Top Activities For Dogs In New York On Rainy Days

Introduction

New York City is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the entire United States, a sensory overload if you will. In the Big Apple, you will find something to do in just about every corner. More importantly, New York is a very dog-friendly city, which is great for many of the dog owners who live here. As with most cities, however, NYC is not immune to rain, especially during the springtime. These showers can leave hiking trails and dog parks muddy, which can prevent you and your dog from going on your regular outdoor walks. Luckily, there are lots of activities that you can do with your pooch throughout the rainy season in NYC.

Indoor Dog Park

Most Popular

1 Vote

Rainy Day

Moderate

Easy

1 - 3 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Activity description

New York City is one of the trendiest cities in the United States and it usually has some innovative places that cannot be seen elsewhere. Among these hip places, one that dog owners truly appreciate and enjoy is an indoor dog park. Dog parks are usually located outdoors in open areas where dogs can play. However, for not-so-good weather, indoor dog parks offer the best solution. These facilities often have football-sized fields where dogs can play, run around and interact with other dogs. Some even have pet spas, swimming pools and boutiques for dogs. NYC is full of these indoor dog parks and for a moderately-priced membership fee, your dog gets access to all the perks they offer.

Step

1

Do your research

There are a number of indoor dog parks in New York City to choose from. However, before you can make a decision, it is always best to first do a research and compare your options. There are some factors to consider, including your budget, location, facilities offered, and the park reputation. Your decision will depend on these factors so assess wisely before making any final decision.

Step

2

Visit the indoor dog park

Once you have taken all the necessary considerations and come to a decision, it is now time to visit the indoor dog park of your choice. By doing so, you get a chance to look at the place and what it offers for your dog before paying any fee. If you are happy with the decision, that’s the only time that you shell out some cash.

Step

3

Let your dog enjoy the park

After becoming a member, let your dog enjoy the indoor dog park. You may leave your dog (think of it as a doggy day care) and come back for them after a few hours or you may stay and play with your dog. Either way, your dog will surely have a good time interacting and playing despite the rainy weather.

Bake Doggy Treats

Popular

0 Votes

Rainy Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Oven

Baking ingredients

Activity description

Baking is a typical favorite indoor activity. Why not make it dog-friendly and bake dog treats instead? While dog treats are readily available in pet stores, baking treats for your dog on your own is more special. You and your dog also get to do something together; you are the baker doing the work while your dog is your official taste tester! The only expenses you’ll need for this activity are for the ingredients.

Step

1

Look for a recipe

Regardless if you are a newbie baker or a seasoned one, there is definitely a recipe out there for you to try. You can search online for a variety of recipes – from training treats to be used for puppies and yummy snacks for your dogs, to healthy munchies for older dogs. Choose a recipe for whatever type of treat you want to make and save it for reference.

Step

2

Buy the ingredients

After you’ve settled on a recipe to make, the next thing to do is to go to the store and buy the ingredients that you need. You may also go to a pet boutique where specialty ingredients are readily available. Some of these boutiques even allow owners to bring their pets, which means more time for you and your dog to bond.

Step

3

Bake!

After you have bought all the supplies and ingredients that you need, it is time to try the recipe out. Simply follow the instructions and procedures laid out in the recipe that you chose. Afterwards, have your dog test out the finished product and see if they like it. You can then save the recipe for future use.

Grooming Day

Popular

0 Votes

Rainy Day

Free

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Dog brush

Nail trimmer

Shampoo

Dog toothbrush

Dog tub (optional)

Activity description

Grooming your dog is usually a hit or miss; there are some dogs who like bathing while there are others who do not. Rainy weather gives you a chance to stay indoors and spend time with your dog. Therefore, grab this chance to bathe and clean your dog before they go out and get dirty again. This activity is easy and will not cost you any money (except if you have to buy new shampoo and supplies). Moreover, it gives you a good opportunity to bond with your dog and to pamper your pooch. Think of it as a doggy spa day!

Step

1

Prepare the things you need

Before you can get to the bathing and grooming part, you first have to prepare all the materials needed for the activity. Essentials include shampoo, brush and nail trimmer. If you have a special tub for your dog, you can use that too. Also, prepare warm water for your dog to bathe in. After all, you wouldn’t want your dog to feel cold during the rainy weather.

Step

2

Brush your dog

This step is simple yet critical. It is important that before you get your dog wet, you first brush the fur in order to remove any tangles and dead hair. For dog breeds with short coats, a bristled or pin brush usually works fine. But for dogs with thick coats, a metal comb or a soft slicker brush does the trick.

Step

3

Bath time!

Now that you have everything in place and your dog has been brushed well, it’s time to take a bath. Use dog shampoo and not human shampoo, as this may have ingredients that are harmful for your pup. Get your dog wet and lather with shampoo until they are fully soaped. Then, rinse the shampoo off and dry with a towel. You may use a hair blower (on low heat) to dry off your dog but remember that some dogs are scared of the sound it makes. Brush your dog’s teeth and cut the nails using a nail trimmer.

More Fun Ideas...

Workout With Your Dog

It is a known fact that humans need some sort of regular physical activity in order to stay healthy. The same thing goes for dogs. In fact, dogs often need exercise and stimulation. If the weather does not allow for your regular walks at Central Park with your dog or for any other outdoor activity for that matter, a solution would be to work out indoors. Go on YouTube and search for exercises for dog and owner and use it as a guide.

Play Date

If the weather forecast is rainy over the next few days, one indoor activity that you may do is a play date. Set a plan with a friend who owns a dog to meet up indoors and organize a play date among your dogs. You may also set up play dates with your neighbors who are dog owners. Take turns in hosting the play dates and make it a regular habit throughout the rainy season.

Conclusion

The rainy season should not prevent you and your dog from having fun and spending quality time together. Little to no activity will make both you and your dog go stir crazy, especially in a bustling city like New York. Any of these indoor activities can help you and your furbaby last through the “ruff” and rainy weather.