How to Plan Your Dog’s Routine on Rainy Days

Rainy days can throw off your dog’s usual routine, especially when it comes to walks, outdoor playtime, and physical exercise. But that doesn’t mean your pup has to be bored, anxious, or restless every time the skies turn gray. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a cozy, stimulating routine that keeps your dog happy and healthy—rain or shine.

In this guide, you’ll find practical tips for adjusting your dog’s routine during rainy days, including indoor activity ideas, modified walking strategies, and ways to keep them calm and engaged.

1. Understand Why Routine Matters for Dogs

Dogs thrive on consistency and structure. They feel safer and more confident when they know what to expect during the day. Rainy weather can disrupt their normal schedule, which may lead to:

• Increased anxiety or restlessness
• Destructive behavior from boredom
• Refusal to go outside for potty breaks
• Less physical and mental stimulation

By having a rainy-day plan in place, you help your dog stay balanced and content even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

2. Adjust Outdoor Time Wisely

While some dogs don’t mind getting wet, others absolutely hate it. Still, skipping all outdoor time isn’t a good idea, especially when it comes to bathroom breaks.

Rainy day walking tips:

• Invest in a dog raincoat and waterproof booties to keep them dry
• Choose quick-access areas close to your home for short walks
• Bring a towel to dry them immediately after returning
• Time walks during lighter rain or breaks in the weather
• Use covered areas like garages, porches, or carports for bathroom needs

Even a short walk helps your dog burn some energy and keeps their potty routine consistent.

3. Create a Rainy Day Indoor Routine

If outdoor time is limited, you’ll need to adjust the day’s structure to make up for the lack of exercise and stimulation. A simple indoor routine might include:

• Morning: Gentle stretching, short indoor training session, breakfast
• Midday: Mental games, window-watching, snuggle time
• Afternoon: Tug-of-war or fetch down a hallway, treat puzzle, grooming
• Evening: Chew toy time, calming massage, dinner, indoor potty break

Keeping a rhythm helps your dog feel secure, even if it’s different from the usual routine.

4. Stimulate Their Mind with Enrichment Activities

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. Rainy days are perfect for challenging your dog’s brain.

Indoor enrichment ideas:

• Snuffle mats: Hide kibble or treats inside for scent-based exploration
• Puzzle feeders: Make them work for meals
• DIY treat boxes: Use old boxes or towels to wrap hidden treats
• New commands: Teach tricks like “spin,” “stay,” or “high five”
• Scent games: Hide treats around the room and let them sniff them out

These activities reduce boredom and help tire your dog out mentally.

5. Play Indoor Physical Games

While a game of fetch in the park may be out of the question, there are still ways to burn off energy at home.

Rain-friendly indoor games:

• Tug-of-war: Great for bonding and building strength
• Stair games: If safe, toss a toy up and down the stairs
• Indoor fetch: Use soft toys in long hallways
• Obstacle courses: Create simple agility paths using pillows, boxes, and chairs

Keep sessions short and safe to avoid injury or damage to your home.

6. Don’t Skip Potty Training—Even in the Rain

If your dog refuses to go outside in wet conditions, you may need to train them to go out in the rain or create an indoor potty space.

Tips for rainy potty training:

• Reward heavily when they go outside, even in drizzle
• Use positive reinforcement every time
• Pick a specific covered spot and always use the same area
• Use potty pads or indoor turf patches as a temporary backup
• Be patient—many dogs need extra encouragement in the rain

Never punish them for hesitating; focus on creating a positive, low-pressure experience.

7. Make Grooming Part of the Routine

Rain means mud, wet fur, and sometimes that classic “wet dog smell.” Incorporating grooming into your rainy-day routine keeps your dog healthy and your home clean.

Grooming tips:

• Dry your dog thoroughly after every walk
• Keep a designated towel near the door
• Brush their coat to avoid matting and skin irritation
• Clean paws with pet-safe wipes or rinse with warm water
• Dry and check between toes for moisture buildup

Regular grooming also doubles as a bonding activity, especially on slower indoor days.

8. Use Rainy Days to Build Calm Behaviors

Less outdoor activity gives you a chance to practice calm behaviors and relaxation techniques that your dog may not naturally prioritize when hyper.

Calmness training ideas:

• Practice “settle” or “place” commands with a mat
• Use calming music or white noise to reduce anxiety from thunder
• Offer a lick mat with peanut butter or yogurt to soothe nervous energy
• Try gentle dog massage or petting to promote relaxation

These practices help your dog regulate their emotions and stay relaxed indoors.

9. Keep Your Dog Social (If Safe)

If your dog usually enjoys socializing on walks, rainy days can feel isolating. Consider safe alternatives:

• Indoor playdates with another well-behaved dog
• Visits to a pet-friendly store (weather permitting)
• Short car rides to break the boredom
• Interactive video calls or voice chats if your dog responds to familiar voices

Maintaining some form of interaction supports their mental health.

10. Embrace Cozy Time Together

Lastly, rainy days are a great excuse to slow down and enjoy extra cuddles with your dog. Use this time to build emotional connection, provide affection, and make your dog feel safe.

Some ideas:

• Curl up on the couch for a movie together
• Read a book with your dog resting nearby
• Let them nap in a cozy bed by your side
• Gently talk to or sing to your dog—they love your voice

Sometimes, what your dog needs most is simply your presence.