14 rainy day activities to do with your dog

Eastern Washington state is preparing for

an entire week of rain

starting on Saturday.

Time to get out our rain gear!!

So, in honor of the rainy days ahead, I put together fourteen fun activities you can do indoors with your dog.

Rainy days can be a bit challenging when it comes to keeping your dog entertained indoors, but here are some ideas to whisk boredom away:

•     Indoor Fetch: Clear some space in a hallway or large room, and play a game of indoor fetch with a soft toy or a ball that won't damage your furniture.
•     Hide and Seek: Hide treats or your dog's favorite toys around the house and encourage them to find them. This engages their sense of smell and provides mental stimulation.
•     Puzzle Toys: Invest in puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys. These can keep your dog occupied for hours as they try to figure out how to get the treats out.
•     Obstacle Course: Set up an indoor obstacle course using pillows, blankets, and furniture. Have your dog navigate through the course, jump over obstacles, and weave between objects.
•     Training Sessions: Use the rainy day as an opportunity for a training session. Teach your dog new tricks or reinforce existing commands. Mental stimulation through training can tire them out just as much as physical exercise.
•     DIY Agility Course: Create a mini agility course using household items like broomsticks, cardboard boxes, and hula hoops. Teach your dog to jump over, crawl under, or weave through these obstacles.
•     Tug of War: Play a game of tug of war with a rope toy. Just make sure you establish rules and boundaries to keep it safe and fun.
•     Interactive Games: Try interactive games like "Simon says" for dogs. Give commands like "sit,""lie down," or "roll over," and reward them with treats when they follow your instructions.
•     Grooming and Pampering: Use the rainy day as an opportunity for a spa day. Give your dog a bath, brush their coat, and trim their nails. Most dogs enjoy the attention and bonding time.
•     Doggy Playdate: If you have a friend with a dog, invite them over for an indoor doggy playdate. Just make sure both dogs get along well and supervise their interaction.
•     Indoor Treat Hunt: Hide treats or pieces of kibble around the house, and let your dog use their nose to find them. It's like a scavenger hunt for your pup.
•     Storytime: Believe it or not, some dogs enjoy listening to a calm, soothing voice. You can read a book or magazine out loud to your dog as you both relax indoors.
•     Dog-Friendly Movies: Some dogs enjoy watching TV. Put on a dog-friendly movie or a video of birds or squirrels to see if your dog shows any interest.
•     Music Therapy: Play calming music or specially designed dog relaxation tracks to help your dog relax and reduce anxiety on a rainy day.

Remember to adapt these activities to your dog's energy level and preferences. Whether your dog loves physical play or prefers mental challenges, there are plenty of indoor options to keep them entertained and happy on a rainy day.

Time to sign up for a puppy!

Monday is going to be an exciting email (hint, hint… wink, wink) so if you are hoping to get a calm, gentle American Dirus dog from the Dire Wolf Project… now’s the time to prepare and get on the waiting list.

Here’s the link:

https://direwolfproject.com/puppy-application/

P.S. Who is LaBrea Evans?