Rainy Day Activities for You and Your Dog!

by Crysta Clear, CVT

Don't let a little bit of rain get in the way of a fun-filled day! We all know that our best friends can get themselves into trouble if they haven't had enough attention or exercise, not to mention the boredom of being stuck inside. Our pups rely on us to stay entertained. While some dogs refuse to get their paws wet, some are ready to make a mess that you may not want to have to clean up! Either way, there are plenty of ways to tire out your pets on a rainy day and avoid the downpour!

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1. TEACH YOUR OLD DOG SOME NEW TRICKS:
There is no better activity to exhaust your pooch other than putting on a lesson! There is a never-ending variety of commands that you could teach your dog. You'd be surprised how far a small amount of time and patience can get your dog! And when class is in session, your dog will feel bonded to you by wanting to please you, will be happy with earning treats, and will come out with a new skill. You can search for any trick on Youtube to find a tutorial like the ones below:

(via Zak George's Dog Training rEvolution)

2. PLAY OR INVENT YOUR OWN INDOOR GAMES:
Everybody loves Pinterest, right?! Look up "indoor games for dogs" and check out the endless options that people more creative that you or I have come up with! Whichever idea you "borrow", whether it's the homemade toys, obstacle courses, fetching up the stairs, or games like hide and seek, the options are infinite and if Fido doesn't like one, there are more to try! Some of the easiest options can be found in the following video as well:

(via Cone of Shame with Dr. Andy Roark)

3. FOOD-DISPENSING OR PUZZLE TOYS:
Mental stimulation is the best trick if you don't have the time or energy yourself to spend with your dog after you've worked a long day. There are many toys that you can buy at the pet store with varying levels of difficulty, but they can be on the expensive side or require specific sizes or shapes of treats and refills. Some wonderful options are Kong brand toys (e.g. Wobbler food-dispensing toy, Marathon treat-ball, or Pawzzles), the Everlasting Treat Ball, or other available puzzle games. You could also skip all of the cost and hassle and make some yourself! 

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(via Michelle Huntting)

4. VENTURE OUT OF THE HOUSE ANYWAY:
There are lots of indoor activities that just take a run through the rain to get to the car. You could make a shopping trip to a pet store in the area! There are also many options for Indoor Dog Parks, Playgrounds, Day Care, Boarding, Grooming, and Training facilities in the Pittsburgh area.  Check out the list below and click their links for more information:

Animal Friends
Pittsburgh, PA

Misty Pines
Sewickley, PA

Lucky Paws Pet Resort
Freedom, PA

Camp Bow Wow
Pittsburgh, PA (several locations)

Get Smart! Training Center (WPA Humane Society)
Pittsburgh, PA and Crafton, PA

The Dog Stop
Wexford, PA

*Disclaimer: GVVH does not endorse any facilities or products listed in this blog post and results may vary. Contact these facilities prior to attending and make sure that your dog is protected and vaccinated according to their requirements. Always supervise your pet with toys.