Because not every day needs to be an adventure.
It's raining. Again.
The dogs have looked out of the back door, considered their options and decided that actually, the sofa looks considerably more appealing.
And if I'm honest, I agree!
But there's that little voice in the back of my head. Shouldn't we be going for a walk?
Somewhere along the way, we've developed this idea that being a good dog owner means walking our dogs every single day. Regardless of the weather, how we're feeling or whether our dogs actually want to go.
And don't get me wrong, walks are important. They're an opportunity for our dogs to explore, sniff, exercise and experience the world around them.
But here's the thing.
A day without a walk doesn't automatically mean an unhappy, bored or understimulated dog.
The Pressure to Be a Good Dog Owner
I think we put an awful lot of pressure on ourselves when it comes to our dogs.
We worry about whether they're getting enough exercise, enough stimulation, enough training, enough socialisation. We compare ourselves to other dog owners who seem to be out walking for miles every day, regardless of the weather.
And sometimes we feel guilty if we don't do the same.
But our dogs are individuals.
Some absolutely love the rain. They're happiest charging through muddy puddles, rolling in wet grass and returning home looking like they've been dragged through a hedge backwards.
Others take one look outside and decide that absolutely nothing is worth getting their paws wet!
And that's okay.
Of course, our dogs need their physical and mental needs met, but that doesn't mean every day has to look the same.
Sometimes a shorter walk, a little enrichment and some time relaxing together is more than enough.
Exercise Isn't Just About Walking
One of the things I talk about regularly in training is the importance of mental enrichment.
We tend to think about exercise in terms of miles walked or time spent running around. But using their brains can be just as valuable for our dogs.
Sniffing, searching, problem-solving and learning new skills all provide opportunities for mental stimulation.
And the lovely thing is that you don't need lots of space, expensive equipment or even particularly good weather to do them.
In fact, some of my favourite activities happen at home.
A Few Rainy Day Ideas
Scent work
This is one of my absolute favourites. Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, and giving them opportunities to use it is hugely rewarding.
You don't need to teach formal scent detection to get started. Simply hiding a few treats around a room and encouraging your dog to find them can be a lovely activity.
Start easy and gradually make things a little more challenging as your dog understands the game.
Find it games
Scatter a handful of treats in the garden, on a snuffle mat or around the house.
Let your dog take their time searching. There's no rush and no need to keep directing them. The whole point is to allow them to use their nose and work things out.
A little training
Rainy days are a brilliant opportunity to revisit those foundation skills that we sometimes neglect.
A few minutes practising a nose touch, settle on a mat, positions or a new trick can be great fun.
Keep sessions short, positive and enjoyable. Five minutes of successful training is far better than half an hour of frustration.
Enrichment with everyday objects
Cardboard boxes, rolled-up towels and empty toilet roll tubes can all be turned into simple enrichment activities.
Hide treats in a loosely rolled towel or scatter them into a box with some scrunched-up paper.
Always supervise these activities, particularly if your dog is inclined to eat things they shouldn't!
You really don't need to spend a fortune to keep your dog entertained.
But What About Doing Nothing?
Now, this is something I think we often overlook.
We spend so much time thinking about how to entertain our dogs that we sometimes forget how important it is for them to learn to relax.
Not every waking moment needs to be filled with activity.
Dogs need rest. They need sleep. And they need opportunities to simply switch off.
In fact, for some of the dogs I work with, particularly those who struggle with overexcitement or frustration, learning that life doesn't have to be one continuous stream of entertainment is an important part of their training.
There's a difference between a dog who is genuinely bored and struggling to settle, and a dog who is perfectly content snoozing away while the rain taps against the windows.
And sometimes we need to learn to recognise that difference.
A quiet day isn't a wasted day.
Slowing Down With My Own Dogs
As Rupert and Mila are getting older, I'm finding that our days together are changing a little.
We still enjoy our walks, and they both still love their training, but I'm much more conscious of adapting what we do to suit them.
There are more sniffing opportunities, more scent work and a little less rushing around.
And actually, I'm really enjoying it.
Some days we go out and explore. Other days we potter around the garden, do a little training and spend an afternoon doing very little at all.
They are still happy, enthusiastic dogs who enjoy life, but I'm learning to appreciate the slower days just as much as the adventurous ones.
And perhaps that's something we could all benefit from.
Finding the Balance
Of course, I'm not suggesting that we should stop walking our dogs every time the weather looks a bit miserable!
For some dogs, a walk is an important part of their daily routine. Others have higher exercise needs, and some may find changes to their routine difficult.
It's about understanding the dog in front of you.
Think about their age, breed, health, personality and individual needs.
A young, energetic working breed is likely to need a different balance of activity from an elderly dog who is happiest pottering along at their own pace.
And if your dog struggles to settle without a long walk, it might be worth thinking about whether you can gradually build their ability to relax, rather than feeling that you always need to tire them out.
We want our dogs to have fulfilling lives, but we also want them to be comfortable with the quieter moments.
Because life isn't always exciting.
Sometimes it's just a rainy Sunday.
And that's okay.
So, Put the Kettle On ☕
Next time you wake up to another grey, wet morning, don't immediately feel guilty about changing your plans.
Maybe you'll head out for a shorter sniffy walk. Maybe you'll spend ten minutes playing some scent games. Maybe you'll practise a little training and then settle down with a good book and a dog curled up beside you.
Whatever works for you and your dog.
Because being a good dog owner isn't about counting miles, filling every minute or making every day an adventure.
It's about understanding what your dog needs, finding a balance and enjoying your time together.
And sometimes, that means doing absolutely nothing.
Happy training!
Karen
Bark-ology Dog Training
