
We all know that winter can get pretty cold around these parts
and winter can be pretty long.
Since lots of dogs, not to mention their humans, are not
comfortable outdoors in our winter temperatures. Dogs need
exercise to stay fit both mentally and physically, so what can you
do to burn off that cabin fever when you don't want to brave the
cold?
How about a game of hide and seek? Get your pooch to
"stay" in a room downstairs and you go upstairs and hide (closet,
bathtub) and then call your dog. Your dog needs to stay
focused and use his/her nose to find you. When your dog does
find you, offer him/her a treat.
How about hiding a treat? Stainless steel food bowls
become the perfect treat hider. Put a little treat on the
floor and place a food bowl upside down over top of the
treat. Your dog will put his/her thinking cap on to get the
treat out. Better yet, put a few bowls down and only one with
a treat. It is a great interactive toy that exercises your
pooch's mind.
How about an indoor walk? If you have a treadmill at home,
this is a great way to keep your dog's activity level up no matter
what the weather. It may take a little bit to have your pooch
become comfortable on the treadmill, but it is worth it.
It may be hard to resist the call of the sofa during our
hibernation months, but think about what you can do indoors to keep
your pooch from climbing the walls when they can't get out for long
periods.