Photo: HailStyle
Let’s face it– most of us would prefer to spend a cold winter afternoon bundled up napping by the fire, and some days our pets may seem to prefer the same. Regardless, we owe it to the little furry ones to get them trotting out in the neighborhood and taking all the wonderful scents of the cooler months. Or, should cold weather make it a bit tough to get outside, we can get creative to keep them healthy, happy, and active through the season.
1. Do You Wanna Play?
Our pals at DogChow.com have a few great tips for games dogs love to play, so be sure to check them out! Our favorites below are in Doggie in the Middle and Zip Zagger.
Scramble
Keep your dog on his toes! Stand a few feet away from your dog, and show him a ball. Roll the ball quickly, aiming right between his front paws. Watch your dog scramble to get the ball as it rolls around underneath him!
Doggie in the Middle
Get your dog’s attention so that he knows it’s playtime. Then, sit on the floor across from one of your family members. Roll a ball back and forth, with the goal being to not let your dog “steal” the ball. The faster you roll, the faster your dog will move!
Zip Zagger
Get your dog moving! Roll a ball fast in one direction so that it doesn’t bounce. Each time your dog retrieves the ball, roll it in the opposite direction. Move quickly and you’ll have him zip-zagging all over the place!
Hide n Seek
Grab two cups large enough for a ball to fit inside, and turn them upside down on a hard surface. To get your dog excited for the game of Hide n Seek, show him the ball and place it under one of the cups. Shuffle the upside down cups, and let your dog choose the one with the ball. Watch him sniff and paw at the cups as he tries to seek out the ball!
Barkaway
He shoots, he scores! Imagine how much better you would be at soccer if you had four legs! Set up two goals (you can use books, pillows, you get the idea) and some open space. Run and kick the ball around from goal to goal, and see if your dog can take it away from you. Get a family game of Barkaway going to find out who is really top dog!
Photo: dogster
2. Elite Focus for the Targeted Dog
Want to take it up a notch? Practice a technique that the Dog Whisperer himself, Cesar Millar, calls “targeting.” Plenty of additional wintery tips for keeping your dog active at his site here as well.
How to Practice Targeting:
Being indoors gives you a great opportunity to practice targeting with your dog. Teach her to touch her nose to the back of your hand on command; this will make her focus on a target. It’s a great exercise because it gives you an activity you can do together. And once your pup has learned how to do this, you can use it whenever you want her to stop what she’s doing and focus. For example, if you’re out walking and she becomes excited when she sees another dog, you can use targeting to redirect her attention. Plus, your dog can’t bark when she’s touching her nose to your hand!
Read more here: https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/toys-and-play/6-winter-exercise-tips-for-your-dog
Photo: The Back Bencherz
3. The Sniff Test Experience
Think about the last great hike you went on. All the vistas, views, and colors you took in and carried with you throughout your day or even week. This is what a walk is like for a dog… except they experience the world more through their sense of smell than they do through sense of sight. All the little tree roots, fire hydrants, and street corners your dog implores you to take a moment to investigate give them an incredible amount of information and stimulation. Encourage it! Even if you’re only able to take them down the street or around the house, make a point to expose your pet to new smells, toys, and areas to keep them intrigued and happy. You know that feeling when you plop down on the couch after work and pup comes up to give you a thorough once over smell test from head to toe? They’re loving it. A canine can glean a stunning amount of information from their sense of smell alone, and dedicating even a simple 15 minute routine each morning, wherever you can find the space or time, to a proper sniff session can enhance your dog’s daily life and overall wellbeing.
Photo: dogtime.com
4. Get Outside!
Need we say more? Larger breeds can handle the colder temps, and some of them even love the snow. Bundle up if you’re in a cooler climate, or, if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in a more temperate zone just grab your favorite jacket and a leash and get out there!
