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It’s getting colder and colder outside, there are less daylight hours, however your dog still needs his daily physical and mental work activity. Daily exercise is a crucial part of the relationship between Pack Leader and dog. These are some other options for when walking is impossible due to bad weather conditions.
1. Play a game - Hide-and-seek is a great game to play. Hide a treat or her favorite toy, but make her find you. Throw a treat to get her to go away from you, and then hide somewhere else. This will tire her out as she searches and tries to find you. It’s also good to teach or reinforce the “come” command.
2. Engage the nose - Since the sense of smell is a dogs best sensor, anything that helps stimulate their sense of smell is fantastic. Make her work for her food by creating an obstacle course which leads to her food. Hide her food in a box or under a bunch or plastic cups.
3. Treadmills - Spend a few days familiarizing your dog with how it works. Use a slow speed and stand in front of the treadmill with a treat. Slowly increase the speed and the amount of time your dog spends on the treadmill. Work up to the same amount of time you normally spend on walks.
4. Classes - Agility, swimming and fly-ball provides good exercise, and a class allows your dog to socialize and get mental stimulation by learning something new.
5. Just go outside - Most dogs love snow, and they can get a great workout by jumping, running or plowing through it. Spend some time in the snow, and your dog will get a workout that leaves her exhausted and tone her muscles. Don’t forget to put a winter coat on them and wipe their paws when bringing them inside to remove any salt.
If you have a problem, or need guidance / direction, consider hiring a professional dog trainer or dog behaviorist to help.
As always, remember: BP4 – Be: Patient, Positive, Peaceful & Persistent
www.packmantotherescue.com / 201-937-6123 / Little Falls, NJ 07424