Walk Your Dog in the Pouring Rain (just don’t wear a white tee)

Posted By: Spicy Cupcakes on Mar 12, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Tags: NYC Alternative Dog Training

I reside in NYC. There are at least 15,000,000 million people here. Yet, I am the only one who walks their dog in the pouring rain WITHOUT an umbrella.

Why do I do this?

I do this for the dog. I do this for his fulfillment. Pack leaders don’t use umbrellas in nature. It’s not healthy to protect our dogs from the elements.

In order for dogs to be fulfilled, they must experience all that nature has to offer. And what kind of an example would I be setting if I didn’t walk in the rain with him? That’s why I don’t use an umbrella for either of us.

It’s funny, my dog hates the shower. But, he loves the rain. Sometimes, we walk from 22nd and 2nd avenue all the way to Wooster Street together. If you live in NYC, then you know that that’s not too close.

People stare at us. People laugh at us and point at my dog and me. But, we don’t care. We just keep going on our merry way! Usually, there is not another dog owner in site. Every once in a while we’ll see another dog but the owner is always using an umbrella.

He or she is never experiencing what their dog is experiencing. Keep in mind, we do this in all kinds of weather. I don’t care if it’s 20 degrees outside. And when we walk to the dog park in the rain, it’s always completely empty.

This is the same dog park that is completely packed when it’s nice weather. Dogs are tough. They are made for the elements. I’m not saying that you should go for a walk every time that it’s raining. But, you must give your dog that experience.

Often times, people will tell me that what I’m saying sounds good but that their dog “doesn’t like the rain.” Bullshit. It’s you that doesn’t like the rain. And it’s you that is denying your dog this experience.

My dog used to hate the rain as well. But, that was when I used to use an umbrella and take him out for a quick pee. He didn’t start enjoying it until I started enjoying it. Now, we run together and it’s an amazing experience.

Think about it, would you deny your dog the sunshine? In nature, there is no such thing as “bad weather.” There is just weather and it’s all beautiful. It’s beautiful even when it feels harsh. This is just one of many activities that I do that other pack leaders don’t do.

But, it’s one of my favorites. That’s because it’s an essential life skill. Anybody can teach a dog a trick. But, how many of you are teaching your dog essential life skills and enjoying it at the same time?

If you are in NYC, call me and we can walk our dogs in the rain together. I especially want to hear from people whose dogs “don’t like the rain.”

Ivan 646.226.1100

PS - don’t wear a white t-shirt. I’m not advocating having a wet t shirt contest with your pooch : )