Indoor places to walk dog in bad weather?

[Anonymous]

We are the "considering a puppy" family. I'm wondering if something like this exists--a place like a mall or indoor track to walk dog when it's bad weather?

[Anonymous]

The purpose of a dog walk is for your dog to defecate.

[Anonymous]

Maybe some of the doggy daycares have open play time? Honestly, we just brave the rain. Most dogs don't care.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you need to do some more serious research about what it takes to care for a dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The purpose of a dog walk is for your dog to defecate.

Our dog poops at home. Our dog gets a little exercise/stimulation/socialization on his walks.

[Anonymous]

You walk your dog outside. No matter what.

[Anonymous]

For real? Go outside. Bring an umbrella.

[Anonymous]

One of the things that is good and bad about a dog is that you need to walk them no matter the weather. It is good bc it forces me to go out in bad weather.

I do wish there was something like an indoor dog park, because when we have a long stretch of bad weather it's tough for my dog to get as much exercise as he really needs. I think there was something at one point but it closed.

My dog doesn't mind the cold but he hates the rain and actually I have to drag him out to go for a walk in the rain.

[Anonymous]

You can't really be this stupid, can you? Walk the dog outside. Use an umbrella or heavy coat. Better yet, don't get a dog as you might seriously be too dumb to care for one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can't really be this stupid, can you? Walk the dog outside. Use an umbrella or heavy coat. Better yet, don't get a dog as you might seriously be too dumb to care for one.

Not OP, but I don't understand why you think it's necessary to be so nasty. It was an honest question; why are you such a douche?

[Anonymous]

No. Dogs are meant to poop outside. You walk them in any weather. If it's a blizzard and really bad then you dig a little space for them next to your house and let them go there.
Also just like you walk the baby in the stroller and kids in any weather except blizzard and downpour. There is not bad weather (excepting unsafe weather like blizzards and hurricanes and 105 deg heat) just inadequate clothing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe some of the doggy daycares have open play time? Honestly, we just brave the rain. Most dogs don't care.

+1. Some doggie daycares have weekend playtimes and/or weekend daycare hours where dogs can get exercise if the weather is awful. We don't bother though, we just brave the elements. We will, however, consolidate the walks down to one long walk and then really quick pottie breaks on days with awful weather. If it's raining all day, I mind as well only get soaked to the bone on one walk instead of 3 or 4.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe some of the doggy daycares have open play time? Honestly, we just brave the rain. Most dogs don't care.

+1. Some doggie daycares have weekend playtimes and/or weekend daycare hours where dogs can get exercise if the weather is awful. We don't bother though, we just brave the elements. We will, however, consolidate the walks down to one long walk and then really quick pottie breaks on days with awful weather. If it's raining all day, I mind as well only get soaked to the bone on one walk instead of 3 or 4.

This is good advice. I do think OP should be prepared to be outside in the rain and the elements every day if OP gets a dog. That said - little dogs can be trained to go on pee pads I have heard...

[Anonymous]

OP, I think if you are getting a dog, you have to be prepared to walk the dog in any/all weather.

That said, there are actually times when you really can't stay out long with certain breeds of dog in certain weather. For example, when it's 95 degrees with 95 percent humidity, you can hardly take a large, furry breed dog out for long. Or in really icy conditions. Or even taking a small dog out in extreme cold. So there are times when you are really just taking the dog out to do his/her business and come back in.

It is ideal, in that case, to then take the dog somewhere indoors to compensate for the very brief walk. My suggestion is to find a petsmart or petco nearby. You can take your dog and walk up and down the aisles. It gives them some walking time and stimulation in controlled temperatures to offset the shorter "just to pee/poop" walks.

There are also some facilities with pools where dogs can have swim time. You can google them. It might be expensive.

Another option is some people do dog agility courses, and I believe there are some indoor agility courses around, but you'd have to google. I'm not sure what the cost is.

My point is that daily (twice daily) outdoor walks are preferable for dogs, but there are times when weather conditions are extreme and you might not be able to do a full walk. It's nice to identify some places to take your dog.

Petsmart and Petco are free to visit So it's a nice option when you feel like outdoor time is limited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No. Dogs are meant to poop outside. You walk them in any weather. If it's a blizzard and really bad then you dig a little space for them next to your house and let them go there.
Also just like you walk the baby in the stroller and kids in any weather except blizzard and downpour. There is not bad weather (excepting unsafe weather like blizzards and hurricanes and 105 deg heat) just inadequate clothing.

When it's 105 degrees, you can't remove a dog's coat. Some dogs, like huskies, should not be shaved (their coat provides protection to their skin). When it's that hot, your dog is at risk for heat exhaustion. There's no clothing solution. It's too hot to walk outside. Your only options are to walk early in the morning or late at night.

In those situations, it's nice to have another place where you can take a dog to get a little mental stimulation and walking.

I'm the PP who recommends Petsmart/Petco or some dog supply store where they allow dogs.