Although most dogs don’t mind the rain (some even enjoy it!) it really isn’t that much fun to train your dog in the cold and wet weather. But it can be challenging to figure out how to bring your outdoor training inside.
Here are some tips and tricks to bringing the training outside-in during the fall and winter.
Related: Best Dog Training Courses You Can Take At Home
Distractions
One of the main problems with bad weather is not being able to use the distractions the “outside” provides. Most of us have dogs that behave perfectly inside their house, but outside? That’s a different story. Rather than wasting those winter months, here are some ways you can get distractions inside.
Sounds
If your dog has issues with sounds, buying sound CDs or downloading noises from online is a great way to bring outside sounds in. Plus, you have control over how close you are to the sound and how loud it is, making training easier!
Sights
Trying to work through your dog’s issues with wheels, dogs, kids, and/or other animals? Think the rain is putting a damper on your training goals? Think again! Your local pet store has all of these under a nice warm roof. Start with a weekday visit (less crowded) for really distracted dogs and work up to those busy weekends.
Another option is a training class. This will give you lots of distractions, also inside, and help to work through your problems.
Sports
If you are working on something like agility, lure coursing, or even herding and the weather is bad enough to make the sport unsafe for your dog, never fear. There are things you can do inside that will keep you on track with your sport training.
Mats
Buy rubber connectable mats to create a surface your dog can do sport activities on in your home without damaging your carpet or wood floors. Home Depot carries them. These are also great for working on canine conditioning because it provides grip for balance work. Need more room? Put the mats down in your garage and viola! Instant training center!
Practice Equipment
You can work on your jump grids and agility footwork inside if you have a few inexpensive and light weight PVC jumps. Make your own or buy them on line. Again, use the mats mentioned above to savee your floor and provide traction for your dog.
For herders, you can work on your “get backs,” “outs,” “aways,” and “come bys” using cones or targets. Some herders I know that don’t have access to sheep even use remote controlled toys to help their dog’s work on herding tasks! (that remote control toy could work for the lure courser too!)
These are just a few ideas to get you started. There are many ways to continue working on your sport, even when the weather is bad. Ask your friends for what they do and share ideas.
Socialization
Have a puppy and worried about socialization when it’s wet and cold? Even if you venture outside, you are not likely to meet too many other dogs. There are several ways to get them around other dogs that doesn’t involve getting soaked at the local dog park (many of which are actually better, more controlled environments).
Dog Daycare
If you have thoroughly checked out (including references) your local doggy daycare, this is a great way to get your pup socialized indoors.
Puppy Class
One of the best options because it is supervised by a trainer and you are getting training as well, a puppy class is a great indoor way to expose your dog to other puppies.
Puppy Playdate
Have friends with other puppies or older dogs that are good with puppies? Have playdates! Rotate whose house you are at so your puppy gets used to visiting strange houses as well. This can work out great and give you a time to socialize with your friends too!
People
Have a dog that needs to learn manners around people? Throw a Pup Party! Tell your friends you need their help training your dog, and in exchange they get fed! Trust me, on a cold winter’s day no one is going to turn down the chance to cuddle a dog.
Just be creative and the sky’s the limit to what you can do inside with your dog. In fact, being inside may just be the some of the best training your dog gets during his lifetime.
About the Author
Based in Wilsonville, Ore., animal lover Kristina N. Lotz is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and works as a full time trainer. She is the founder of, A Fairytail House, a unique all-positive all-sport dog training facility that helps rescue dogs in her area and provides free seminars and training classes for the community. In her spare time, she trains and competes in herding, agility, obedience, rally, and conformation with her Shetland Sheepdogs. She smartly married a Veterinary Technician, who helps keep the fur kids happy and healthy, and provides a quick resource for articles.
Toledo, United States.
