A Rainy Tale:Understanding the Drama of Dogs and Their Love-Hate Relationship with Rain

🌧️ Dogs Who Love the Rain (aka the Splash Squad)

These dogs? They don’t just tolerate the rain—they thrive in it. They’re the type to look out the window and wag their tail like, “Yes! Bring me the mud!”

1. Sensory Overload—but Make It Fun

For some pups, rain turns the world into a spa day for the nose. The smells! The sounds! The glorious puddles! It’s a sensory buffet, and they’re here for the full tasting menu.

2. Breed Instincts: Born to Get Soaked

Some breeds were literally built for rain.Take Cocker Spaniels, for instance. My old pal Coco was basically an aquatic creature. We’d go running in Clapton Park, and without fail, he’d launch himself into the Hackney canal like he was auditioning for Doggy Baywatch. His motto? “If there’s water, I’m in it. Clothes optional.”

Coco in Durdle Door Beach

Coco on the canal in Sainte (France)

Wet happy coco

3. Quirky Canine Personalities

Then there are those special dogs who just like being wet. No genetic explanation. Just vibes. They’d bathe in a puddle before breakfast if you let them.

Wet dog at Hampstead park

Wet dog at Hampstead park

Wet dog at Hampstead park

😩 Dogs Who Hate the Rain (aka the Drama Dogs)

Then there are dogs like Lulu, my miniature Dachshund, whose approach to rain is best described as “existential crisis in motion.”

1. “Why, Mum? Just… Why?

Every time I open the door on a rainy day, Lulu gives me that look. You know the one: as if I’ve personally betrayed her, ruined her day, and possibly her entire lineage.

2. Size Matters

Lulu is basically two inches tall with legs the length of matchsticks. Every puddle is a potential lake. Every raindrop is a personal insult. Her long body and thin coat make her the perfect storm of “Nope, not going out there.”

Lulu with her raincoat

Lulu with her raincoat and wet friends

Lulu with her rain coat and wet friends

3. Sensory Aversion & Moody Behaviour

Thunder? Wet fur? A rogue drop hitting her delicate forehead? She’ll be hiding under the couch faster than you can say “walkies.” Bonus: she may also stare at the ceiling and sigh dramatically like she’s in a Victorian novel.

☔ What to Do If Your Dog Treats Rain Like the Apocalypse

If your pup would rather chew your shoes than go for a walk in the rain, don’t worry. There’s hope.

🧥 1. Dress to Impress (and Stay Dry)

Invest in a good doggy raincoat or jumper. It won’t fix everything, but at least they’ll look fabulous while judging you from the porch.

Lulu with raincoat by Milk & Pepper

🎾 2. Indoor Shenanigans

When outdoor adventures are off the table, bring the fun inside. Puzzle toys, tug-of-war, treat hide-and-seek—it’s like doggy daycare but without the chaos.

🦴 3. Bribes—Sorry, “Positive Reinforcement”

Start slow. Treats for stepping outside. More treats for staying out. Eventually, they may associate rain with snacks, and who doesn’t like snacks?

🐾 4. Respect Their Drama

If they really hate it, don’t force it. Sometimes, you just have to let your dog be their full, over-the-top, slightly ridiculous self.

❤️ Whether Wet or Dry, It’s All About the Bond

Whether your pup is Coco the puddle-diver or Lulu the tiny, judgmental rain-hater, one thing’s for sure—they just want to be near you. (Preferably dry and wrapped in a blanket, but still.)

So the next time the clouds roll in, take a deep breath, grab the raincoat (yours and theirs), and remember: love means never laughing (too hard) when your dog refuses to step over a wet leaf.

Wet Happy Dog & Love