Winter fun for you and your dog

By fati Tuesday, January 29, 2019

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Winter fun for you and your dog
WHETHER YOU AND YOUR DOG NEED SOME EXERCISE, OR JUST A WAY TO CHASE AWAY THE WINTER BLUES, THESE ACTIVITIES WILL DO THE TRICK.

Once the holidays are over and winter settles in for the long haul, it can be easy for you and your dog to get bored or blue. As a dog mom, I try to give my dog Dexter a fun day, no matter what the weather. Here are some fun activities to help you and your dog kick the winter blues –  some of them will also help you both stay fit into the bargain! Just remember to keep safety in  mind,  don’t  push  your  dog  too  hard,  and  if  you’re  outside,
ensure he’s winter-ready with a warm waterproof coat, and dog boots if needed.

1.  Have an indoor snowball fight
What dog doesn't like to rip up paper? Grab a stack of white tissue paper and wad it up into “snowballs”. Grab one and toss it to one side of your dog as you encourage him to fetch or grab it.  After he shows some interest in the first  “snowball”, grab a second and toss it to the other side of your dog.  Repeat as long as you want.  When you’ve both had enough calmly pick up the pieces of paper and throw them away (don’t let him eat the paper).

2.  Go on a dog-friendly shopping trip
Pick up the phone, call some of your favorite local stores,  and ask if your dog can accompany you on a shopping outing. Not all will say yes, of course, but you might be surprised by how many do, as long as your dog is friendly and well-behaved.

3.  Enroll in a dog training class
A  dog can always benefit from a positive training class,  and it’s something you can work on during the winter as well as the summer.  In fact, training is an ongoing skill that should be practiced regularly. By enrolling in a group class, you and your dog will be able to get out and do something together that’s not only fun but also beneficial to your dog's behavior.

4.  Do some trick training
When you ’re engaging your dog and teaching him new tricks and behaviors in a positive way, you are stimulating the pleasure center of his brain. Your dog is learning cool things, but he is also learning that you are fun and rewarding to be around.

5.  Bake healthy dog treats
What dog doesn't enjoy a healthy homemade treat? Baking something from scratch can
be very satisfying for you too. By selecting quality ingredients your dog enjoys, you 
can create a custom,  healthy treat just for him.*  For winter treats, consider using energetically-warming ingredients such as chicken, cinnamon, sweet potato or quinoa.

6.  Build a fire and read to your dog 
On those really stormy days, nothing beats a warm fire and a good book.
Grab a cozy blanket or your dog's mat, then elect a comfortable spot for the two of you.  Choose a
lighthearted book that you will enjoy reading aloud.  Snuggle up and start reading.  You don't understand the story,  but he ’ll findheoundfour voice comforting.

Winter does n’t have to mean feeling blue or bored. By spending quality time with your dog on a daily basis, you’re not only increasing your bond and building your relationship. You’re also having fun and giving the both of you some mental and physical stimulation to help you through the colder months.