All of us face the challenge at one time or another: how do I exercise my dog in this lousy weather? Many dogs are under exercised on a good day (does your dog get the recommended 2 thirty minute walks a day?). Sometimes there are a variety of obstacles that prevent us from meeting that goal. Here are a few suggestions that might help end that rainy/snowy day boredom for your pooch! Keep in mind – you MUST consider the type of dog you have and make smart (common sense) decisions to keep your dog safe.
Ronan at daycare
DOGGIE DAYCARE. Doggie daycares have become very popular and changed somewhat with the times. There are large public facilities and smaller, more private facilities – sometimes in people’s homes. You need to identify the positives and negatives before choosing one that’s right for your special family member. Examples: some require many vaccines, some have an area to separate large dogs from small dogs, some have constant supervision by more than one person, some have access to pools to swim, some have indoor areas only, some have outdoor areas only, some have both, some allow dogs on the furniture, some advertise cage-free playtime, some have crates for rest-time, some allow you a trial to see how your dog reacts, and the list goes on.
Generally speaking I AM a fan of doggie daycares. If this is a option for you, it is of the utmost importance to do your research and find one that is well suited to YOUR dog. So many humans want their dogs to play with other dogs and have lots of “friends”. Some dogs want the same thing, while many others do not. While it’s important to socialize and help your dog become a safe and well-adjusted member of society, it is equally important to recognize that not all dogs are “daycare material”. Some do not play well with others and some would simply prefer to be with humans than other dogs. Your dog is a unique living being and it is so important to understand him.
Common sense tip: Do your best to learn what type of dog you have, what his needs and interests are, and try not to push YOUR wishes on him! If your dog is really not good around other dogs then doggie daycare is not a good option. Do what’s best to keep your dog (and other dogs) safe!
dog puzzle
DOG GAMES/PUZZLES. These offer a different type of exercise for your dog – mental exercise! Both mental and physical exercise are extremely important for your dog, but often good mental stimulation is overlooked or forgotten altogether. Games or puzzles are a good outlet for some dogs, although they require some human assistance (and supervision). There are a variety of games and puzzles you can easily find to purchase on-line. They usually consist of areas on the puzzle or game where you hide treats and your dog has to seek them out. This can be great because you are getting your dog to engage his sense of smell and then get him using his nose, mouth, or paw(s) to get the reward. Typically they uncover the treat with a removable or sliding part.
Common sense tip: Because some of these games have small parts that are unattached, you must be careful and supervise your dog while playing. This is not a good option for: dogs who will eat anything/everything in site, dogs who act aggressively over treats, toys or food, or dogs who are extreme beggars who will try to get whatever food they want. Dogs need to know their boundaries and if they exhibit any undesirable behavior while playing with these games, they are not good options. We need to know our dogs so we can keep them safe and do what’s in their best training interest.
HIDE & SEEK. I love this game, especially for kids! It can be played where the reward is either a human being, a treat, or a toy. Make sure you have taught your dog to “wait” meaning, remain where I left you & in the position I left you until I give you another command. Then you can hide a treat/toy or the human can hide.
If you’ve hidden a treat/toy command “go find it” and encourage your dog to find the treat. If the human has hidden, they can call the dog using an informal command. When your dog finds the human, he gets tons of praise/petting. You may also reward if you feel it’s necessary to keep him excited in the game. As your dog’s skill level improves continue to challenge him by making the hiding spot more difficult. You can also advance by naming specific toys and on command that’s the one he has to find! You will learn a little about your dog: does he rely on eyesight to seek you out or his sense of smell? Keep it fun with lots of praise!
Common sense tip: If your dog is constantly sniffing the floor for every possible crumb or food morsel, and this drives you cray, you may not want to hide treats. If your dog digs or scratches to get the treats excessively, do not use these games. Only good behavioral outcomes are allowed for these games!
PLASTIC VINEGAR BOTTLE. (or similar toy). This is my personal favorite! When Ronan was young, I gave him used plastic water bottles to play with. He never chewed and swallowed pieces so for HIM it was a good toy. One day I finished the vinegar from a large (2 gallon) plastic vinegar bottle and was headed toward the recycling can in the garage. Ronan looked interested. We were in the basement (old-fashioned, unfinished, cement floor) so I tossed the plastic bottle toward him on the floor.
I never realized what a wonderful thing I had just created – a wonderful game that Ronan could play by himself! He ran after that bottle pushing it, carrying it, just having a blast chasing it all over the basement! I watched and laughed as he entertained himself. The basement is pretty “dog-proof”, so I wasn’t worried about him hurting anything.
One day I tossed the vinegar bottle in the back yard (fenced in). Ronan took his game to a whole new level! He would run and chase and pounce on his bottle – sometimes he really covered great distance! It was dumb luck for me that Ronan learned how to play with his big bottle before the harsh winter hit last year. Like other dog owners, the ice-covered snow that wouldn’t leave presented an exercise challenge for Ronan and me. Enter the good old vinegar bottle! He would push it on the icy snow and have so much fun while getting great exercise! I was so lucky to have a way that my dog could get some exercise during last year’s harsh winter.
I have observed Ronan with plastic bottles since he was a young pup and knew that he was a dog that didn’t chew the bottles and swallow harmful pieces. He knew how to play with them. Because I watched and guided his behavior as a young pup I was confident that he could play with the bottles without harm to himself. Ronan does not represent EVERY dog. Use your best judgement to keep your own dog safe!
Common sense tip: A plastic bottle of any kind could be dangerous to your dog if your dog is the type to chew and swallow things. Please use caution and make sure that your dog can play with such a toy SAFELY! Don’t take chances if you’re not sure. It is not worth risking a surgery (or death) to find out! Warning: Not all dogs are as agile as Ronan. I wouldn’t encourage any dog to play on a slippery surface if there was any danger of them getting hurt. We need your dogs to be happy and HEALTHY!
Final take away: our dogs need to be exercised both physically and mentally. Be creative and find ways to challenge your dogs in a good way. ALWAYS make sure your games are SAFE for your dog.
As always, give your dogs a hug from me! In fact, hug them as you watch Ronan with his vinegar bottle! (mute sound) ~ Stacie & Ronan
