Activities For Dogs In Missouri On Rainy Days
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Introduction
Is rain in the forecast in Missouri? As the pet parent of an active dog, rain in the forecast can lead to a feeling of dread. Just how will you keep your pup occupied (and out trouble)? A rainy day in Missouri is just the time to check out some new ways to spend time with your dog. The state has a myriad of places you can take your pup that are indoors, and there are also plenty of ways for the two of you to spend time together without stepping foot outside your home. No matter the activities you choose, you and your canine pal are sure to make some memories!
AKC Museum of the Dog
Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Cheap
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Waste Bags
Treats
Activity description
On a rainy day in Missouri why not spend some time with your dog in a place dedicated to dogs? The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog welcomes well-behaved, leashed pets and their humans to explore over 14,000 square feet of space that includes more than 700 original paintings, watercolors, drawings, figurines, sculptures and other works of art. So welcome are canine visitors, that the museum provides doggie treats and fresh water. Located in Saint Louis, you and your pup can check out both the museum and the gift shop during your visit. Queeny Park is adjacent to the museum, so if the skies are clear after your visit, you can stop at the park for a walk with your pup as well.
Step
1
Museum prep
How much planning will be involved for your visit will depend on how far away you are from the museum. If you are relatively close, you will just want to check on the museum's hours to be sure that you arrive with enough time to check out all that it offers. If you are further away, you may choose to leave early in the morning or plan to spend the night in Saint Louis.
Step
2
Pack accordingly
There are a few things you will want to bring with you for your visit, no matter how far you will be traveling. These include a leash, as well as treats for your pup. Waste bags are always a good idea to have along, in case you need to take your pup outside to take care of some business. If you are traveling a long distance, consider bringing other items like extra water and snacks.
Step
3
Exploring and enjoying
Once you have everything you need, head towards the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog. Take your time exploring all of the dog-related items that are present while enjoying the companionship of your canine pal. Learn about therapy dogs, firehouse dogs, and canines of the police forces. Look at paintings or Royal Doulton figurines of dogs. Be sure to arrive with plenty of time to see all that is available. While the museum has treats for visiting four-legged friends, it is good to have some of your own on hand in case you need to distract your pup during your visit.
Paws For Play
Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Moderate
Easy
2 - 5 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Activity description
When it is raining in Missouri and you are concerned about your pup meeting their activity needs, Paws For Play is a great option to ensure that your pup keeps busy AND has a ton of fun. Located in Saint Charles, Paws For Play is a recreational facility for dogs that offers day camp, overnight "stay and play", training, and grooming services. It is like camp for your furry family member! Staff are all fully trained and are focused on creating and maintaining a safe and fun environment for dogs. They are there to ensure that your pup is safely interacting with the new friends they make while they romp around and have a great time. Expect to bring home a tired pooch after some time at Paws For Play!
Step
1
Call ahead
If rain is in the forecast, it is a good idea to call ahead and reserve a spot for your pup at Paws For Play's day camp or overnight stay and play. This way, you can be sure that there is space available for your pup. Should you wake up to a rainy day, give Paws for Play a call to see if they have space available for your energetic pup during the particular time you are seeking. If you are hoping to have your pal pampered and groomed, call and find out what times are available for the grooming your pup needs. Whether the service is a mani-pedi or a full pampering, your buddy will look great after a session at the center!
Step
2
Camp supplies
What you will want to bring for your pup's time at Paws For Play will depend on what they will be doing there. Are you sending them to day camp? Their leash and some of their favorite treats will be all you need. If your dog tends to struggle to adjust to a new environment, bring along a favorite toy to help them feel more comfortable. For an overnight stay and play, you can bring additional items for your pup, like their dog bed and a favorite toy that they like to cuddle with.
Step
3
Let them do their thing
Once you arrive at Paws For Play, your dog will have the chance to ease into available activities or jump in with all four paws. The well-trained staff will help your pup acclimate if they are nervous and will ensure that the play amongst the dogs is safe. Staff will also make sure that "campers" get appropriate rest, something that can be hard to take when having so much fun! Your pup will not be bored while at Paws For Play and will make some new friends, both human and canine.
