Tag: Winter dog Care Tips

It’s cold out and giving your dog lots of fun playtime inside is a great idea. However, BestBullySticks.com knows your dog still needs lots of sunshine and fresh air. Outdoor winter play just takes a little planning. That’s why we’ve come up with a few ideas to help you and Fido enjoy your time outdoors, even if it is a bit chilly.

The Right Attire
Just like you, your dog will need protection from the elements when going outside in cold winter weather. If snow is involved, make sure you keep a waterproof coat on shorthaired dogs. Dog boots are also a good choice as ice and salted roads can cause paw irritation. Musher’s Secret is also great for protection for paws and toes during the winter. Always keep proper identification on your dog; more dogs get lost during the winter season than any other.

Food Games
Take your dog on a walk and with each block you go, treat your dog to special treats. This will entice your dog and give him energy to keep going.

Play hide and seek in the snow with a desirable treat, like a bully stick! Tuck a bully stick under the snow or in a remote place in your yard and let Fido loose. His powerful sense of smell will guide him to the treat and he’ll love finding it!

A Good Run
Even though it’s cold a brisk walk or run around your neighborhood is great for you and your dog! Both of your bodies will warm up and you’ll be expending excess energy from being cooped up in the house!

Snow Games
Most dogs love a good romp in the snow. If your dog is a snow lover, let him run wild! Tossing a snowball, making snow angels and even eating snow (but not the yellow kind) will invigorate your dog and wear him out! Playing fetch with flying disc or tennis ball is a regular play activity that snow just makes more fun. These routine activities are even slightly more difficult because of snow, which makes for a worn out dog. Read more

Cold. Wet. Rainy. Snowy. Being outside in winter weather can tend to be miserable and staying cooped up indoors isn’t always so much fun either. The same is true for your dog; outdoor playtime might decrease dramatically or indoors your pup may not be stimulated enough. However, BestBullySticks.com thinks winter months can force us to be creative with our day-to-day routine. We’ve come up indoor playtime activities for the winter months because, after all, your dog still needs exercise. 

Hide & Seek
Throw a treat to your dog and while they’re gobbling it up, run and hide in a different part of the house. Your dog will want to come find you if you have more treats and will tire your pooch out in the process. Use small, low calorie treats like Halo Liv-A-Littles or Purebites.

Scavenging & Dinner Games
Remember your dog is a scavenger by nature and enabling these characteristics can stimulate both mind and body. Use a puzzle food bowl or a hollow dog toy like a Planet Dog Orbo with frozen food to challenge your dog while he eats. You can also hide treats around the house and have your dog track down their location.

Indoor Agility Course & Training
A homemade agility course can test your dog’s navigation skills and stimulate brain and body. Use chairs as weave poles, using a broomstick over a couple buckets or holding a hula-hoop in your hands as a jump can make for a fun and rousing playtime. Winter can also be a great time to have dedicated training time with your dog. Want to teach your dog to high-five, shake or roll over? Use your regular outdoor playtime and substitute it for training. Your dog will emerge into Spring as a well trained pooch! Read more