Activities For Dogs In Connecticut On Rainy Days

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Introduction

On a rainy day in Connecticut, you might feel at a loss as far as what to do with your dog. You know that your pup needs some activity or they may get stir crazy (and tear up your house), however, going out in the rain might not seem particularly pleasant. Fortunately, there is good news. There are activities that you and your pup can do in Connecticut on a rainy day that will keep you both occupied and out of trouble. In fact, you might just find that a rainy day in Connecticut is not so bad after all!

Visit Mystic Knotwork

Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Cheap
Easy
60 min
Items needed
Leash
Waste Bags
Treats
Activity description

Located in Mystic, Connecticut, Mystic Knotwork is a unique shop that welcomes both human and canine customers. The store displays and sells nautical knot decorations, wedding knot and reception gifts and sailor bracelets. Particularly appealing for your pup are the knotted, handmade dog toys. Your dog is welcome as long as they remain on their leash at all times. The shop first opened in 1957 out of the home of the grandfather of the current owner, eventually moving to downtown Mystic.  A rainy day offers the perfect opportunity for you and your pooch to explore the shop's unique items.

Step
1
Plan your visit
Planning a visit to Mystic Knotwork will depend on whether you are looking for an activity immediately or if rain is in the forecast for the next day or two. If the rain is coming down and you want to take your pup to Mystic Knotwork, it is as easy as getting your pup in the car and taking a ride. Make sure to bring your dog's leash and some treats should they require distraction while in the shop. If you know it will be raining a day or two ahead of time, you can ahead for your visit, perhaps choosing some other activities that you can do while in Mystic.
Step
2
Take a ride
Your drive to Mystic Knotwork will depend on where you are coming from. Enjoy the downtime with your pup as you drive to the town of Mystic. No matter the length of your drive, it is likely that both you and your pup will appreciate that you are able to stay dry.
Step
3
Explore the store
Upon arriving at Mystic Knotwork, make sure you have your dog on their leash for the walk from the car as well as while inside the store. Once inside, you and your pup can walk around together and marvel at all of the unique items made by artisans that are available at the store. You and your pooch will see sailor bracelets and woven mats, among many other things.

Puzzle Toy

Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Cheap
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Puzzle Toy
Treats or Food
Activity description

On a rainy day, you may not be motivated to go outside. For these sorts of days, puzzle toys are a great way to keep your pooch occupied. These interactive toys are made of rubber or hard plastic and you can fill them with your dog's food or treats. Your dog will then spend time working with the toy, attempting to get the food or treat out of it. A puzzle will provide both mental and physical stimulation for your pup and keep them out of trouble. In addition, your pup will be rewarded for their efforts as the food comes out of the toy when it is manipulated a certain way.

Step
1
Choose your toy
There are many different puzzle toys available. For example, there are "rollers"; the toy has holes in it and can be rolled across the floor, which will release some of the food in the toy. There are also "clatterers" which also have holes but don't roll. These toys will randomly release food when manipulated. Another type of puzzle toy is the "bobber". This is a toy that is weighted so that it stays upright with holes for the food to come out. The toy must be tipped in a particular direction for food to be released. Choose one or more than one type of puzzle toy to introduce to your pup.
Step
2
Fill and present
Once you have your puzzle toy, the next thing that you will want to do is fill the toy with your pup's kibble or some treats. Some recommend that you only feed your pup using puzzle toys, while others use the toys as a way to occupy their pup who will earn treats for their effort. Choose what works best for you and your pup and fill the toy. You then hand it to your dog.
Step
3
Watch your pup work
Once your pup has the filled puzzle toy, you can sit back, relax and watch your pup play with the toy. The food that is inside of the toy will very likely motivate your pup to do what they can to extract the food. Getting the food out will take some work on the part of your pup, who will be kept busy for quite some time as they try to figure out how to access the food that is inside. Your dog will get plenty of stimulation without having to leave the house and get wet.

Indoor Hide And Seek

Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
Hide and seek with your dog can be a lot of fun and for some, this is a regular outdoor activity to play with their pup. Fortunately, the game can be played inside as well on a rainy day. Hide and seek will take both physical and mental energy from your pup, helping to meet their activity needs regardless of what the weather is like. Chances are, you and your pup will have a great time together playing; so much so that you might even forget that you chose the game because of the rainy weather!
Step
1
Get ready to play
To play hide and seek with your dog, you will want to make sure you have your pup's treats with you. This way you can reward your dog for finding you. Choose a spot in your home that will be your starting point; this is where you and your pup will return to each time you are found. Consider whether your dog is good at "stay". If not, you will want to have another person hold on to your pup so that they don't follow you while you try to hide.
Step
2
Time to hide
Tell your pup to "stay" or have another person wait with them. Then you can go ahead and hide where you like. Make sure to bring a dog treat with you! Once you have found where you want to hide, call for your dog and wait while they look for you. Once your dog finds you, reward their success with a treat.
Step
3
Repeat and get creative
Bring your dog back to the starting spot with you and repeat the steps as many times as you and your pup would like. To keep things interesting for your dog, you can have more than one person hide, and your dog can try to find everyone. Keep giving your dog a treat each time they are successful in seeking!

More Fun Ideas...

Visit Books And Company

Curling up with a good book is always a nice thing to do on a rainy day. If you are looking to get out of the house with your pup and it is raining, check out Books and Company. The used bookstore and coffee shop is located in Hamden, Connecticut. You can enjoy a cup of coffee and look at a few books while your pup relaxes with you. The store sells high quality used books and is open seven days a week, making it a great option for any rainy day in Connecticut.

Shopping at Hope And Stetson

Located in West Hartford,  Hope and Stetson is a retail store that is happy to welcome canine customers. The store sells a variety of items, from women's clothing and accessories, items for babies, and home goods. While you browse the store's wares, your pup can be right by your side. Make sure that your dog remains on their leash while inside the store and bring along some treats in case your pup needs to be distracted (perhaps from another canine shopper). What better way to shop than with your best buddy by your side!

Indoor Obstacle Course

The weather may not be ideal for some playtime with your pup but that does not mean that the two of you cannot have some fun! You can create an obstacle course for your pup inside your home. While you may not have the space that both of you are used to outside, you will have the opportunity to be creative, coming up with different obstacles for your dog to conquer. Start with one obstacle and once your dog masters it, you can add another. String as many obstacles together as you like and watch your pup rise to the challenge!

Conclusion

You might not know what to do with your dog on a rainy day in Connecticut. Fortunately, it turns out that there are quite a few things for you and your canine companion to do indoors that will keep both of you occupied and allow your pup to burn some energy. From places to visit that are dog friendly, to creating your own indoor games and activities, you and your dog will have no trouble finding something to do even when the skies are gray. Some things, in fact, may be so enjoyable that you choose to engage in them even when the sun is out!