Get creative with cold weather play

By Dr. Beth Leermakers

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” 

This United States Postal Service motto applies to energetic dogs’ exercise routines, too. Young and/or high-energy pups need daily physical activity and mental stimulation, regardless of the weather. 

On chilly mornings I bundle up my dogs in their waterproof Weatherbeeta jackets and head out the door for our 30 minute walks. When it’s cold and raining, all outdoor bets are off. Then I’m looking for indoor activities to take the edge off so I can work in peace. Here are a few possibilities when your pups need to stay indoors:

Head for a home improvement warehouse. Many Home Depot and Lowes stores are dog-friendly. The warehouses are big enough for a decent walk. Check the store’s pet policy before you go. 

Spring for dog daycare. Many dog-social dogs enjoy daycare, returning home tired at the end of their play day. 

Provide enrichment. Enrichment means improving your dog’s welfare by giving him more outlets for his natural behaviors — letting your dog be a dog! You can enrich your dog’s life and provide mental stimulation by letting them sniff on a walk, giving them a chew, or teaching them basic commands. As I mentioned in my last column, sniffing is calming for dogs, lowering their heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. Try these enrichment activities:

Teach your dog a new trick. Spend a few minutes working on basic commands or teaching a new trick. Check out the relaxation protocol — a series of exercises involving sit, down and stay that help your dog settle down and focus on you. Visit championofmyheart.com to download the 15-day protocol. 

Scatter their food. In the wild, dogs are scavengers who spend most of their day searching for food. In sharp contrast to this natural behavior, domesticated dogs eat the same food every day from the same bowl, at the same times every day. Scatter your dog’s kibble around the house so she has to look for it. If your dogs are food aggressive, or if one dog is a faster eater, put them in separate rooms so they get all of their breakfast. 

Play spin the bottle. This game builds confidence and helps your dog develop patience and problem-solving skills. Pour kibble or treats into a plastic bottle, then cut holes down the side of the bottle so the treats fall out as your pooch pushes the bottle around the room. 

Start with many large holes to make the game easy, and then gradually make the holes smaller and farther apart as your pup gets the hang of it. 

Use a food-dispensing toy or muffin tin puzzle. I put kibble in a Kong Wobbler or a Buster Cube so my foster dog has to work for his meal. You can make homemade treat dispensers out of toilet paper or paper towel tubes with holes cut in the sides. Or put kibble in a muffin tin and place tennis balls or other toys on top of the kibble. 

Play hide and seek. To practice nose work, you’ll need a quiet room, several boxes and some yummy-smelling treats (such as hot dogs). This activity works best if you have one person hold your dog while you hide treats in one of the boxes. Your dog should watch while you place the treat in the box and place the boxes throughout the room. Then let your dog find the treats. 

When training for nose work competition, the dog’s handler holds the leash but doesn’t guide the dog. If you’re doing this for fun, your dog can be off leash. When your dog finds the treats (and eats them), reward him with more treats. 

Play fetch or tug indoors. If your dog bounces off the walls and knocks things over, use a hallway. Or play “follow the leader.” Carry a handful of treats and walk around your house, changing direction frequently to keep it interesting. At random times, stop and ask your dog(s) to sit (or lie down) for a treat. 

Build an agility/obstacle course. You can buy agility equipment online or improvise using household items. Use cardboard boxes, hula hoops, pillows, brooms and chairs. Look for items that your pup can jump, weave or climb through. You’ll need plenty of high-value treats (think cheese or hot dogs) to encourage your dog to navigate the course. 

Play with bubbles. Let your dog chase peanut-butter-flavored bubbles. The directions on the package recommend using them outside, but what’s a little stickiness between friends?  

Have fun the next time it’s cold and rainy!