Cold weather is difficult for many dogs as they get chilly quickly even with thick clothes. There are also some who don't feel comfortable wearing clothes. Therefore when it is freezing outside, walks might be short. It would be good to find another way for the remaining energy to get out, so that the dog's mood remains good and everyday life works. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do indoors where it's warm.
Hobbies
There are numerous hobby opportunities with dogs. There are so many possibilities that is something suitable for almost everyone. Sports that require a good physical condition and a lot of time, such as agility, are too much for some, but some hobbies can just be fun playing together with the dog. In many hobbies, you encounter other dogs, but if it causes difficulties, there are also alternatives where you can stay in your own peace. Explore opportunities near you and dare to try sports that interest you. Remember to also take into account what your dog might like and what might suit them in terms of body structure and breed.
Some ideas to inspire you
Dog swimming
Nosework
Hoopers
Dog dance
Brain games
Activating the brain is a great way to expend energy. Today, there are many different fun games that activate the brains of dogs. There are also many difficulty levels, so everyone from inexperienced to connoisseurs can find a suitable challenge. It suits even the busier owner well, because preparing the brain game does not require much effort or time from the owner.
A budget-friendly solution is to craft an activation toy from materials found at home. You can find a lot of fun DIY smart game ideas online. For example, I myself have tried crafting a ball with treats inside from the core of a toilet paper roll. The core was cut into rings, and a ball was formed by stringing a few together. The more rings you use, the denser the ball becomes and the harder it is to get treats out of it. My dog didn't take long with it, but my cat didn't even get the idea.
Practicing tricks
Learning something new is good for everyone. Best of all, exercising at home costs nothing and you can do it anytime. Dogs love to work and working together also improves the relationship between owner and pet. Some learn faster than others, but all dogs can learn new things regardless of age or breed. The trainer just has to be patient, consistent and find a reward that interests the dog. Dog training is a skill and you can develop in it. So you shouldn't give up, even if at first it seems like progress isn't happening as quickly as you'd like. However, when practicing tricks at home, the main idea is to spend time together with the dog, so you don't have to take it too seriously.
You can find inspiration for practicing tricks online. If you are an enthusiastic trainer, it can be difficult to figure out what else to teach your dog. By Googling, you will surely find good ideas and instructions for teaching things that you would not have thought of yourself.
Comments