Discussing The Best Ways To Keep Your Dog Entertained Indoors During The Cold Winter Months
With the winter season comes the winter weather. Freezing temperatures, cold winds, and plenty of snow. While winter can be a beautiful time of year, it can also be a boring time of year for your dog. While dogs are safe and warm indoors, they also tend to get bored being stuck inside all day. Most dogs would rather be running around and playing outside.
However, there are indoor alternatives when it comes to keeping your dogs entertained. This article will offer some alternative ways you can stimulate your dogs this winter without having to go outside.
Taking Indoor Walks
Few things make dogs happier than going for walks. Dog walks provide both exercise and stimulation that dogs need to stay happy and healthy. If you feel like your dog isn’t getting enough walking time this winter, then try walking them indoors. While it may seem silly, it can be very beneficial for your dog. Even just doing laps around the living room can help burn up some of your dog’s excess energy.
However, when walking indoors, walk at a consistent pace and try to avoid stopping too often. Use a leash and collar/harness like usual. But, be sure to only do this in a room that has enough space. Your living room or garage should work. You want your dog to be able to move around freely without bumping into furniture or knocking stuff over.
Indoor Obstacle Course
Another fun way to entertain your dog indoors during winter is to set up an obstacle course for them. Use whatever you have lying around the house from cardboard boxes to couch cushions. The idea is to set up an area for your dog to run through like tunnels, cardboard boxes, etc.
Additionally, we encourage you to get creative and make the obstacle course fun and challenging for your dog. There is no wrong way to do this, so cater to your dog’s needs and limits. For more information on how to make a D.I.Y. obstacle course at home, click here.
Interactive Toys
Nearly every dog loves toys! Dogs will spend countless hours playing with and tearing apart their toys. That’s why we recommend giving your dog some new toys this winter. But, not just any toy will do. Try giving your dog some interactive toys to keep them preoccupied and entertained this winter.
Examples of interactive dog toys include The Kong, self moving balls, and doggy puzzles. All of these toys mentally stimulate your dog and they don’t require human interaction. Your dog can keep themselves preoccupied for hours with interactive toys. For a list of the best interactive dog toys on the market, click here.
Doggy Play Dates
While you’re doing indoor walks and obstacle courses, invite some doggy friends. If your dog is sociable, then consider inviting one of their doggy friends over for a play date! Having another dog over, that your dog is friendly with, is a great way to keep your pooch happy and entertained.
Additionally, this can be a great opportunity to socialize your dog and see how they respond around other animals. We recommend doing so with someone you know and trust like a neighbor, friend, or relative. Also, always keep your dog well supervised during pet playdates. Should something go wrong, it’s important that you be there to handle it.
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