Despite some snow, it’s actually been an unusual winter here in Boise. In December we were hitting close to 50 degrees some days, now in February, we've been averaging just above 35 degrees. We’ve been very fortunate, especially those of us who have furry friends that can’t wait to get back outside! But those colder days can be brutal, especially when our dogs start acting out or acting strangely because they’ve been cooped up inside all day. The good news is that there are many positive activities you can provide your dog with so that they stay as their usual, happy and healthy selves!
If your dog is heading toward “slump-mode” and you can tell that being inside all day is getting to them, there are actually many activities you can do to keep them active.
Obviously, some of the best activities you could provide your dog with require some money, but not all of them do. Here are some fun and free activities:
Play dates: These are a great way to keep your dog (and someone else’s, so it’s a win-win) entertained and loving life. They’ll be running around, playing, and getting that socialization they so desperately need! All you have to do is invite another owner to bring their dog by, throw a couple of toys in the middle of a room, and let them go to play. It’s super simple, and dogs love it.
Build an obstacle course using things at home: Dogs love challenges that are mental and physical. There are so many variations of obstacle courses you can create within your own home to challenge your furry friend. And if they get a little treat at the end, they’ll love it even more!
Make meal times a game: Dogs love a good hunt, so why not make them hunt for their food? We’re not talking literal hunting, obviously. We’re talking about hiding your dog’s food in a conspicuous spot and telling them to go sniff it out. Dog’s are incredibly good at sniffing out food so you may be surprised at how quickly they can do so. This may mean you’ll need to keep increasing the difficulty level to keep them engaged and on the move.
Make your dog work for their food or a treat: Food dispensing balls and food-puzzle toys are a godsend if you’re willing to pay a couple dollars. There are all sorts of different difficulty levels, so you’ll have to figure out which gives your dog a challenge, but they are so fun! All you have to do is place a little treat inside and give it to your dog, and they’ll have a great bit of physical and mental exercise from these.
Keep your dog active and healthy this winter! At IPH, we can take care of your pets throughout the day while you’re busy, so you don’t have to worry about them. Just contact us to figure out the right solution for your dog.