Hide And Seek
Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Free
Easy
15 - 60 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
Let's face it; when rain is coming down it is not very appealing to spend time outdoors with your pup. So while the activities you enjoy with your pup outside may be out of the question, there are fun games that can be brought indoors. Take Hide and Seek, for example. You and your pup can play this tried and true game without stepping foot (or paw) out your front door. You can start simple, where you hide and your dog finds you. Then, increase the challenge for your pup by having more than one person hide. For a change in the challenge, have them seek some of their toys. Reward your pup with a treat each time they find you and they will be happy to continue searching!
Step
1
Understanding "stay"
When looking to play Hide and Seek with your pup, you will want to be sure that they understand the command "stay". Your dog may already be comfortable with this command. If they aren't, this is something that you will want to work on with them first. Some dogs will grasp the idea relatively quickly while others will require more time. Should it take longer for your pup to understand the command, you can also play the game by having a friend hang on to your pup's collar while you hide. The friend can then release the collar when you call for your pup.
Step
2
Play and reward
Once your dog has an understanding of "stay" or you have a friend in place to hang back with your pup, it is time for you to hide. Make sure to start off hiding in locations that are not too difficult to be found. This way, your pup will begin to get an understanding of their "job". Once you are hidden, call for your pup and they can come find you. Reward them with a treat and lots of love when they locate you!
Step
3
Increasing difficulty
One of the greatest things about Hide and Seek is that you can increase the difficulty of the game as appropriate for your pup. First, hide in locations where it will be more challenging for your pup to find you. Then, you can change up the game by having several people hide, with your dog seeking out all those that have hidden. You can even play Hide and Seek by hiding your pup's favorite objects. You can play for as long as you and your pup are engaged...just keep the treats handy!
More Fun Ideas...
Mike's Unique Antique Flea Market
A rainy day is a great time for a shopping trip. You can browse a wide selection of items at Mike's Unique Antique Flea Market in Springfield. You can find used furniture, antiques, collectibles, retro and vintage items to include clocks, chests toys records and paintings in the establishment. Whether or not you are shopping for something specific, you can still have a great time exploring all that is available. Fortunately, dogs are always welcome at Mike's Unique Antique Flea Market, so you can browse while in the company of your canine companion.
Visit Westlake ACE Hardware
When it is raining in Missouri, it may be just the time to head to Westlake ACE Hardware where you can shop, or browse around for ideas for your home. With many locations throughout the state, it is likely that there is a Westlake ACE Hardware nearby for you to visit. Not only can you shop for typical hardware store items like paint, paint supplies, plumbing supplies, heating and cooling supplies, hand tools and power and electrical items, but you can sho; for pet and birding supplies and nursery and landscaping items. As dogs are welcome, you can shop with your canine companion at your side.
Puzzle Toy Play
A great way to provide your pup with physical and mental stimulation is to give them a puzzle toy to play with. Made of hard plastic or rubber, a puzzle toy can be filled with treats, kibble, or something yummy and sticky like peanut butter. There are all sorts of puzzle toys available; you can choose one or more and follow the instructions for filling it up. Then, present the toy to your pup, who will have to work at manipulating it "just so" in order to access the yummy stuff inside. Not only will a puzzle toy keep your pooch occupied and out of trouble, it is a lot of fun to watch your dog figure out how to access the treats inside!
Conclusion
Rainy days are sure to come in the state of Missouri. Fortunately, a little precipitation does not have to mean a boring day for you and your canine companion. The state of Missouri has quite a few ways for you to spend time with your pup doing interesting things together. And if the rain is making your feel uninterested in leaving your house, there is no need to fret. You and your pup can participate in any number of indoor games and activities that will not only help your pup get the activity that they need, but lead to a strong relationship between the two of you.