Winter is Coming!
But there is still plenty you can do to tire out your dog this season!
As I’m sitting here in my office looking out the window at the snowflakes coming down, I’m realizing that it’s time to admit that winter is actually coming! Not that I’m exactly opposed to winter, there can be some really beautiful parts to this time of year (side note: since November 1st my kids have been telling me it’s almost Christmas…now THAT I’m not ready for!). But one aspect of winter that is hard for everyone is making sure their dogs get enough exercise. Not only do we not want to go out and walk or hike in the bitter cold, our dogs really don’t either! Unless you ask my newfie of course, that dog is always down for a hike in the cold!
Here are a few things to keep in mind as we change seasons, because it is just as important to give your dogs proper mental and physical exercise in the winter as it is in fair weather months.
1. Don’t underestimate the power of a winter jacket for your dog. Our bull mastiff is not a fan of the cold whatsoever and even more so now that she is getting older. We bought a Weatherbeeta jacket for her last winter and what a difference it has made! She enjoys our walks so much more with that extra layer on. You can find more information on those jackets here . There are many more options for keeping your dog warm in the winter, this is just one!
2. We absolutely LOVE Proper Pups Snacks and Toys . Firstly, they make high quality dog treats that our dogs go crazy for. I use them for a high value reward in everyday training sessions. Secondly, their mental stimulation toys have been such a wonderful addition to our toolbox. Ellie loves the snuffle ball (she has to roll the ball around until food comes out), and Lexi loves the PVC pipe (same idea). Getting dogs to use their brain (and especially their noses) to solve problems is a fantastic way to drain energy and tire them out. Proper Pups has other toys and products as well, and if that isn’t enough, they just started making winter jackets as well! We highly recommend them.
3. Doggie daycare can be a wonderful way to drain energy during the winter months! When you are looking around for a kennel that offers this service, make sure you find one that always monitors the dogs and one that gives the dogs downtime during the day to decompress (super important!). Playing with other dogs in a safe and controlled environment can be one of the best ways to tire out a dog! Click here for information about our daycare service here at OTBT!
4. If you’re local to us, you could consider checking out our Sunday Social program! This program provides a safe environment for dogs to learn invaluable social skills, play with other dogs, and learn to become comfortable around other dogs and humans. Not only is this great for mental stimulation, but it can also be a great confidence builder for nervous dogs. And finally, it’s a great excuse for you to get out in the winter, meet some new people, and watch your dog have a good time!
5. If your dog is really good at using his or her nose, you can up the ante by tossing treats in the freshly fallen snow! When dogs aren’t able to rely on their eyes to find what they are looking for, they are forced to use their nose to pick up the scent. This will tire out their brain much faster, and it can be a really fun game for them (and really easy for you!)
All in all, winter can be a great time to get creative with activities both you and your dog can enjoy! It is here, so we might as well embrace it!
