
  

A young dog who can switch off indoors copes far better during weather disruptions.

Handling and Grooming Practice

Rainy days are ideal for cooperative care training.

Work on:

• Paw handling
• Gentle brushing
  
• Towel acceptance
  

This reduces stress during inevitable muddy clean-ups and vet visits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overstimulating With Constant Play

Endless games indoors often create a dog who cannot settle. Balance activity with rest.

Introducing Too Many New Toys at Once

Novelty is useful, but moderation matters. Rotate toys rather than leaving everything available.

Ignoring Restlessness Signals

Pacing, mouthing, and barking often signal fatigue rather than excess energy. In these cases, encourage rest rather than more play.