The desire to get outside lessens when the winter months roll in with cold temperatures, snow, and icy sidewalks. This statement is not only true for many people but dogs, too. Unfortunately, an inactive dog could be problematic. Inactivity in dogs often results in weight gain and other health concerns. Ensuring daily activity throughout the winter (and all seasons) is crucial to keep your dog in shape and happy. 

Play in the Snow!

Dogs can be like kids, especially when it comes to snow! Even though snow is cold, bundling up and heading outside can be so much fun. Try a doggie sweater and booties if your dog isn’t a big fan of the cold. For dogs that don’t enjoy the snow, shovel a path for him to run. He may end up enjoying it more than you think!

Take the Stairs

Do you have stairs in your home? Run upstairs and have your dog follow. Do the same going down the stairs and then repeat the process. It’s good exercise for both dogs and humans! Perhaps you aren’t one to enjoy the repetition of stairs a dozen times in one go. Instead, fit in a few sets of stairs several times a day. Tossing his favorite toy up the steps could be an incentive if you’d rather not be involved in the stair climbing. 

Go Fetch!

Fetch can be played inside, so long as you have decent aim and more than a few feet of space. Hallways offer great spots for indoor fetch. Find an excellent fetching toy suitable for the indoors, such as a stuffed animal, and give it a good toss to get your dog moving. 

Go on a Walk

Just because it’s a little chilly doesn’t mean you can’t take your dog on a decent walk. Bundle your canine companion up if necessary and stick to the cleared walkways if possible. Dogs tend to do better in cold weather than people, but they can get cold, too! Paws can be especially sensitive to temperature and road salt, so be wary. If your dog does walk on salt, there are great products available to prevent cracked paws.

Training Sessions

Can your pup sit? Rollover? Heel? The winter is a great time to work on new tricks! Although learning how to roll over may not use as much energy as a run around the block, a good training session can be a great activity for those long winter days. During a training session, your dog will be exercising his brain while doing more than sleeping in the corner. Try it out!

Find a Doggie Friend!

Do you have a friend or neighbor with a friendly dog to join your pup for a playdate? Set something up. Even indoors, playtime is excellent for dogs. Getting to see doggie friends is beneficial for socialization and exercise. Doggy daycare can be a great resource if you don’t have a canine neighbor. 

Sign Up For Dog Training in Quincy

If you’re feeling overwhelmed this season and unable to keep your dog active, Leader of the Pack Dog Training is here to help. An active dog is a dog headed for years of good health! To inquire about dog training or to sign your pup up, contact us! 617-296-1711