Do Dogs Like Rain (Or Are They Scared of It)? Facts & Tips

When the skies open and rain starts coming down, does your dog go running to the door, or do they cower under the dining room table?

Some dogs can’t get enough of the wet stuff, while others would rather be anywhere else as long as it’s warm and dry. Because it can vary quite a bit, you need to take the time to get to know your pup, and we’ve highlighted some signs to look for either way for you here. Not only that, but we’ve also come up with some tips to help your pet adjust to the rain if they really don’t like it.

Why Do Some Dogs Like Rain?

While dogs aren’t naturally in love with the rain, some dogs don’t seem to mind, and the most curious and playful pups out there might even enjoy it! One thing that rain does that your pup might like is bring up new scents for them to explore.

Dogs explore the world around them with their nose, and if they smell something new, they likely want to go check it out. Another reason your dog might like going out in the rain is because they like the way it feels.

Some dogs don’t like the sensory experience of rain, while others can’t seem to get enough of it! Finally, it might not be that your dog really likes the rain; they might just enjoy spending time outside. This could present itself as them liking this kind of weather if you have made it a habit of letting them outside when it rains. They hear the rain and think about going outside, which excites them, and all you see is them getting excited every time it starts to sprinkle.

Signs Your Dog Likes the Rain

If you think your pup likes the rain, there are a few different things they might do to show you just how badly they want to get outside. For starters, they might go right to the door and sit there when it starts to rain, just hoping you’ll give them an opportunity to go outside.

Moreover, your dog might start wagging their tail more, and they might look a bit more relaxed and happier. Finally, when you let them out in the rain, how do they act? If they run around finding puddles of mud or display any other playful behaviors, it’s a sure sign they’re enjoying the rain.

Why Are Dogs Scared of Rain?

Just because some dogs don’t mind or even like the rain doesn’t mean yours will like it. It’s pretty common for dogs to not enjoy the feeling of rain, and if this is the case for your dog, they’ll show a few signs that make it pretty clear that they’d rather stay inside.

First, dogs generally enjoy their time outside, so if it’s raining and they’re hesitating when you’re trying to let them out, this is a pretty clear sign they don’t like it. Not only can they hesitate, but some pups will try to hide or will start shaking if the rain scares them.

Other signs include excessive pacing, barking, whining, or even heavy panting. If your dog displays any of these signs when it starts to rain, they probably don’t like it!

Don’t forget that with rain often comes loud thunder and lightning, which is known to scare dogs quite easily. So, it makes sense that your dog associates their fear of loud noises with the rain, even if it’s only a drizzle.

Tips for Getting Your Dog to Go Out in the Rain

If your dog doesn’t like the rain, sometimes it can be challenging to get them to go outside and do their business when droplets are falling from the sky. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to encourage your pup to go out, even if it’s raining outside.

We’ve highlighted a few tips you can follow here to try and encourage your pup to head outside even when it’s raining!

Use an Umbrella

Most dogs don’t like the rain because of a sensory issue, and using an umbrella to help keep them dry can help with that quite a bit. It does mean you’ll need to go out with them, but if it’s making your dog happy, it’s all just part of being a considerate pet owner.

Reward Them With Treats

If your dog clearly doesn’t like the rain but they go out and do their business anyway, why not show that you’re happy with the behavior by rewarding them? Treats can be a great motivator, and the next time they need to go out in the rain, they might make it a bit easier for you if they think they’ll get a treat afterward.

Get Them Rain Gear

If your pup doesn’t like the rain, why not do everything you can to shelter them from it a bit? A rain jacket can help protect them from the sensory discomfort that comes with being in the rain, making it a more enjoyable experience for them.

Not only that, but it keeps you from getting a wet dog running around your home when they finish being outside!

Go Out With Them

One of the most effective things you can do to help your pup get over their rain aversion is to go outside with them when it’s raining. Your pup looks at you for comfort and protection, and if you are going out in the rain with them, it’s likely to put them at ease a bit, even if they don’t enjoy the feeling.

Final Thoughts

Whether you have a water-loving dog or a couch potato, your dog needs to at least get semi-comfortable with the rain so they can go out and do their business when it is raining outside. Don’t punish them for their fears and discomforts though. Instead, be there for them and help them along with everything every step of the way.

And if you have a dog that loves the rain, give them a chance to get out every once in a while, even if it means you will have a wet dog on your hands when they get back!

• See also: 9 DIY Dog Diaper Plans You Can Make Today (With Pictures)

Featured Image Credit: Radha bhavikatti, Shutterstock