5 Ways to Exercise Your Dog in the Winter

Baby, it's cold outside...but that doesn't mean you and your dog should laze around inside all day!  That snug bed might look tempting on a chilly day, but in the winter, your pup needs exercise more than ever.  Preparing your dog for cold weather is a necessity, and regular walks are encouraged if they're wearing the proper gear (coats, booties, etc.).  But there are also some great ways to exercise your pet inside, when those bitter winds are just too much to bear.

Bundle up that pup! (from here)

1.  Indoor games
Tug, fetch, and hide & seek can all be a good form of exercise for dogs.  Hide your pet's favorite toys and have him track them down.  Or, if your dog likes to scavenge, hiding his meals in different places around the house can be a fun challenge for him - both mentally and physically.

2.  Training 
Use the time indoors as an opportunity to teach!  Whether your dog struggles with "leave it", "come", or just basic tricks, practice makes perfect.  You can also use mentally stimulating toys (like a Kong) or a food puzzle to help your dog eat more slowly and keep himself entertained.

3.  Agility
If spending too much time in your own house is getting you down, consider scheduling a class for your dog.  Though you can sign up for things like obedience, dog yoga, or swimming, agility is perhaps the most popular activity for dogs lately.  (And don't think you can only sign up for agility if you own a large and energetic breed - even breeds like the Shih Tzu can participate; just ask Christine over at Oh My Shih Tzu!)  If you're lacking the funds or time to participate in a class, you can set up a homemade agility course in your own home, using things like chairs, cushions, and hula hoops to give your dog obstacles.

"Look, Ma!  Papillons can do agility, too!" (from here)

4.  Involve your dog in day-to-day activities
Have some errands to run in this snowy weather?  Take your dog along with you!  Take him along to the bank drive-through, a dog-friendly coffee shop, or the pet store to pick out a new bag of treats.  It will be a nice break from your dog's typical activities, especially if he likes riding in the car.

5.  Play date or doggy daycare
Got a pup who's a bit of a social butterfly?  Think about taking him for a play date with a friend's dog or signing him up for a fun day of doggy daycare, which is often offered at local boarding facilities.  I work in a hotel for dogs that offers daycare, and it's loads of fun - we get the same dogs nearly every day, and they have an absolutely blast playing together!  I'm not a fan of dog parks, but it seems like daycare is much more organized and better supervised...most responsible facilities will also make sure all dogs are friendly and play nice before they are allowed into the general play area.

I can't believe this daycare managed such a great photo! (from here)

Psst!  Please keep in mind that as long as your dog is healthy, outdoor walks are still a great idea in the winter!  Just know your pet's limits - if you can barely stand the temperature, your dog can't either.  Also, a recent post from It's Dog or Nothing reminded me that lots of double-coated large breeds (like her gorgeous Pyrs!) actually don't like being indoors in the winter...it gets too hot inside for them.  So if that's the case for your pet, let them romp in that snow! :)

This gal doesn't look like she minds the cold at all!  (from here)