What to do on a rainy day?

[jo_]

Looks like even southern Ontario (Canada) is going to be effected by hurricane Sandy. While we won't be hit near as hard as you east-coasters - speaking of which I hope everyone is safe - there are heavy rain warnings and wind gusts expected up to 62 mph (100 km) for the next couple of days. The forecast for the rest of the week is more rain, rain, rain.

Our two are very used to their morning walks and often a second evening walk. It's so cold, wet and miserable out I don't think it would be enjoyable for anyone. Especially Jagger who HATES walking in the rain (and she can be a difficult walker on a beautiful day!).

Curious...what do your guys do on rainy days?

[tlwtheq]

Well, here in Annapolis we're flopped all around the living room and it's raining buckets right now.

The wind is starting to increase in speed; the power company assures us we will lose power

some time this afternoon. I'm so fortunate I can telecommute because it's nasty out there.

We are lucky today in that we coaxed Sweet Pea outside long enough to "handle her business".

That's usually an impossible task in heavy rain.

But for now...flop, flop, flop...good thing we have comfy furniture!

[hheldorfer]

The wind is starting to increase in speed; the power company assures us we will lose power

some time this afternoon.

How nice of them to provide you with reassurance.

Praying for you and yours and keeping fingers and paws crossed that everyone comes through this OK.

[Hawkeye]

Bailey and Radar have been full of IT this morning - must be the full moon. We have played ball, tug of war, had snacks and followed me around while I did some housework. Hubby works out of the house and my work closed down for the two days. Fortunately I have been able to get them out to do there business and Bailey even ran around the yard while Radar stood on the patio facing into the wind as if he was on a boat. Lots of rain and wind in Mass so far.

Stay safe everyone!

[Autumn & Lola]

I am so worried about my family and friends. Nearly everyone in my life lives in the Philadelphia or New Jersey beach areas. I hope they, as well as everyone on the forum affected by Sandy, will be safe and hopefully not too inconvenienced.

It rains often here, and sometimes the days after the rain are the worst, because then the yard is so muddy. We try to keep her in for the most part until it dries out a bit. On bad days, we do silly things like sliding her stuffed toys down the banisters, "racing" them as Lola runs down the stairs. (it is actually quite funny as we line them up, hold Lola back then "Ready, set, GO!" and slide them all down as she tries to beat them to the bottom. We throw balls up and down the stairs. Roll balls across the living room floor. Take out toys she hasn't seen in a while, or that are buried at the bottom of her toybox. We sometimes clear the floor and play a SLOW game of soccer with her. We just try to do some different things to keep her interested and tire her out. When we do home projects, she has to be RIGHT THERE helping out. So, we'll pass her things that we know can't hurt her. "Here, Lola, you take the ruler and measure this for me." I know it's silly, but like I said, it's different, so it amuses her and she's not itching to go out.

[Hillscreek]

Go to doggie day care! Then sleep the rest of the day!

[Hawkeye]

So here are Bailey & Radar amusing themselves on a rainy day.

Bailey - I'm going to kill you....

WHAT? I'm bored!

Gimme dat

OK I chew on Radar!!!

[Lynn in TN]

It is affecting Tennessee with rain today and snow tonight. Nothing like the East Coast. We are praying for everyone as this storm looks nasty.

[Autumn & Lola]

<<OK, I chew on Radar!!!>>

Hahaha!

[Hillscreek]

Bailey! I thought you were the responsible one!

These are great pics Hawkeye!

[JCDickens]

We play "drop it." I toss a toy, Dickens retrieves it, brings it back after I say "Drop It!" and then hurl another toy. He enjoys it!

Next we play "Where's the Cookie?" I hide cookie bits all over and ask him where's the cookie. Gives his nose a workout.

[Zekey's Mom]

I hide cookie bits all over and ask him where's the cookie.

I love this idea! Question, though. Do you shut your Cairn in another room while you do the hiding? I know if I walked into a room to hide treats, I'd have two very excited Cairns close on my heals!

[bradl]

I hide cookie bits all over and ask him where's the cookie.

Heh, if I tried this on every rainy day, I'd have hippopotamuses by mid-July when the rain stops

[kjwarnold]

We play Find the Cookie on rainy days, too. I make them Stay in another room while I hide tiny cookie pieces (think, smaller than your pinkie nail). It's a good chance to practice Stay and they rarely move because they know what the game is. They love puzzles and this is a great one to keep them busy and make them think. And I don't make them easy either.

[jo_]

Great suggestions. I'll have to try the hide the treat game but I have a feeling Jagger would find them all first - probably not good for her 'diet'!

I bought a nylon agility tunnel from Amazon and put it in the basement. But now every time I go downstairs they want to follow thinking it's 'play time'!

[Hillscreek]

We play this game in all weathers.

I started by asking Angus to wait a very short time till I put a (v.small) treat nearby but out of site. Gradually increased time and distance. He loves it. Often use carrot, apple as a treat. I make the treats varied.

Don't do it too often.

Also play wait to catch something also. Can be treat but is usually his squishy ball. He's getting good at catching.

I think Wait and Stay are important to teach him. Like all our cairns he is ready to move fast any time!

[Dempsy's Mom]

I clean house and Dempsy drags out toys and hidden treats. You could always work on your Christmas picture - that will wear both of you out and then you can take a nap.