Winter Woofs: Staying Active with Your Pup When It's Cold Outside
Hey there, fellow canine enthusiasts! We hope you've been keeping toasty during these chilly winter months and enjoying some cozy cuddle time with your furry friends. As much as we all adore snuggling on the couch, it's crucial to stay active in the winter to keep both you and your pup in tip-top shape, both physically and mentally. We've got a bunch of fantastic ideas to help you keep the fun and engagement going and beat those winter blues together.
1. Bundle Up and Embrace the Chill
We're kicking things off with a classic - bundling up for a winter walk. Whether you're planning a leisurely stroll through Piedmont Park, hitting a nearby hiking trail, or just wandering down the Atlanta Beltline, a dose of fresh air and a brisk (or, if you dare, glacial) walk is a game-changer for both you and your pup. For those who'd rather not feel the chill, consider investing in a trusty long down jacket like this one from Patagonia. It's so warm you might just wear it with a tee underneath! Don't forget to add some thin running gloves, a beanie, and maybe some cozy fleece-lined leggings for that extra layer of warmth. And for your four-legged companion, a snug coat like this one from Barbour or this gem from WilderDog will make those chilly walks much cozier.
2. Get Hiking!
Now, this might sound a bit counterintuitive, but hiking is a fantastic option for both you and your pup during the winter. If you're unsure about it, choose a nearby trail with a short 30-minute hike to give it a go. Hiking gets your body moving in ways that a simple walk doesn't, and the extra physical exertion will keep you toasty. Bonus: your pup will relish the opportunity to explore new scents along the trail. Plus, you'll find that winter hikes tend to be less crowded, which is perfect if you're new to hiking or just prefer a bit more solitude.
3. Master Some Cool Tricks Indoors
For those days when even a 5-minute potty break feels like a polar expedition, don't despair. You can keep active indoors too. Have you ever stumbled upon an awe-inspiring dog trick on Instagram and wished you could teach your pup something similar? Well, many dog trainers share videos and tutorials on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, showing you how they've trained their dogs to perform incredible tricks. It's essential to start with the basics if your dog hasn't mastered commands like sit, stay, heel, and wait. If they've got the basics down, spend some quality time teaching them fun tricks like shake, wave, hide, front paws up, head down, or even giving a hug. The key here is to use high-reward treats and gradually add challenges. Patience is paramount, as both you and your dog may encounter setbacks. If that happens, just take a step back, practice, and slowly reintroduce the challenges.
4. Enroll in a Professional Training Class
If you feel that lengthy outdoor adventures just aren't in the cards, consider signing up for a professional training class. Most reputable dog training facilities offer indoor and heated options, allowing you to engage with your pup while learning under the watchful eye of an experienced trainer. If you're interested, check out Canine PhD – they offer a wide range of classes, from basic obedience to nose work training and agility.
5. Indoor Playtime with Toys
Here's one of our favorite ways to beat the cold or rainy day blues when we're not in the mood for extensive outdoor activities or individual trick training. We gather some of our pups' favorite toys, like a playful panda for indoor tossing or a ball for a fun game of stairway fetch. Some days, we let the dogs sniff the toy, hide it around the house, and watch them search for it. As our dogs have grown older, Piper, in particular, has become quite the pro at this game, so we make sure to keep Koda engaged.
In a nutshell, we've got a treasure trove of options to stay active with our four-legged friends throughout the winter months. Whether you relish embracing the cold outdoors or prefer creative indoor activities, remember that your dog adores your attention and playtime. Make the time and space for it, whether it's a leisurely stroll to savor the scents of the day or an epic indoor game.
Don't forget to share your favorite winter activities with us on Instagram! We might give some of them a try with Koda and Piper, and we'll keep you posted on how our furry pals fare.
