These are fun winter activities to do with your dog when the temps get cold.
OK, if you haven’t noticed recently – it finally got COLD in South Carolina! So, if you were one of those “complainers” or “braggers” that we hadn’t seen any winter temps around here…thanks for jinxing it for the rest of us 😉
All kidding aside, these freezing temps are not what us Southerners are used to, so a lot of us opt to stay inside and neglect getting out there with our dogs. For active breeds, this doesn’t bode very well – they need a way to release that energy (unless you want your couch destroyed). So, here’s your #realitycheck: you can still have fun with your dog in winter! Here are a few winter activities to do with your dog when the temps start dropping…
Walking
Yes, you can still walk your dog in winter! I know, I know, it’s cold – but if you prep for the walk it can still be enjoyable. I’m not saying it has to be the full hour you’re used to doing when the weather is nice, but the mental stimulation and energy your dog will release during a walk will have major benefits during the rest of the day.
Preparations: Make sure your dog had proper walking attire…
- Dog boots help protect their paws from ice and salt (if you have those conditions). Don’t put them on too loose or snug (check the manufacture’s website to size properly). They will take some getting used to! Start in the home, with one and let them walk around; then gradually add one boot at a time until they are comfortable walking inside with all four on. Even if you decide not to go the boot route, wipe any road salt off their paws after a walk.
- Dog sweaters and coats do help. You have to take into account your dog breed here: dogs with short hair/low body fat get colder quicker (so go with a heavier layer). You might even need an extra layer for small, elderly, and chronic health issue dogs. Cuteness should NOT be the deciding factor, either. Make sure it properly fits, doesn’t constrict your dog’s breathing, or include loose/dangling parts that can be ripped off and swallowed.
- Dress yourself properly! Be sure you’re going to be warm enough, too. If it’s icy, make sure you’re wearing boots that will help grip (in case you fall), and gloves that will grip a leash and not let it slip out of your hands.
- Take care of their paws! If you don’t use boots, snow, ice and salt can still irritate your pup’s paws, and you don’t want them licking the chemicals off them if the roads have been salted. Have them dip their paws in a tub of luke-warm water when you get back. If you’re an avid walker, Musher’s Secret helps protect paw pads from harsh winter conditions.
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Indoor Activities
OK, let’s be realistic here…I know there will be days that it’s just TOO cold/windy/whatever to get outside and walk. So what do you do? Try a few games with your dog:
- Indoor Obstacle Course. Bring out the broomsticks, your hula hoops out of the closet, chairs, and anything else you can get creative with to make an indoor obstacle course. Depending on the space you have, this could be as small or big as you want. Use broomsticks set across chairs or book piles to have your dog jump over; have them crawl under a chair; get them to jump through a hoop – whatever! Use treats to lure them through your obstacle course then praise them when they’re done.
- DIY brain games. Use tennis balls or treats under muffin tins to help your dog figure out where they are. Hide treats around the house and let them go find them. Hold a treat in your hand and just see what they offer as a “trick” to get it.
For the Avid Outdoorsman
Some of us love to be outside no matter the weather, and we have the dog breeds that can handle the cold. Here are some ideas for you folks. If you haven’t worked on these yet, you may need to train in the warmer months to get the ready for next year!
- Dog-pulling-person activities: Skijoring (cross-country skiing being pulled by a dog), Bikejoring (bike riding being pulled by a dog), Cani-cross (running, walking or hiking while being pulled by your dog), and scooterjoring (riding a scooter while being pulled by a dog).
- Snow Frisbee: What dog doesn’t like chasing things in the snow? Grab a Frisbee and start fetching!
- Camping: Some of you actually like to camp when it’s cold 😉 Your dog can go too, and be protected from the elements. Ruffwear has a Highland Sleeping Bag to insulate your dog from the cold air and ground.
I hope this has inspired you to keep active during these cold days we’ve been having, and find some fun winter activities to do with your dog. But don’t worry, those 100-degree days are just around the corner 😉
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