Activities For Dogs In Minnesota On Rainy Days
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Introduction
Minnesota's many lakes and parks make it a great place to have fun with your dog. But what happens when it is raining? Fortunately, there are other ways that you and your pup can be active and spend time together when it is raining in Minnesota. Rather than fret over not being able to spend the day outdoors, you and your pup can check out some other possibilities for how to spend the day. Whether they involve keeping busy in your home or checking out indoor activities in the state, you and your pup will have no trouble bonding, enjoying each other, and having fun!
PUCCI Power Doga
Popular
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Rainy Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Treats
Leash
Water and Bowl
Doga Mat
Activity description
Are you a fan of yoga who has thought, "if only I could share this with my dog?" Or perhaps you have not gotten involved with yoga because it is not something you and your dog could participate in together. Fortunately, PUCCI Power Doga, located in Anoka, Minnesota, offers yoga for you and your pup to participate in together. Classes use the interactive Vinyasa flow style yoga and combine it with upbeat music, creating unique exercise classes for you and your pooch. Enjoy a full yoga workout while spending quality time with your canine companion. An introductory package is available for $30 and includes three sessions and a Doga mat.
Step
1
Choose a Doga class
If taking a yoga class with your dog sounds good, particularly on a rainy day, contact PUCCI Power Doga to find out more information about the times that classes are offered. Choose a class that works for your schedule and will allow you ample time to arrive on time from where you are in Minnesota.
Step
2
Gather your gear
Once you know when you will be attending a Doga class, you will want to make sure that you have the items that you and your pup need for the activity. If you have attended Doga in the past, you may have a Doga mat already; you will want to bring this with you. It will also be helpful to have treats, water for you and your pup, and your dog's leash so that you can walk them safely from the car into the Doga studio. If you do not have a Doga mat, you can get one when you sign up for the introductory package.
Step
3
Have a blast
Doing yoga with your dog is no doubt going to be an interesting experience! Enjoy spending quality time with your pup while the two of you learn and practice yoga together. There are sure to be some laughs as the two of your work together and the shared experience will be great for enhancing your bond to one another. Be sure to offer your dog plenty of water during the class and drink up yourself, so that neither of you becomes dehydrated from the activity!
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New Tricks
Popular
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Rainy Day
Cheap
Easy
10 - 60 min
Items needed
Treats
Dog Training Book Or Online Video
Activity description
Let's face it; on a rainy day, it can be hard to get motivated to go outside. Of course, your pup still needs some activity and it's likely you don't want to just sit around either. It turns out that a rainy day is actually the perfect time to work with your pup on some new tricks. You may have had tricks in mind that you want to work on with your pup, or you might have to do some research to come up with a few possibilities. Fortunately, there is plenty of information available online or in books, offering insight on how to teach your dog fun tricks. And spending quality time working on tricks together will further enhance the bond you share with your pup!
Step
1
A few tricks to focus on
The first thing you will want to do is come up with a few tricks to focus on with your pooch. If you don't have any in mind, you will be able to find numerous ideas online or in a book on dog training. If you have not done much training with your dog, it is a good idea to start with simple tricks, so that you and your pup can gain confidence and not feel discouraged.
Step
2
Find guidance in videos
Once you have a few tricks in mind that you would like to work on with your pup, you can look for guidance on how to work with your dog to perform that trick. There are many videos available online, often through YouTube, that will be able to walk you through exactly what to do in order to train your pooch to acquire that particular skill. As you work with your pup and questions arise, it will be easy to watch parts of the videos again and again
Step
3
Treats for positive reinforcement
Now that you have some guidance on training your pooch on particular tricks, go ahead and get started. Be sure to have plenty of treats available so that you can reward your pup as they do what you are encouraging them to. This will help provide positive reinforcement when it comes to them responding to your command. If your dog is struggling to learn what you are encouraging them to do, do your best to not get frustrated. Every dog learns at their own pace and the most important thing of all is that you and your pup spend time together and have fun!
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Puzzle Toys
Popular
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Rainy Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Puzzle Toy
Treats, Kibble or Peanut Butter
Activity description
When it is raining in Minnesota and your outdoor plans have been thwarted, it is important that you keep your canine buddy busy (and out of trouble). One great way to occupy your pup and ensure that they get their mental and physical activity needs met is by giving them a puzzle toy. Made of either hard plastic or rubber, puzzle toys can be filled with kibble, treats, or even something sticky and yummy like peanut butter. Once filled, you can present the toy to your pup, who will then have to manipulate the toy to solve the puzzle and earn a tasty snack!
Step
1
Choose a puzzle toy
There are many different types of puzzle toys. There is the KONG, which is a bouncy, rubber toy that can be filled with a sticky substance like peanut butter. Another fun toy for your pup is the Hide-and-Slide Puzzle, a wooden toy that requires your dog to maneuver levers in order to find the treats. The IQ Treat Ball is another option; you can fill it with treats and then choose an opening that meets the level of difficulty you desire.
Step
2
Fill it up with goodies
Once you have chosen a puzzle toy, fill it with treats or kibble as directed by the instructions. Then, introduce the toy to your pup. Your dog will likely quickly figure out that there is something in the toy that they want, and will begin working to get it out. Your dog will need to manipulate the toy in order to get the treat or treats out. This will keep your pup occupied for a while, providing mental stimulation on a rainy day!
Step
3
Watch them enjoy
While your pup will no doubt be engrossed in this activity as they try to obtain their treat, it is likely that you will also be engaged. It is fascinating to watch your pup as they work the puzzle, trying to figure out just how to access what is inside. After presenting your pup with a puzzle toy, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. If you sense frustration, give your dog a helping hand for just a bit so that they do not lose interest. Once done, clean the toy and store for another day.
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More Fun Ideas...
Visit Birchbark Books
A rainy day may feel like the perfect time to curl up with a good book. And there is nothing better than having your canine companion right there next to you! Before you embark on such a relaxing activity, take a trip to Birchbark Books in Minneapolis. This dog-friendly bookstore welcomes canine customers, so your pup can browse the store with you as you seek just the right book to enjoy on a rainy day. Your dog will need to be on leash in the store. Having some treats with you can be helpful should your pup need a distraction from other pups or people browsing the store's selection!
Visit Next Chapter Winery
New Prague Minnesota is home to Next Chapter Winery, which is dog-friendly. You can check out the winery and enjoy a wine tasting with your best buddy by your side. While at Next Chapter Winery, you can explore the Barrel Room, as well as relax with your pup at the Red Barn Tasting Room, where you can have a glass of wine, appetizer or meal, all while enjoying a view of the vineyard. Four tastings are free with the purchase of a bottle of wine, or you can sample wines at $1 per pour. No reservations are necessary unless you are a group over 10.
Play Search and Sniff
Search and sniff is an easy indoor activity that is perfect for a rainy day. To set up the game, hide treats in various places around your home. Make sure to note where you put the treats so that you don't lose track of any. Since you are hiding the treats, you can make it as easy or as difficult as you like for your pup. Once the treats are hidden, encourage your dog to find the hidden treats. It is best to start with some easy hiding spots so that your dog can get the hang of the game. Then, you can increase the challenge!
Conclusion
There is no need to get down about a rainy day in Minnesota. While a trip to the lake or dog park may not be ideal, there are still plenty of ways for you and your pup to spend time together and staying indoors gives you the chance to try out some new games and activities. Whether remaining in your home learning new tricks or trying out new puzzle toys, or venturing out around the state for interesting ways to spend time together indoors, you and your pup will enjoy quality time together while making great memories!