It’s mid way through January and some of us have already broken the New Year’s Resolutions of exercising and eating right.  Well, I decided this year not to bother with those resolutions, as I have failed at them all too many times in the past.  Instead I decided to make my resolutions for my dogs eating better and exercising.  I love walking my dogs in the spring and summer months, but winter in Colorado is a bit too cold for me.  January is “Walk Your Dog” month, so I have made all attempts to get Jett, Callie, Bear and Baily out for walks.   I have to admit once I get out there it is quite nice, however with four dogs I walk them all separately, so I know they are not getting out as much as they should.

Exercising your dog in the winter months can be challenging especially if you live in a colder states.  However, no matter what month it is, dogs need exercise to maintain a healthy weight.  Research shows that between 20 and 40 percent of all dogs that visit the veterinarians are overweight.  So, I started looking into other ways to get my dog’s exercise in every week.  I found some great ways to keep my dogs active during the cold months. 

1.  The Tether Tug dog toys is specially designed to give the cardiovascular exercise and mental stimulation every dog needs to be their best.  The Tether Tug allows dogs to play whenever they want and provides hours of healthy exercise.  Shopforpaws.com carries sizes for small and large dogs. 

2.  Bundle your dog up with a dog coat and dog boots and play fetch.  The Kurgo Winga is a great toy that allows you to fling a disc for your dog to chase.  The disc can be thrown up to 200 feet, so it allows your dog to really get some running in.  Dogs love to play catch and it is a great bonding time for you and your dog. 

 

3.  Hide-and-seek is a great game to play indoors on those really cold days. Start by showing the dog the toy or treat and get them excited about what you have.   You can either hide the dog treat or dog toy, or you throw the treat or toy and you hide from your dog.  They will search high and low to find you, the treat or toy.

4.  Tug-of-War is great to play indoors and provides plenty of exercise. 

5.  Fetch with a soft dog toy can be played indoors on a carpeted area.  Throwing the toy upstairs can be an added challenge for your dog.   Change out the dog toys often to keep your dog interested.

6.  Let your dog be a scavenger.  Dogs love to search for food, so fill a Kong dog toy with a dog treat or canned dog food and freeze it.  Let your dog smell it first and then hide it from them.  They will have a great time searching for it and can spend hours getting their treats.  Shopforpaws.com has a great selection of dog puzzle bowls and dog treat toys that can keep your dog entertained for hours.   Try the Tricky Treat Toy Ball to keep your dog chasing the dog treats as they fall out. 

7.  Winter is a perfect time to enroll in an indoor dog training class.  Not only will your dog learn a few tricks or manners, they will be socializing with other dogs.

8.  Treadmills work well to exercise your dog.  Start slowly with your dog on a leash and motivate them with a dog treat at front of the treadmill.  Never tether your dog to the treadmill and always stay at your dog’s side.  Just like humans, treadmills can be uncomfortable and even dangerous so if your dog isn’t getting the idea of it, or is uncomfortable don’t make them continue.  I have had a dog that loves it and others that never caught on.  So be careful with treadmills. 

9.  There are some great doggy gyms.  Check your local listings for a doggy gym or play area.  They are actually quite reasonable and you can drop your dog off for an hour or longer.  They typically have a large play area that socialize and exercise your dog with other dogs. 

10. Just like cats, dogs love laser pointers.  Dogs love to chase the light, but be careful where you point the laser as your dog will definitely go up walls and over chairs trying to get his light.  Some dogs can become obsessed with light and shadow chasing, so if your dog becomes overly fixated on the laser dot, then you may want to choose another activity. 

So, just because it’s cold outside you can still have a great time exercising your dog.  They will love staying active and you will love keeping them healthy and happy.  Have fun and enjoy the cold weather with your dog by your side.