How to keep your dog busy on the days you can't walk them

Sydney recently saw a massive bout of rain, which had us stuck indoors for weeks. 

However, we weren't the only ones. Our pets were also stuck inside, a fate more maddening for them than it likely was for us.

While the weather has cleared, having options to keep your dog busy and entertained is always beneficial. For instance, if you don't have time to walk them, playing with an enrichment toy can keep them entertained and wear them out so they're not begging you for a walk come the end of the day.

Whether they're food-related or spark curiosity with noise and movement, these are some enrichment activities that'll keep your dog happy in a downpour.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Anko Pet IQ Toy Dispenser

Just $15 here

Fighting for their food makes for a great enrichment tactic! Your furry friend will never get tired of investigating a toy that smells like a treat, and figuring out how to release it will provide plenty of entertainment. This food dispenser works if they spin it to release dog biscuits, which they also have to eat out of a maze design.

Anko Pet IQ Toy Twister

Buy yours for $8

This interactive toy will teach them to spin a dial for their food, which will be hidden in stacked compartments.

Kkiimatt Interactive Feeder Puzzle

Buy it here for $23

Only super-clever dogs will be able to figure this one out. Food is dispensed by pressing the central button, which they'll have to forage for by opening the small compartments. Additionally, the central button has a pad on top of it that works as a nail file, so they can trim down their nails as they play.

Kong Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Toy

$39.34 on Amazon

This wobbling toy has a twist-closure design, with food sitting in the base. The dog has to move the toy around to get it to dispense the food, making for plenty of curious play.

Kong Extreme Goodie Bone

$23.99 here

A great choice for their teeth, the Extreme Goodie Bone has hollow openings in the rounded endings that perfectly fit small treats. If you hide it well enough, the dog will have to work hard to release the food.

Nerf Dog Crunch and Squeak Rubber Ball

Get it now for $16.58

This ball makes a crunching sound when dogs bite down on it, giving them more incentive to keep playing and chewing. The rubber casing also makes it durable.

Nerf 12" Blaster with Three 2" Squeak Tennis Balls

$44 here

This might not be the best toy for a rainy day (unless you have a long hallway), but it's perfect for playing in the backyard if you're short on time. With three squeaky tennis balls included, you can shoot them out of the Nerf gun for the dog to chase – and hopefully return.

Nerf Dog 10" Tire Flyer

Available here for $30.31

Another one that's perfect for the backyard, this heavy-duty frisbee will last through even the most aggressive chewing.

Squeaky Dog Toys Crinkle Plush Water Bottle Toy

Just $18.99 here

This alligator contains a secret compartment that's genius for entertaining dogs. You can slip an entire water bottle into a central compartment, meaning it'll make a crinkling sound when the dog bites down on it. While it's a noisy option, it's also an entertaining one.

Adpartner 2 Pack Octopus Crinkle Plush Pet Toys

$16.99 for the two

Another toy that entertains through sound, these two octopi feature crinkled material inside them that makes a ruckus when they're moved around.

Treats to match

Kong Ziggies Teeth Cleaning Dog Treats

Get them for $16.99

Kong create a range of great treat-hiding toys, so it's well worth buying their matching treats, given they'll fit in easily. These treats are also teeth-cleaning.

Kong Easy Treat Dog Treat Paste

$19.35 here

This pet-safe paste is designed to be sprayed into toy compartments, allowing the dog the sensory experience of finding it and licking it.

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