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Like us our dogs can get used to a comfy sedentary life indoors during the cold months. This can take a toll on my dog’s health and well being so we find other outlets for exercise and mental stimulation.
Of course, braving the cold and going for a walk is great exercise, it’s not always possible this time of year so let’s look at other possibilities:
Get our with your dog to dog friendly stores. Lowe’s, Bass pro, pet stores, are great places to walk around with your dog.
Train your dog to walk on a treadmill.
Designate an indoor area for dog play. Dog proof an extra bedroom or basement for a some tug games and toy tosses.
Find Me! This is always fun and gets your dog moving. Just wait until your dog isn’t paying attention and hide in the other room. Call your dog or squeak a toy to get them going.
Where’s the treat. Hide a favorite treat or toy somewhere in a room and have your dog search for it.
Puppy pushups. This having the dog Sit and then Down and then back into a Sit for several repetitions. Helps build muscles too.
Sniffer Mind games. I do these with my older dogs to keep their mind and nose tuned. All it entails is presenting new foods and other smells to your dog to sniff and in some cases taste. Chapstick, bar soap, unusual spices can get your dog’s nose going (or backing away). It also lets your dog know that not everything you have is an edible tasty treat like they believe it to be. Celery, carrots, green beans, small bits of apple, or bananas are fun food treats for your dog to experiment with.
Obedience classes. It goes with out saying that learning something new is great mental stimulation.
Use the coming winter months as an opportunity to bond with your dog. We offer many ways to get over cabin fever so let us know if we can help.
We have a lot of opportunities for you and your dog to get out this Winter.
Scent Detections Fun
Trick Classes
