Activities For Dogs In Oklahoma On Rainy Days

While many outdoor sports companies are dog-friendly, there are still ones that aren't, so you'll want to start by finding one close by and canine compatible - one of our favorites is Boathouse District in Oklahoma City, but you can find others as well. You can look online to find rates, but we recommend you call ahead to see if there are any weight or size restrictions for dogs if yours is particularly large. The staff may even be able to provide extra insight beforehand given your dog's size and personality. Once you find an appropriate time, book it. Just make sure to keep the rental short if they've never gone before in case they're not a fan. And don't forget to ask if they have a doggy life jacket the right size. If not, you'll have to buy one yourself - which is easy enough and another great rainy day activity anyway.

Rainy days won't be the easiest days for first-timers (dogs), but if you've deemed them capable, it's always worth a shot. Once you arrive, check in, then get yourself and your dog secured in their floatation device. When you're ready, it's time to introduce them to the paddle board. Make sure to start slow and ensure that they are comfortable and stable. If need be, try climbing on yourself first so you can stabilize it as they climb on (and show them it's okay). Some dogs will prefer it in reverse, as they like to get settled first, but you'll know your dog and be able to gauge their comfort as you go. Use treats liberally if need be, just make sure they're comfortable before you go or you both might take an early spill.

Once you see they are settled and comfortable, you can get out on the open water! Double check the weather before you depart to make sure there's no lightning, but otherwise, you can paddle and swim to your heart's content! If they prove that they do well with this kind of activity (especially in uglier weather), chances are they'll be up for even more rainy day adventures (let alone others).

Of course, joining in on this activity means you have to be within a reasonable proximity. Luckily, Annie's is near the middle of the state, meaning it's rarely more than 3 hours from anywhere within the state borders (minus the handle), so even the most desperate of dog parents won't be excluded - plus, a drive is another good rainy day activity. Before anything else, you'll want to get in contact with the staff and find out how to send your dog's vaccination records over and how long they take to process. Chances are they can be sent by fax or email, but it's always better to get that part done before driving all that way to find out it takes a day to process regardless.

You'll also want to inquire about the demeanor test, which is also required for dog park use. If you're far away, they may make an exception and allow it to happen the day you plan to visit, but call ahead and get all details first. The demeanor test itself is a lengthy appointment in which the staff is introduced to your dog, allowed to interact with them, show them around the facility and see how they handle the other dogs, the staff as a whole and the facility itself. It may be required that they receive a full day or appointment for this alone, but don't be discouraged. Once you/they pass the test, you'll have a great rainy day option with far fewer hoops to jump through.

Once you've gotten all of your paperwork filed and the demeanor test handled, it's time to play! Take advantage of the time and space to tire them out and make new human and canine companions. Plus, if you need daycare or boarding down the road, you can always inquire about that as well.

Before you hit the town, you'll first want to outline all of the dog-friendly places you're interested in visiting. For those who appreciate shopping, there are plenty of chain stores from outdoor or sports spots like Bass Pro Shops to clothing stores and even Barnes and Noble. Of course, we couldn't forget all the doggy boutiques and pet store too, so you can pamper your pooch with some new toys, treats or food as well. There are also dog-friendly restaurants with covered patios to keep you out of the rain and even canine compatible hotels to stay at if the drive home is too far. Make a list of the places you're interested in going.

Once you've identified some good places to stop, including calling to find out which of the tastiest looking stops have covered seating on their outdoor patios, map out a route that favors short walks (hence the umbrella) but doesn't leave you stuck in the rain too long. Check out an hourly weather report to see when the rain is lightest and aim to be walking outside at those times, while you reserve indoor shopping for the heaviest downpours.

Once you've laid everything out, grab your dog and supplies and hit the road. If you're tech-savvy, download a weather app to your phone to stay on top of the rain so you can be dynamic and change your plans to accommodate the shifts in precipitation and wind. If it threatens to get too heavy, make an outdoors store your first stop and grab yourselves a pair of raincoats. More than anything else, have fun! As long as the weather holds or doesn't get too nasty, you'll have hours of entertainment with your dog, get good exercise and forever more say goodbye to staying stuck at home inside!