Autumn is approaching! How to entertain your dog on a rainy day.

  So, the long nights are drawing in, and the weather is about to get truly British on us, which can sometimes put the stoppers on our dog walks. If you’re not up for a soggy walk, then there are things you can do to keep your dog entertained and stimulated. Toys It’s a good idea to have a few items in your armoury to entertain your pooch with on a rainy day.

1. Snuffle Mats

These are wonderful for tapping into your dog’s primal foraging instincts. Hide some treats in the little gaps in between the fleecy strips and your dog can often spend up to 15 minutes retrieving them. Some experts say that a 15 minute snuffle can burn the same amount of calories as a 60 minute walk! (Not you, the dog!) You can find a great range of handmade snuffle mats with local business, Blitz Snuffle Mats https://wooflinks.co.uk/listing/blitz-snuffle-mats-2/

2. Kong

A Kong is a popular rubber toy with multiple uses. You can stuff these full of high-reward treats which will pique your dog’s interest. They offer great mental stimulation, an outlet for natural chewing instincts, and they can also be used as a fetch toy.

3. Activity Ball

Similarly to the Kong, these rubber balls have space inside for treats, and a little hole for the treats to fall out as it rolls around. Your dog will have lots of fun pushing it around with their nose and paws to try and get the rewards out. Time for Training Mental stimulation is as important as physical, but often gets overlooked, and so rainy days can provide much needed time for you to focus on brain training your dog.

1. Basic Commands

Get yourself and your dog into a quiet room with no distractions and a bag full of treats. It’s time for one-on-one to master the basics, such as “sit”, “lie down”, “wait” and “leave”. For top tips on how to teach your dog the basics, see our blog –  7 Tips to Train your Dog Easily and Effectively

2. Clicker recall

Saving a rainy day to get your dog to learn the magic of a clicker is a great way to pass the time, and to keep them entertained. Introduce the clicker by making the sound and immediately treating your dog so they begin to associate the noise with reward. Once your dog understands this, you can start using the clicker to mark good behaviour. Battersea (Website) has some great advice on the basics of clicker training.

3. Tricks

If we have a super rainy autumn, after your basic commands and clicker training, you’ll be ready to move on to some tricks! Try things like, “paw”, “speak”, “roll over” and balancing treats on their nose. Grooming For most dogs, grooming is a pleasant and enjoyable time, and a rainy day can provide the perfect time for you two to bond and keep you both entertained. For top tips on how to get that show-dog coat, check out our blog: https://wooflinks.co.uk/blog/5-tips-for-a-healthy-dog-coat/ Chew Chewing is great mental stimulation for your dog, and it has the added benefit of providing dental care. The act of chewing has a calming and comforting effect, which is perfect if they have pent up energy. Be sure to choose natural and nutritious chewy treats for your dog; Deliverchew  has a fantastic selection. Relax What better time to enjoy some downtime with your doggy than a rainy day! Most dogs will be just as happy with cuddles from their human as they would going for a walk, and you’ll both benefit from the serotonin hit. Kick back in front of a nice film (NOT Marley and Me!) and just enjoy each other’s company while the rain hits your window… dreamy! Of course, if you (and your dog!) are happy enough to face the elements, then you must make sure you’re kitted out properly – check out our blog on “The best wet weather gear for dog walking”.