Editor’s note: Contributor Susan Jakobs, a professional dog trainer and owner of Dog Builders, has “a baker’s dozen” suggestions for enjoying winter with your canine.
Is your dog giving you sad puppy eyes, begging for a walk? Is it too cold or raining out? Don’t feel guilty; have some fun with your dog! It is not easy keeping a dog entertained in bad weather, but there are plenty of indoor activities to help burn off energy.
Expending mental energy is just as stimulating as physical energy. Try at least two of these activities during the day to help ease the boredom.
Food Puzzles – Creative feeding makes meals or snack time more interesting and taps into their scavenging instinct. The “Omega Paws Tricky Ball” is a great example, and you can find them on www.amazon.com. Freeze canned food in a hollow toy (like a Kong.) Hollow bones work as well. Simply stuff the middle with canned dog food or soft treats, or wedge a biscuit into the cavity. Leave treats around the room and tell your dog, “Find it.’”
Hunt for Breakfast – After you get them hooked on stuffed toys or bones, you can start hiding them in the house. Or you can scatter a handful of dry kibble around the yard. Your dog may enjoy hunting for breakfast scattered on the floor or carpeting.
Interactive toys – A great line of toys can be found at www.nina-ottosson.com. I have also found some less expensive toys on www.amazon.com.
Take a Car Ride – Go to a pet store or visit a family member.
Doggie Day Care – Find a reputable place to take your dog.
Treadmill – It may take a week or two to train your dog to walk on a treadmill. Once you do, he will be able to burn off a ton of energy.
Hide and Seek – You can play this game with an object or a person. At first, just hide their favorite toy under a towel. Give the command “Find it,” “Get your toy,” or “Where is Sarah?” Once your dog learns what the game is, then you can make the hiding spots more difficult.
Schedule Play Dates – Make sure the dogs are appropriate and safe for each other.
Tug of War – This can be great, if you teach your dog the rules. The game should be under your control. Your dog should know how to “give” and “take” the tug object gently. He should also understand when the game is over.
Fetch – For those dogs that don’t like to give up the toy, use a treat reward or just toss another toy. Teaching them how to “take” and “give” a toy is part of teaching a reluctant dog how to fetch.
Chase the Toy – Attach a stuffed toy to the end of a rope. Drag it around to stimulate their instinct to chase.
Targeting – Teach your dog how to touch the end of his nose to the back of your hand. This skill can lead to advanced trick training!
Dog Class – Sign up for a group obedience class.
If you don’t understand how to teach any of the games I listed above, please just email me at susanjakobs@me.com. I can guide you through it.