Rainy Day Dog Training: Keeping Your Pup Pawsitively Entertained in Wet Weather

Wet weather doesn't have to put a damper on your dog's training routine! Instead of seeing rainy days as a challenge, think of them as an opportunity to strengthen your bond, sharpen your dog's skills, and have some indoor fun. Here are eight pawsome ways to keep your pup engaged, even when it’s pouring outside:

1. Embrace the Wet Walks

Rain or shine, dogs still need exercise—and wet walks can be surprisingly beneficial! Grab a waterproof jacket for yourself and a raincoat for your pup (if they’re into that sort of thing), and hit the soggy streets. Use the walk as a chance to:

• Practice leash manners: Keep your pup focused and walking nicely, even when puddles or tempting smells try to distract them.

• Build confidence: Navigating wet, unfamiliar surfaces can boost your dog’s adaptability.

• Introduce new challenges: Puddles, windblown leaves, and unusual noises are great for distraction training.

Pro tip: Pack a towel and some paw wipes for post-walk cleanup to keep your floors and furniture free from muddy paw prints. Your future self will thank you! Also consider a waterproof or quick-dry leash! I've included this one from Amazon.

2. Indoor Obedience Drills

Rainy days are ideal for revisiting the basics. Inside your cozy home, practice commands like "sit," "stay," "down," and "leave it."

• Why it works: Indoors provides a low-distraction environment perfect for fine-tuning your dog’s responses.

• How to make it fun: Use high-value treats or toys to reward their effort, and keep sessions short and engaging.

To keep things interesting, introduce new cues like "touch" (where they tap your hand with their nose) or work on longer-duration commands like a steady "stay." Bonus: mastering these basics will make outdoor training sessions smoother when the rain stops!

3. Puzzle Toys and Brain Games

A mentally tired dog is a happy dog! Rainy days are the perfect time to engage your pup’s brain with stimulating toys and games.

• Try snuffle mats, treat-dispensing balls, or interactive puzzle toys to challenge their problem-solving skills.

• Play "find it": Hide small treats or kibble around the house and encourage your dog to sniff them out.

• My small Yorkshire Terrier, Roxy loves these. I have included some on this page. Especially the slow dog feeder puzzles. She hates it when I put food in her bowl and not in one of her "games", it's pretty funny!

Why it’s great: Mental enrichment taps into your dog's natural instincts, keeps them busy, and prevents boredom-induced mischief (like chewing your favorite shoes). Plus, it’s ridiculously fun to watch them figure it all out!

4. Teach a New Trick

Rainy days are a golden opportunity to teach your dog a new party trick. Whether it’s "spin," "high five," or "play dead," teaching new skills is fun and rewarding for both of you.

• Break it down: Teach tricks in small, manageable steps, rewarding progress along the way.

• Be patient: Some dogs pick up tricks faster than others, so stay positive and celebrate their efforts.

Not only does trick training build your dog’s confidence, but it also strengthens your bond as you work together. Plus, imagine how impressed your friends will be when your dog shows off their new moves!

5. Set Up an Indoor Agility Course

Turn your living room into a doggy playground! With a little creativity, you can create an agility course using everyday household items:

• Use cushions as hurdles.

• Lay broomsticks on the floor for makeshift weave poles.

• Create tunnels with cardboard boxes.

Guide your dog through the course using treats and lots of enthusiasm. It’s a fantastic way to burn off energy, improve coordination, and teach your dog to follow cues in a fun, interactive setting. You can also buy them, I included an obstacle course on this page, or shop for one that suits our needs!

6. Play Hide and Seek

Who says hide and seek is just for humans? This classic game is a fantastic way to engage your dog’s mind and reinforce recall skills.

• Start by hiding in an easy-to-find spot and calling your dog.

• Once they’ve mastered finding you, up the difficulty by hiding in less obvious places.

• For a twist, hide their favorite toy or treat and encourage them to sniff it out.

The thrill of the search keeps your dog entertained while giving them a mental workout—and you get the joy of seeing their excitement when they "win."

7. Desensitize to Rain Sounds

Does your dog get nervous during storms? Rainy days are a perfect time to work on desensitizing them to the sounds of rain and thunder.

• Play recordings of rain or thunderstorms at a low volume while engaging your dog in a favorite activity, like chewing a bone or playing tug-of-war.

• Gradually increase the volume over time as they become more comfortable.

This technique helps build your dog’s confidence and reduces anxiety associated with bad weather. The key is to keep it positive and go at their pace.

8. Utilize Professional Training Resources

If you’re stuck indoors, why not take advantage of virtual training options? We offer them here at Sit Happens Here! Just fill out one of many forms on this website!

• Get expert guidance on anything from basic commands to behavior modification.

• Learn new techniques to challenge and engage your dog, no matter the weather.

Virtual training keeps your dog’s education on track and provides fresh ideas to keep them entertained. Plus, you don’t even have to leave your house!

Conclusion

Rainy days don’t have to be dreary. With a little creativity and effort, you can turn soggy weather into a pawsitive training opportunity. So grab a towel, your sense of humor, and maybe a treat or two—it’s time to make a splash in your dog training routine! Your pup will thank you with tail wags and happy zoomies, rain or shine.

...and don't forget the treats!