Need some ideas

[mantine]

It has been raining here for 3 days now, we need the rain but for an 8 month old active puppy it is not good. He has started "digging" at the walls in the laundry room where we keep him at night and I know it is because he has pent up energy from being inside for 3 days. Soooo everyone: Please tell me what types of things you do with your dog on the rainly days to tire him out? Our house is a tri-level so I will stand in the kitchen and throw the ball into the living room so he has to run down about 4 steps and then up them to get back into the kitchen, and we were playing a game last night where he was running up to me and I was pretending to "get him" and then he would run away and then come back for more. It was fun but after about 10 minutes we are both ready to change it up a little. Its supposed to rain all day again today so I need ideas!! I dont want to wakeup at 5am to hearing him dig at the walls....THANKS!!!

 

[adojrts]

It has to be raining pretty hard along with nasty winds and cold before I don't go out with the dogs. Even if I have to cut the out time in half.
When we are in, it is usually because of extreme cold or ice........then I play hide n seek, work on basic OB, all the different Rally exercises, work on Contacts with my Contact Board, Target training , teach them to go out and around everything and anything in the house, play recall games and games like 101 Things to do with a Box (clicker training).

Hope that helps
Lynn

 

[oc_spirit]

I'm like Lynn, it takes more than just some rain to keep us in. It's just a part of owning high-energy dogs. But if we must miss out on walks then I bring out the coveted "squeekie tug toy" for some fun. After that we do some formal obedience drills followed by "fun" obedience (games). I'll also give them stuffed kongs to work at.

 

[Baxter'smybaby]

I am a wimp when it comes to the bad weather--(I have some issues with my knees, and can't navigate wet/icy terrain too well) and last winter had to be creative with ideas for Baxter since he needs to run. One of the things that kept him busy mentally as well as physically was to hide a few well choosen treats around the house--so he had to sniff and locate, then figure out how to get the treat. he persisted for a long time to get his treats (maybe 3 well hidden ones)---while it didn't allow him to run, it did make him concentrate and work.

 

[Dizzy]

Please tell me what types of things you do with your dog on the rainly days to tire him out?

I put on wellies and waterproofs and go for a splash in the mud and puddles

You should try it

 

[smkie]

Victor and I used bubbles alot the first couple of years. ANd i know alot of people don't approve but he adored flashlights. WE just had to use common sense with this and not play that game until he was crazy, as soon as i thought he was going a bit overboard we would stop. WE played hide a toy, hide and seek, anything that would get him panting. Since we live in a very small space and he was an ultra "high" dog it took some creativity. I am hoping this winter he will be a bit more able to handle the cabin fever.

 

[Aquavibe]

teach him to watch TV or try to listen to music and dance with him. he'll loose energy and you'll also train him like that.

 

[noludoru]

Take him outside. Unless you really have problems navigating the terrain, like Bax, there is no reason to sit inside when he needs exercise. I know it's miserable--it's been raining for days here, too--but it's just part of owning a dog... I just bundle up in my waterproof winter coat, a scarf, several hoods, long pants, socks, boots, and gloves. What can I say, I melt in the rain. But that kept me warm and mostly dry when we went out for walks/playtime/pottytime. I personally hate rain when it's cold, but thank goodness Middie doesn't. If he hated it, too, I don't know what I'd do because it's hard enough to convince myself to go outside, nevermind coaxing him as well.

 

[MafiaPrincess]

I've taken our agility classes in the rain. I used to be prissy about it.. Now I suck it up unless it is bitterly cold. Takes some effort to wipe them down, but even a short romp in bad weather seems worth it to the dogs. We also work on rally o, stacking.. middle of winter I often have apiece of agility equipment in the living room to work with that changes every few weeks..

 

[shazbot]

I take my dogs out unless it's so cold they can't stand it. If for some reason you can't go out, try tying his favorite to a remote controlled car and let him chase it around the house. My golden LOVES that game. My other boy likes the lazer. Like an above poster said, just pay attention, if he starts getting anxious I stop and put it away.