Keeping Your Dog Active in Colder Months: Tips and Tricks

Raising a pet means adapting to changes along the way, especially if you live in an area that gets cold for several months of the year. While you might want to hunker down underneath the blankets until the sun shines again, your dog might not be that patient. And when dogs get impatient, it can wreak havoc on you and your home.

Consider the following tips to keep your dog active during the colder months.

Winter Wrap-Up: First things first, just because they want to be outside running around doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take precautions. Dogs can become cold in the winter, just like people do. Certain dogs may even require additional protection from the cold, depending on their breed and size. Invest in a warm and suitable dog sweater or jacket to keep your dog warm when engaging in outdoor activities. Additionally, consider doggie booties to keep their paws dry and warm.

Be Mindful of the Time: Schedule outside activities for the warmer hours of the day. Compared to early morning or late evening, mid-morning or early afternoon is usually not as cold. When taking your dog outside, consider the best times to go based on the weather forecast.

Play Indoors: Bring the excitement indoors! Make an indoor play space and fill it with your dog’s preferred toys. When it’s simply too cold to go outside, interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and hide-and-seek activities are great ways to keep your dog busy both mentally and physically. You could even create an obstacle course for them to run through.

Winter Walks: Adapt your walking schedule to the changing seasons. In colder weather, shorter walks taken more frequently are generally preferable to longer ones. Retain your dog on a leash and stay away from any ice or snow-covered areas that could be slippery.

Canine Playdates: To maintain your dog’s social life over the winter, schedule playdates with other dog owners. Doggy daycare centers and indoor dog parks are excellent choices for offering a secure and supervised setting for mingling.

Teach New Tricks: Make the most of the additional time you have indoors to train your dog new skills or to reinforce routine instructions. Mental stimulation is equally as vital as physical activity when it comes to avoiding boredom.

Take Control of the Cold

Since it’s highly unlikely you’ll get your four-legged friend to agree to your hibernation plan, use some of the tips and tricks above to let them blow off some extra energy. You can make sure that your dog is active, healthy, and prepared to enjoy the warmer days ahead by implementing the above tips and tricks into your winter routine. Contact Dog Training Now Charleston to learn more!