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Rainy Day Fun with Your Dog

Take playtime inside when spring showers arrive

By Caren Baginski

All Ben Daniel and his 4-year-old German Shepherd mix need is a small amount of space to have a great time—especially during rainy weather. And that's just fine with Diesel, who isn't fond of water. When confronted with even a drizzle, "he puts his ears down and wants to get back inside as quickly as possible," Daniel says.

Their New York City apartment is a hub of activity during springtime storms, with ball chasing at the top of Diesel's list. "He's got a bone-shaped tennis ball, and three or four times a day he starts up a new game with me!" says Daniel, who works from home and spends his days with his best friend.

If you're stuck indoors with your pal during the spring, there are plenty of creative options to keep you both having fun. Try these ideas when outdoor playtime is delayed.

Dance to the music

Put on some tunes, or create some of your own, and boogie down. Keeva, a 2-year-old Yellow Labrador, loves to groove, especially to owner Mark Baker's didgeridoo.

The Denver, Colo., dog stops what she's doing and gets so excited that she continuously chases her tail. "She's calm when we're indoors," says Baker, "but if you clap your hands or stomp your feet, she just wants to dance!"

Visit a local indoor dog park—or pool!

Search your area on WagWorld.com to discover local indoor dog parks that are often hosted in dog daycare facilities. For a small fee, it's a great way to get out of the house on a rainy day. And if your dog loves to get wet, who said it needs to happen outside?

Check out an indoor dog pool, like those found at The Canine Fitness and Fun Center in Denver, Colo. Owners Rhonda Siegel and Koda, a Belgian Shepherd, spend every day together at the business. "Funny enough, he's not a swimmer," laughs Siegel. "But he will chase a ball in the 2-feet deep pool, then drag himself all over the floor to dry himself off."

Make it a movie night

Pick a classic like 101 Dalmations; a comedy like Beethoven; or romance like Must Love Dogs, and huddle up together on the sofa.

When Diesel and Daniel share a couch, Diesel definitely needs his elbow room: "Diesel will share the couch with you, but if you start to impede on his cushion, he'll get down." Have a dog bed nearby if your pooch prefers a little more room.

Check out other great Spots with your best buddy:
Man playing guitar with a shaggy, yellow dog.

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