As a dog owner, the winter months can really cramp your style and leave your dog feeling restless. If you’re taking shorter walks this season, how can you keep your dog active in cold weather to burn some of that excess energy? Read on for our top tips.
Know Your Dog’s Tolerance Levels
Depending on your dog’s breed, she may not mind the cold weather. In fact, some breeds thrive in the cold, particularly dogs with a double coat. You’ll find that it’s tough to keep huskies, Bernese Mountain dogs, and even some retrievers from playing outside as the temperature drops.
Italian greyhounds and pitties, on the other hand, want nothing to do with cold weather! Invest in jackets and booties if you want to have any luck coaxing these warm weather-loving pups outdoors on a winter day.
Increase Indoor Play
If your walks are getting shorter or less frequent, you may notice an uptick in boredom. Unfortunately, that can lead to destructive or attention-seeking behavior if you don’t find an appropriate outlet.
Depending on the size of your dog (and your home), bring games like fetch indoors. If possible, carve out some space where your dog can get out some zoomies without knocking things over. You can also provide mentally stimulating games like snuffle mats and treat puzzles to focus her attention when physical play isn’t an option.
Make Mealtime a Game
We know what you’re thinking: won’t fewer walks and more food-based play lead to weight gain? If you’re worried about increasing your dog’s calorie count this winter, consider using a portion of her morning or evening kibble for playtime.
If you don’t have a snuffle mat or puzzle on hand, simply sprinkle kibble on an old towel and twist or knot it up. Alternatively, sprinkle kibble into her toy bin. Your dog will use her nose and paws to do the rest.
Don’t Cut Sniffing Short
How can you make the most of your shorter walks? While you may feel inclined to hustle your dog along and cover as much ground as possible, we encourage you to do the opposite: follow her lead, even if that means stopping every few feet so she can smell her surroundings.
We’ve talked before about the power of a dog’s nose and the value of sniffing during walks. You just might find that letting your dog stop and smell the roses will tucker her out more than 10-20 minutes of speed walking.
Amp Up Your Training Circuits
What all of these methods have in common is that you’re looking for ways to direct your dog’s attention and energy. Winter is a great season to start, expand, or brush up on your dog’s mastery of commands with professional and at-home training circuits.
At ADU, we provide both group and private training programs to ensure that all our canine clients get the experience they need to become their best selves. Join us for professional training this winter.