by Anne-Marie Mayes
We have had gorgeous weather this fall but the temperatures are starting to get cooler. The amount of time that I am spending outside with my dogs has started to decrease. They are still getting their walks but I am spending less time puttering around the yard with the dogs which lessens some of their mental stimulation through exploring the environment. I have started to add some small changes to their walks. On windier cooler days I try to walk in bush covered areas and not in the open. The smaller dogs have started to wear a light jacket or hoodie to walk as well as the older dogs.
In order to help the dogs transition to the colder days I will do multiple shorter walks a day. I encourage you to change up your style of walking routinely. Leash walks around the neighbourhood, bush trails, practising a recall in an open green space, visiting a park practising some parkour or visiting a pet friendly store. All are great for socialization to different environments.
To make up for some of the loss of exploration outside I am encouraging dog owners to revisit some of their training (mental stimulation) exercises. In order to keep my dogs' minds challenged I encourage you to multitask during your day, such as training while you are doing household chores which adds a little more enjoyment for ourselves as well as our dogs.
When folding laundry, encourage your dog to get into the laundry basket or reward them for going on their mat and toss treats to them. While you are putting the laundry away, practice recall or hide and seek as you go from room to room.
When you are cooking lunch or dinner, drop dog-safe foods and practice leave its or when you are settling for the evening do a few different tricks in a flow (one after the other). When you are entering or leaving the house take an extra few minutes and practice door etiquette encouraging your dog not to rush the door when it is open. Practice redirecting away from the door and excitement with tricks or a search cue. Take your dog shopping with you in the dog-friendly stores. For increased exercise, toss a treat down the hallway or stairs and cue them to go “search” for the treat and then call them back to you. A few minutes of exercise can go a long way! The more you practice the more success you will have.
This training and exercises will then become the new normal which will help being indoors for longer periods with our pets more enjoyable.
Take the opportunity to learn a new skill or hobby with your dog such as scent work, retrieve, tricks or agility with your dog. This is also a great way to meet other dog owners with the same interests.
What are your favourite ways to keep your dog well-exercised over the winter months? Let me know at info@thedogclassroom.com
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