Winter Exercises for Dogs

The cold season means that both you and your pet are indoors more often, but don’t rely on the dog door to be the only means by which your dog sees the outdoors or gets exercise. Remember that fresh air and exposure to sunlight has numerous benefits for both you and your pet. Of course, it’s also a great idea to plan some indoor exercises as well, for those days when it’s just not sensible to be outside.

Practice Scent Training

This is an exercise you can do both inside and outside. Let your dog sniff something, and then hide it and encourage your pup to find it. Make sure to make it easy at first, and then make it increasingly harder. Offer a reward when your dog finds what he or she is looking for. This is an especially great exercise to do in the snow, since you can stand in one place and throw the item where your dog can’t see it. Just make sure he or she isn’t watching as you throw it.

Engage in Obedience Training

Because you are inside so much more, now is a great time to work on obedience training without the distraction of outside elements. You can do some really simple training exercises that will go a long way toward a better-behaved pup.

• Practice walking on a leash. Hold the leash so it is tight enough to keep your pup by your side, but is still comfortable. Walk your pup through the house. When he or she tries to deviate from you, tap him or her lightly in the hindquarters with your foot. This isn’t a punishment, but a way to bring the focus back to the task at hand.
• Start with simple commands in exchange for treats. Ask your dog to “stay” without distracting him or her, and then offer a reward for compliance after a short period of time. Increase the amount of time gradually, and add distractions to further develop the training, always offering a reward for good behavior.
• Use hand targeting. Try to get your dog to focus on your hand for a treat. Your dog loves getting attention from you, so this exercise is relatively easy. As pleasant as it is for your dog, it also teaches focus. This can be beneficial when you want your pup to come to you or stop barking.

Play Games

Not all exercise has to be work. A simple game of hide and seek can be a lot of fun for your dog. You can have someone distract your pup while you hide, or wait until he or she takes a trip out the dog door. Hide while he or she is outside, and then let him or her seek you out when he or she comes back inside. Make sure to offer plenty of praise when you are found so that your pup gets an extra sense of enjoyment out of the game.

Whatever you do, just be sure to take the time to make sure your dog gets some exercise in the winter months. Otherwise, their boredom can lead to troublesome behavior and an unpleasant winter.