Activities For Dogs In Ohio On Rainy Days

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Introduction

Maybe the rain is already falling or the forecast says that it is coming. You and your pup love to spend time outdoors together; now what? On a rainy day in Ohio, you may initially be stumped as far as how to keep your pup busy and out of trouble. Fortunately, with a little creativity, you will find that there are plenty of ways to engage your pup in Ohio regardless of the weather. Not only will neither of your be bored, you will discover new things and have the opportunity to spend quality time together!

Hide and Seek

Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Free
Easy
10 - 30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
It is likely that you played hide and seek plenty as a child, but have you played it with your dog? Hide and seek with your canine companion can be a lot of fun and will definitely provide the opportunity for your pup to get some energy out. The game can be played indoors, making it a perfect way to spend time with your pup when it is raining out. You can make the game as simple or as challenging as you would like for your pup based on where you choose to hide; you can even add to the challenge by having your pup find more than just one person!
Step
1
Understanding the command "stay"
To get started on playing a game of hide and seek, you will first want to be sure that your pup understands the command "stay". If your pup needs some help with learning how to "stay", then you will want to work on this with your pup. There is plenty of information available online to assist you on how to best help your pup master the concept. Rest assured that if training your pup to "stay" is more challenging than anticipated, you can always have a friend hold onto your pup's collar while you go and hide.
Step
2
Time to hide
Once your pup understands "stay" or a friend is holding on to their collar, you can find a place to hide. When you are first playing this game with your pup, choose places to hide where it will be easy for your pup to find you. After all, you don't want your pup to become frustrated and lose interest in the game. You can hide in more challenging spots as your pup gets the hang of things.
Step
3
Seek!
Once you have hidden, call for your pup; it is their job to track you down. Once your pup finds you, reward them with a treat; then repeat. You can make things more challenging for your pup by finding hiding spots where it will be more difficult for your dog to find you. Also, have someone else hide as well and encourage your pup to find you both. Hide and seek can also be played by hiding one of your dog's favorite toys and encouraging them to track the toy down.
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Puzzle Toy Play

Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Cheap
Easy
10 - 30 min
Items needed
Puzzle Toy
Treats or Kibble
Activity description
On a rainy day in Ohio you might be lacking in motivation to spend time outdoors. That being said, you know that if you don't have a way for your pup to keep busy there is the potential for them to occupy themselves in a way that you prefer they not...by making a mess or getting into trouble! One way to keep your pup engaged both mentally and physically is with a puzzle toy. Puzzle toys are made of hard plastic or rubber and can be filled with something yummy that your pup will want to get their paws on. This will keep them motivated to find the "solution" to the puzzle and access the reward inside!
Step
1
Choose the fun
There are many different types of puzzle toys available; you may find that your pup prefers one particular type or enjoys having several options. Take the Kong toy; made of rubber and available in different sizes, you will fill the toy with a sticky substance. You can use plain peanut butter for example, or mix some of your pup's kibble with the peanut butter and place it in the Kong. Your pup will then have to manipulate the toy to access what is inside. Feeding balls are another type of puzzle toy. You can place kibble inside of the ball and your pup will work to move the toy in such a way that the kibble will come out.
Step
2
Fill the toy
Once you have decided on what puzzle toy you would like to introduce to your dog, let the fun begin. Fill the toy as instructed and offer it to your pup. If your pup has not had experience with a puzzle toy, it may take some time for them to grasp the idea of what to do. Once your pup gets the idea, they will be focused on figuring out how to get to the yummy stuff inside the toy.
Step
3
Enjoy the show
As your pup gains the understanding that they will have to figure out how to get the treat or kibble out of the toy, you will be treated to a show. It will be fun to watch (and try to understand) your pup's efforts to solve the puzzle and gain their reward. Especially in the beginning, your pup may need a little encouragement and guidance on how to get the treats out and that job falls to you. After which, sit back, relax and enjoy watching your dog's efforts!
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Indoor Agility

Popular
0 Votes
Rainy Day
Cheap
Normal
15 - 60 min
Items needed
Treats
Water and Bowl
PVC Pipe
Hula Hoop
Kids Tunnel
Activity description
Agility activities are not only fun for dogs, they are a great way for your pup to get the physical and mental exercise that they need. Some dog parks offer items for your dog to practice agility activities, though these can also be set up yourself at home in the backyard. On a rainy day, why not set up agility activities INDOORS so that your pup can keep active without getting soaking wet. While you can initially set up one activity, as your pup becomes more confident, you can connect an activity or two (or four) together to create an agility course.
Step
1
Choose agility activities
To get started, you will want to choose a few agility activities to work on with your pup. You may have some that you have been working on already that you want to continue to focus on, or you may be new to agility activities or want to work on new ones. The internet is a great place to look for ideas for different activities. As you consider options, keep the strengths of your pup in mind so that you are more likely to choose activities that they can be successful at.
Step
2
Collect supplies
Now that you have decided on a few activities, you will want to collect the items that you need to begin working with your pup. For example, if you have decided to work on jumps with your pup, PVC pipe is an easy way to create something for your pup to jump over. A hula hoop can also be used and raised off of the ground as your dog gets better at jumping and is ready for increased height and challenge. A kids' tunnel is also a fun item to have that your pup can run in and out of.
Step
3
Put the fun together
Once your pup has gotten the hang of a few agility activities, you can increase the challenge by connecting some obstacles together, creating a personalized obstacle course for your pup. You can change the order of things around and add additional activities as you like. Do your best to meet your pup where they are; challenge is good, however too much challenge can lead to their being frustrated. Of course, make sure to reward your pup for their efforts with a treat!
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More Fun Ideas...

Play Some Hall Ball

If you have a hall and you have a ball, then you and your pup are prepared for a game of hall ball! This simple game involves throwing or rolling a ball down a hallway (the longer the better) and encouraging your pup to run after it and bring the ball back. When your pup returns with the ball, reward them with a treat. You can then repeat the action again and again. Hall ball is a great way for your dog to burn off some energy while the two of you spend quality time together!

Visit Moochie & Co.

Located in Akron, Moochie & Co. is a great place for you and your pup to check out when it rains on your outdoor plans. The shop offers toys, treats, apparel and accessories for dogs and cats, as well as items for those that serve them (their people!). Your dog can join you in the store any time; as the store is in the mall, you will want to use the entrance that is closest to Mooch & Co. when you visit. Make sure your pup is on leash for their safety and be ready to shop for something specific or simply take a look at all that the store has on display.

Visit Lowes

A rainy day may curtail your outdoor activities but that does not mean that you and your pup HAVE to stay home. Lowes Home Improvement stores are the perfect place for you and your pup to spend time, whether or not you are looking for anything specific. Whether you have something in mind to purchase or are looking for ideas for a future renovation, you and your pup are welcome to roam the aisles of the store. Both of you can enjoy engaging in some activity together, no matter whether or not you bring anything home.

Conclusion

Not sure how to keep your dog occupied on a rainy day in Ohio? Fortunately, there are quite a few indoor activities that you and your pup can engage in that will not only keep your canine companion busy and out of trouble, but allow for the two of you to bond with one another. Whether you and your pal choose to remain indoors and avoid the rain completely, or head out for an adventure on the town, neither of you will be bored regardless of the weather. These rainy day activities may even result in your looking forward to some precipitation!