During the winter there can be long stretches when it’s just not practical, or smart, to go for long walks with your dog. Either temperatures or icy conditions can make it treacherous for both of you.
Dogs can get stressed, just as we can, with enforced inactivity. There are some easy, inside games you can play that don’t require a lot of time or space. Asking your dog to focus and concentrate can be as beneficial as physical exercise. The result, in either case, is a happy and tired dog.
One of the easiest games to play is a dog version of the old “Shell Game.” All you need is a few treats and some plastic drinking cups.
Another good one, playable at home, is “Hide and Seek.” If you dog has a good “stay,” you can play without another person around. If not, have someone else hold the dog. Then go into another room and “hide.” Call your dog and party when she find you! Repeat!
One of the best games of all is training – whether it’s behaviors your dog needs to get better at, or “trick” training to have fun. Some people think that dog training is work. Not true! Dogs learn better when training is a game everybody enjoys. Even something as simple as learning to touch your hand with his nose can be a fun game for your dog. If you need some good ideas, the “Click-A-Trick” set is a great place to start. It even includes a clicker – all you need is some treats to get started.
Teddy practicing tricks
10 minutes of training can be as tiring for your dog as half an hour of physical exercise. As our instructor says, asking the dogs to “do math” is challenging, both mentally and physically. If you’re bored, restless, and feeling trapped this winter, chances are your dog is feeling the same. Break your routine with some indoor fun!
