When Weather Gets in the Way of Walking…

With this most recent spell of awful weather, many people may be finding it difficult to exercise their pups. If you’re anything like me, you’ve tried doggy raincoats, umbrellas, sheltered forest walks, but nothing seems to overcome the rainy day walk refusal. So what can we do?

One option is to play at home, which can easily substitute in to give your dog a physical outlet. A controlled game of tug fits into the comfort of your living room, or you can incorporate chase with a short lure around the hallways if the ground is not slippery. This builds your relationship together, and it’s always fun to let loose with your pooch every once and a while.

Another great alternative is to focus on mental exercise. Many people underestimate the benefits this type of stimulation can bring to you and your dog. Activities together can enhance your relationship and teamwork skills with your dog, build your dog's confidence, improve their problem solving skills, not to mention, tire them out. In fact, 15-20 minutes of sniffing games can be equivalent to a 30-35 minute walk!

With my dog, I am prepared with a range of activities we can easily do indoors on wet days. I like to have a variety to keep the dog guessing, and almost bring an element of excitement with them when it's an activity they haven’t done in a while. 

Some of our latest favourites are:

• Doing some searching games with meals. 
• Learning some tricks.
• Playing hide and seek!
• Practising a new nose work scent.

I try to make a point of doing activities that I am involved in as it's a fabulous way to improve my dog's focus on me in a fun way. This isn’t always possible to everyone though, so if you’re short on time but want to give your dog some good brain exercise, try some of the following ideas:

• Hide their meals before you head off to work, that way they can search while you’re gone!
• Consider investing in, or creating your own, puzzle and treat toys, and give them their meals in it. 
• Give them something safe to chew on.

Having a repertoire of things to keep our dog’s busy is a wonderful way to ensure they’re not pestering you for attention while you’re snuggled up watching Netflix. Short training sessions can make it easier for your dog to settle down with you, and there’s nothing like being able to cuddle on the couch in front of the TV with your best bud.

Some dogs are happy enough to go out in any sort of weather, and if you have one of those dogs, we commend your hardiness. But if you need help with ideas on what activities you can do with your pup - we’ve done some of the thinking for you! Check out the following playlists:

• 50 Ways to Feed Your Dog
• Canine Enrichment Activities

You can also look at some of our Winter Courses, held indoors, for a weekly highlight for your dog - and you’ll get homework to train as well! (Nosework, Treibball, Diverse Dogs, School Pups)

So there you have it. Wet weather doesn’t really have to mean that we all get cabin fever, if you just get a little bit creative. For the moment though, let’s appreciate that the sun has come out - and hope it decides to stick around a little bit longer!

Authored by: 
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Brooke Rapira
Prime Pups Educator & Dog Sport Instructor​
Sarah Endres
Dog Trainer and Behaviour Advisor