Winter Blues with Your Dog?
In case any one is behind on the news, in Ohio, white stuff seems to be filling our yards, toppling over the edge of our boots, and turning our cars into sleds. Between the cold and the fear of slipping, our motivation to get outside may be decreasing. As I’m sure everyone knows, when we feel trapped inside, so do our dogs. “Sparky” longs for the summer walks, the sunshine, and the toss of a ball. But the ball doesn’t bounce, it just sinks. Instead “Sparky” supplements his need for exercise with chewing our shoes, surfing the counters for leftover morsels and reminding us every other minute that he needs something to do. So how do we compensate for those winter blues, without buying snowshoes?
First, I would gladly remind you that mental stimulation goes a long way in relieving our dogs of their boredom. Winter is a great time to start teaching some basic commands or maybe a new fun trick. Hide and go seek can be an easy way to pass a few minutes. Maybe it’s time to teach “Sparky” to help gather the laundry. The important key we must remember is that their energy doesn’t have to be problematic. With the right direction and motivation, we can turn that abundant energy into a little help around the house.
Perhaps it’s a good time to build your dog’s IQ. New interactive toys are now on the market to increase your dog’s problem solving skills. These can create hours of enjoyment and build your dog’s critical thinking skills.
Above all else, here at Kennel Club USA, we don’t let the snow stop us from getting out the dogs, playing, training, and socializing. If you just simply need a break, we’d be more than happy to help.
Jonathan Brinkley
BOZ