Be a Positive Spirit When the Rain Clouds Arrive Before a Dog Walk

When it comes to an outdoor walk, most people want a clear day. Rain will wash out most adventures in the outdoors. Many dogs seem to have the same thought process as humans. They don’t want to deal with the pelting rain, but dogs must do their business at some point outdoors. Explore some of the best tips to walking the family pet in the rain from dog training professionals. Slight adjustments to the daily routine can encourage a safer and more productive walk.

Try Doggie Coats

If the family pet doesn’t exactly enjoy being wet, try a trick suggested by dog daycare professionals. Fit the dog with a raincoat. There are plenty of coats available for nearly every breed. Familiarize the dog with the coat first, however. Allow it to walk around the house with the coat several times.

When the rain comes down, the coat won’t be a foreign concept. The dog accepts it, and ventures outside. Don’t force the dog to wear a coat if it doesn’t want to do so. Some pets are simply pickier than others.

Plan out the Walk

Walks in the rain are inevitable at times so plan them out. Select areas around Golden that have overhangs, awnings or dense trees. Pet owners want these temporary shelters so that the pups can do their business without a downpour on their backs.

Consider business areas with tall buildings. A dog park might be nearby too. Although pet owners may have an umbrella on hand, it’s never as helpful as a larger barrier above. Pet umbrellas may look like clever options, but they don’t offer as much coverage as their advertising suggests.

Bring Positive Reinforcement

At times, the family pet simply needs a little nudge in the right direction. Bring along treats when the weather isn’t too appealing. Let the pup know that there are treats along for the walk by pointing them out in a pocket or bag. As the dog continues on during the walk, give it small treats.

This strategy forces the animal to associate rewards with going out in the Lakewood rain. When the next rainstorm occurs, the dog might drag the owner out the door in anticipation of the treats.

Avoid Severe Weather

Training the family pet to head outdoors in the rain is an achievement. Don’t test their nerve by choosing a day with severe weather. Extreme wind and thunderstorms are frightening to many pups. Taking them outdoors during these weather phenomena might spook them. They’ll bark, whine and cower by the owner’s feet. Some dogs may even run off.

Ideally, choose a light rain to venture into when necessary. Let the lightning and thunder reign when the dog is safely indoors.

Walk Around Puddles

Puddles may seem like fun distractions from the rainy surroundings, but avoid them entirely. Urban areas tend to have runoff that flows into random puddles. Oil, chemicals and other harsh substances float in the puddles. If a pup plays in the water, it might absorb some of those toxins.

The dog’s paws are extremely vulnerable to chemical absorption. A deep puddle can produce a splash that enters the dog’s mouth. Stick to the sidewalks with good drainage. A pup that enjoys water play may have to wait until spring with a kiddie pool in the backyard.

Be Aware of Illness

Rainy days might turn into drenching weeks. The dog will have to take several walks in this weather. Follow all of the care tips during and after the walk, but also observe the pup as it relaxes at home. Look for any signs of illness, such as a cold or infection. Some breeds are particularly sensitive to germs. If the family notices any unusual behavior, work with a veterinarian. Hoping that the issue will abate on its own can lead to serious issues.

Pay Attention to the Paws

The dog’s paws should be one of the first things checked when owners return from a rainy walk. Don’t just dry the paws. Take a close look at each one. Be aware of any foreign objects that may be stuck between the toes. On a particularly cold day in Golden, ice might form on the pads.

Remove any items from the paws and dry them off. Allowing anything to fester on the dog’s pads can lead to infection or other illness.

Dry the Coat

After any foray into the rain, be sure to wipe the dog down. Their fur coats can hold an astounding amount of water. A chill can set in if the dog remains wet. Take a towel to the pup’s fur and give it a good rub.

For Lakewood pets that have extremely dense fur, consider a blow-drying session. Set the dryer on low so that the sound isn’t too disruptive. Move the blower around the pet’s body so that it dries evenly and without discomfort.

Discuss Fears With the Experts

Bring the pet to a dog training professional if it seems to have extreme reactions to those rainy days. Phobias can occur within animals, which makes them skittish around owners and messy days. Training professionals can ascertain the issue and devise a calm plan.

There might be training involved that takes several weeks to complete. Most of the practice occurs at home. Pet owners must be consistent about the training, however. Any confusion might stifle the pup’s progress. During the next rainstorm, the dog should be calmer than before.

Take advice from dog daycare experts by being extra patient on rainy days. Dogs will take their time with acclimating to any new situation. With a lot of love and encouragement, rainy day walks can be enjoyable. Fido will eventually look forward to these outings.