Activities For Dogs In Illinois On Rainy Days
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
It is likely that you do your best to take your dog out and keep them active on a daily basis. When the weather is nice, your dog can have their activity needs met with something as simple as a walk. If it is raining, however, keeping your pup busy may require more creativity. Fortunately, if it is raining in Illinois, there is no need to fret as you will find that there are plenty of ways to keep your pup occupied. When the rain is coming down in Illinois, the question will not be if there is something to do with your pup, but WHAT you should do together!
Original Do It Yourself Doggie Wash
Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Soap
Treats
Activity description
Located in Willowbrook, The Original Do It Yourself Doggie Wash was founded in 1990, with new management taking over in 2016. Bring your pup in for a bath in their large stainless steel tubs. Water for washing is filtered and the temperature of the water is regulated. Ramps are present so that your dog can walk right into the tub, excellent for larger dogs that are difficult to lift. Professional driers and grooming tables are also available. Particularly nice is that the mess that you make when washing your pooch at home is made and cleaned up elsewhere! On a rainy day in Illinois, giving your dog a bath is an excellent way to spend time together while accomplishing something your dog needs (especially if your pup managed to get into some mud while it was raining...).
Step
1
Get your dog ready
One of the great things about The Original Do It Yourself Doggie Wash is that you won't need to do much when it comes to getting your pup ready. You can bring your pup as they are, no matter how dirty. It is a good idea to bring along a leash so that you can be sure to get your dog safely from the car to inside the Doggie Wash.
Step
2
Bring supplies
Another bonus to The Original Do It Yourself Doggie Wash is that you don't need to bring much with you; they have just about everything! In addition to the tub, they have driers and towels as well. Bring the dog soap or shampoo that you prefer and any grooming supplies that you use. A few treats may also be helpful should your pup need encouragement to get into the tub!.
Step
3
Wash and dry
Once you arrive at the Doggie Wash, you can get started. The ramp into the tub will be particularly helpful if your pooch is medium to large in size; no lifting required! Wash your pooch as you would at home and then use the driers or towels that are available. Should your pup require any brushing, you can utilize the tables that are available and get to work. When you are finished, make sure to leash your dog for the walk back to the car to keep your pup clean...at least for the ride home!
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The Bellyrub Klub
Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Treats
Leash
Activity description
The Bellyrub Klub has a lot to offer when it comes to activities and exercise for your pup AND for you! Â For example, the Bellyrub Klub is a licensee of the K9 Fit Club, which provides a new way to strengthen your relationship with your pup while you both get a good workout. There is also an agility area, training classes and daycare available for your pooch. Located in Addison, the Bellyrub Club is a great option to consider when it is too wet for outdoor activities. Your pup will get the physical activity that they need in a fun (and dry) environment!
Step
1
Plan your trip
The first thing that you will want to do is plan what you and your pup will do at the Bellyrub Klub. There are numerous options available; you can look at their website or call for more information. This will help you to get an idea of what the Bellyrub Klub offers so that you can choose what is the best fit for you and your pup. Some activities occur at specific times and if those activities interest you, you will want to plan accordingly.
Step
2
Gather your gear
Fortunately, it is likely that you won't need much for your visit to the Bellyrub Klub. Make sure that you have your pup's leash so that the trip from the car to the club and back to the car will be safe. Treats are good to have along as they will make a great reward or motivator for your pal. What else you bring will depend on what your pup will be doing at the Bellyrub Klub; for example, if your dog will be spending time in daycare, having their favorite toy along can help keep your pooch comfortable.
Step
3
Enjoy time at the Bellyrub Klub
Once you know what your pup (and perhaps you) will be doing at the Bellyrub Klub, and have what you will need, you can head over and have some fun. The indoor activities that are available are great for your canine companion in general, however, on a rainy day the activities are the perfect way to help your pup meet their activity needs. You may find that your dog has such a great time, that the Bellyrub Klub becomes a go-to place regardless of the weather!
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Puzzle Toy
Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Cheap
Normal
10 - 30 min
Items needed
Puzzle Toy
Treats or Kibble
Activity description
Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your pup occupied, particularly important for your pooch when going outside is not very appealing. The toys are challenging, which will give your canine companion an excellent mental workout as well. The toy is typically made of rubber or very hard plastic and can be filled with treats or kibble. Your pup will work to manipulate the toy so that the food will come out, one piece at a time. There are a variety of puzzle toys to choose from. An added benefit to this activity is that you get to watch your pal figure out how to work the toy and receive their reward!
Step
1
Choose a puzzle toy
First, you will want to choose a puzzle toy for your pup. There are multiple types of puzzle toys available for your pup to try. There are "stuffed puzzle toys" like the Kong, that you can fill with peanut butter and feeding balls that you can fill with kibble for your pup to work to release. There are also toys that require your canine companion to "solve" in order to earn their treat. It is easy to research puzzle toys online, or go to your local pet store and check out what is available.
Step
2
Fill the puzzle toy
Once you have the puzzle toy, you can fill it up with something that your pup will enjoy and be willing to work for. You can follow the instructions for the particular puzzle toy that you have. With the Kong, the toy will be filled with peanut butter or your pup's kibble mixed with something that will allow it to be sticky. Other toys will just need to be filled with kibble or small dog treats. Once the toy is filled, it is ready to go.
Step
3
Let your pup "solve" the puzzle!
Hand over the puzzle toy to your canine companion, sit back and watch. Your pup will have a mental workout that will keep them busy as they attempt to work the food out of the toy. As the toy will keep your pooch occupied, it will also keep them out of trouble! Watch your dog and get an idea of how their brain works as they try to figure out how to get the kibble or treats out of the toy!
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More Fun Ideas...
Visit Happy Dog Barkery
The Happy Dog Bakery in Downers Grove has been making natural treats for pets by hand since 2004. Not only can you purchase a made-to-order cake for your pup, you can shop for many of the most popular brands of natural dog food and chews. Both you and your pup will enjoy a visit to the store, where you can spend time together checking out all of the special items that are available. Your pooch will also get some extra "love" from the staff! On a rainy day in Illinois, the bakery is a perfect place to spend time!Â
Visit Village Cycle Center
When it is raining in Illinois, it may be just the right time to do some shopping you may have been procrastinating about. After all, you may want to take advantage of a sunny day and hate the idea of spending it indoors. But if it is raining, why not? Village Cycle Center in Chicago is a bicycle shop in Chicago's Old Town that is open to all dogs, even offering free milk bones to visiting pups. The store is open seven days a week; come shop for a new bike or any items you need for your current cycle while spending some quality time with your dog.
Check Out Blue Nose Brewery
Just because it is raining does not mean that you and your pup can't get out of the house. You and your pooch can visit Blue Nose Brewery, located in Hodgkins, together where you can enjoy a beer with your canine companion by your side. Leashed dogs with good behavior are allowed inside the brewery and can relax with you will you play Foosball or with a giant Connect Four game, or if you are sampling a beer. Food trucks are present on occasion as well, offering yummy items to munch on.
Conclusion
If you wake up to a rainy day in Illinois it can be easy to feel discouraged, thinking that you and your best buddy will be cooped up inside your home all day. It turns out that a little rain does not have to stop either of your from keeping busy. There are plenty of indoor activities for you and your pup to check out in Illinois that will not only keep you both engaged, but help increase your bond, along with ways to keep your canine companion active (and out of trouble) within your home.