7 Cozy Fall Activities to Do with Your Reactive Dog

Fall is finally here, and let’s be honest—it’s one of the best times of the year. But if your dog is reactive or aggressive, outings can be stressful, especially in public or around other dogs and strangers. That doesn’t mean you both can’t enjoy the season’s cozy vibes! Whether your pup gets overwhelmed outside or just needs a little more calm, these activities are perfect for creating fun, peaceful moments together without the stress of crowds or triggers.

Disclaimer: Always respect your dog’s boundaries. If they seem uncomfortable or hesitant about an activity, don’t force it. You can help them feel more at ease by modeling the behavior first—whether it’s jumping into a pile of leaves or trying out a new game. Let them go at their own pace, and remember, these activities are about making them feel safe and happy.

1. Bake Pumpkin Treats That’ll Make Your Dog Drool

Pumpkin is a fall favorite, and it’s great for your dog, too. It’s easy on the stomach, and baking your own dog treats can be a relaxing way to spend time together indoors, to avoid the possibility of reactions outside. Try a simple recipe with pumpkin puree, oat flour, and peanut butter (just make sure it’s xylitol-free!). Your dog will love hanging out in the kitchen, sniffing the air as the treats bake. You can even involve them in the making process by letting them taste the peanut butter, sample the pumpkin puree or even lick the bowl after! Check out Ollie & Tato on instagram for cute inspiration!

2. Blanket Games for Cozy Fun

When public outings feel like too much for your reactive pup, it’s time to bring the fun inside. Grab an old towel or blanket, scatter some treats on it, and twist or crumple it into a fun shape. Let your dog sniff around and work to find the hidden goodies. If your dog gets a bit anxious around sudden movements, make sure the game stays calm and encouraging. For an extra twist with the blanket, hide under it yourself and call your dog to come find you - as long as that won’t spook your pup, of course. You know your dog best! These silly, cozy games are a great way to bond and keep things low-key—perfect for pups who need an extra dose of silly in a safe space. Here’s some more inspiration from a dog enrichment influencer: @bindisbucketlist on Instagram.

3. Cozy Movie Night with All the Snuggles

For dogs that get stressed by noise or strangers, staying in for a cozy movie night can be the ultimate way to relax. Pile up the blankets, grab your snacks (and theirs), and settle in for some quality time. A calm, quiet evening with you is exactly what your reactive dog needs to feel safe and happy. Plus, who doesn’t love snuggling with their dog during a feel-good movie? No strangers, no stress—just cozy vibes.

4. Make Your Dog Their Own Pizza (Because They Deserve It)

Your reactive dog may not be able to join you at a busy pizza joint, but they can still get in on pizza night at home! Make them their own dog-friendly pizza with oat flour dough, sweet potato puree for the sauce, and some shredded chicken or veggies for toppings. It’s a fun, special way to treat your pup without worrying about the triggers of the outside world. They’ll love their own slice of the action, and you’ll get to enjoy a peaceful evening knowing they feel calm and comfortable. Here’s another recipe for inspiration or search for your own, there’s tons out there!

5. Mini Pumpkin Games

Sometimes you need to keep your dog busy and mentally stimulated without taking them out into the world. Enter the mini pumpkin muffin tin treat game - a fall-themed twist on the classic muffin tin game! Hide treats under mini pumpkins in a muffin tin, and let your dog use their nose and paws to uncover them. This game is a great way to help them focus on a productive activity and unwind indoors, where they feel most secure. It’s a simple but engaging activity that lets your dog work their brain without any outside stressors. Another use for mini pumpkins is in a snuffle box! Use a cardboard box, some crumpled paper, and those mini pumpkins. Sprinkle treats into the box, and let your dog sift through the cute pumpkins and paper to find the treasures. For an extra fall touch, crumble some of the pumpkin treats you made earlier into the box to make the hunt even more fall themed!

6. Leaf Pile Frolics in Your Backyard

Even if public parks or dog-friendly areas aren’t ideal for your reactive dog, you can still embrace the fall spirit right in your own backyard. Rake up a big pile of leaves, and let your dog go wild—leaping, digging, and zooming around in the safety of home. If your dog seems unsure, try jumping into the pile first or running through it to show them it’s safe and fun. But remember, don’t force them—if they’re not into it, that’s okay too. The goal is to have fun together, at their pace. Check for sticks before jumping in! You don’t want to get poked! This dog LOVES leaf piles but you and your dog don’t need to get quite as intense!

7. Sniffari in a Quiet, Secluded Spot

While walks in busy parks might be too much for your reactive dog, a sniffari in a quiet, secluded spot can be a great way to get them out safely. Find a calm trail or a less-frequented area, and let your dog lead the way as they explore with their nose. They’ll get to enjoy all the new smells of fall, and you’ll both get a chance to take in the beauty of the season without any added stress. A long leash can give them some freedom while still keeping things controlled. If you can, find times when there’s less people out. You can even go to the spot in mind without your dog first to see if it will be a calm, open enough space for your dog before venturing there together on another day. Alternatively, do a sniffy hunt in your backyard by putting strong smelling treats in easy hiding spots and help your dog find them! This is a calm, stress-free alternative when you know your dog needs a safe space to enjoy sniffing.

Fall is full of cozy moments just waiting to be shared, and with a little planning, you and your reactive or aggressive dog can enjoy it all without the worry of outside stressors. Whether you’re baking treats, playing games, or enjoying the quiet outdoors, these activities let you create calm, joyful memories together.