Keeping Your Canine Active in the Wintertime

Winter is a great time to learn some new tricks; teach your dog basic obedience commands. If he already knows them, work at teaching him hand signals for those commands. These activities will make for an engaged mind for your dog and a more pleasurable pet for you. Take the time to teach your dog the names of his toys. Depending on how many he has, this could occupy anywhere from a few hours to several days. Dogs can develop much larger vocabulary than most people credit them for and are capable of learning many words, so don’t underestimate your buddy on this one! Find hobbies that your dog could enjoy in the winter as well, such as road trips, winter hiking, and playing fetch in the snow. 

During the winter months you can still take your dog outside for a walk. Pet owners should shorten their walks because of the weather, but not eliminate them. Most dogs will enjoy a walk on a cold day. Keep in mind that sidewalks will have a lot of salt or chemicals to prevent ice, which can be harmful to your dog. Booties are a great way to protect their paws or rinse them off once you get inside to prevent irritation and to keep them from licking at it.  If you notice that your dog is on the smaller side, has short hair, or is feeling chilly, you can also use a coat. 

Make mealtimes and treats an activity! 

1. Use feeding and treat toys so they have to work for their meals. Dogs tend to enjoy their food more when they have to work for it.

2. Dogs have really good sense of smell, so exercises that require your furry friend to use their nose can be a form of mental and physical stimulation for them. Hide treats in various places in a room while your dog watches, and encourage them to find them all. Once they have an idea of what to do, isolate your dog in another area out of sight while you hide the treats, then encourage them to find them.

Remember to monitor your dog’s weight; they are definitely able to bulk up in the winter just like their owners!

- Nelson