It's cold, snowy, and if you're like me, you'd rather be cozied up indoors with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate rather than trudging through frigid temps, slush and salt with your dog.
Not getting out for a good walk every day, rain or snow, not only keeps you from getting the daily exercise you need but keeps your dog from activity as well.
Many people report that their dog's behavior problems increase during the winter months (idle paws are the devil's playground).
Dog's also have a tendency to gain weight and you may find that they lick or chew at their paws more or engage in other repetitive and obsessive behaviors.
Dogs, like us, need mental and physical stimulation which a daily walk richly provides.
But, what if you just can't get outdoors? Luckily, there are some fun games that you can play indoors that will challenge your dog and build a strong dog/owner bond.
Hide and seek is a fun game that can also strengthen your dog's recall ability as well as provide a refresher on the old obedience stand-by "sit" and "stay".
Grab a few yummy treats and ask you dog for a sit and stay or you can choose to have a friend or family member hold your dog on a leash while you hide.
When you're good and hid, call your dog to come to you.
When he finds you, praise him and give one of the yummy treats and try it again.
If you're playing with a friend, they can hide while your dog is searching for you.
When you're found, then it's their turn to call your dog.
Hide The Biscuit is another challenging game where your dog gets use his scent and tracking abilities by finding dog biscuits you've hidden around the house.
Take a biscuit and ask your dog to sit while you hide one biscuit in a relatively easy place for him to find.
Next, ask him to "find it!".
Now that he gets the game, gradually hide the biscuits in more difficult spots for him to find.
There's always a prize waiting at the end of this game but make sure to praise as well.
If you have some old boxes in the basement, you can set up a mini agility course.
Prop up pillows, use chairs or make tunnels from old boxes and lure your dog through a home made agility trial.
Use your imagination and get the family involved.
Kids are good at coming up with obstacles for your dog to figure out.
Go to the library and check out a dog training book and teach your dog a new command or trick.
Play a game of tug or fetch indoors.
While nothing can replicate the joy a dog receives from their daily walk, there are ways to relieve the winter blahs indoors for both you and your dog.
For more tips on training and exercise, visit http://www.
bfftrainer.
com.