Bring the Play Inside

You don’t have to go for a jump in the snow in order to give your dog a chance to get some much needed exercise. There are plenty of super fun ways to get him moving without setting a paw outside.

• Hide and seek. Food isn’t the only thing that your dog will enjoy searching for. Try throwing a small treat into the other room to distract him and then hiding in a different location while he tries to find you.
• Stair climbing. Running up and down the stairs a few times is a paw-some way to get both of your blood pumping. If you prefer not to do the climbing, try tossing a favorite toy up the stairs for your dog to chase. Of course, if your dog is older or has joint issues, stairs may not be the best choice for him.
• Fetch. Who says you have to be in the backyard to enjoy a good game of fetch? If your house has a long hallway or a big room or two, grab your dog’s favorite toy/ball and toss it around for a while. (After removing any valuables that could get knocked over by an enthusiastic pup!)
• Make an indoor agility course. Using chairs, blankets, broomsticks, hula hoops, and other objects that you already have around your house, you can create a course and then spend time training your dog to navigate it. Just make sure that whatever you set up is stable enough that it won’t be knocked over as your pup works his way through.
• Puzzles! Puzzles and interactive toys can help give them a task and a problem to solve, Mental stimulation is fantastic for preventing bored dogs. This is important because dogs that “need a job” have a problem-solving mindset and will find puzzles very satisfying. We highly recommend Nina Ottosson Puzzles by Outward Hound, they have different levels ranging from 1-4 depending on your dogs skill level. These puzzles can also be found at most pet stores.
• Treadmills. Believe it or not, a treadmill is a great tool for exercising with your dog – especially for dogs who get cold easily or those who get the zoomies when cooped up in the house. Walking is the most basic type of exercise and second nature to your pup. If you have a treadmill at home, you can teach your pup how to use it safely. The key is to use positive reinforcement, start slowly, and build up your dog’s confidence and ability before progressing. We recommend consulting with your trainer before trying this at home.

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to exercise with your dog. Snow doesn’t mean hiking season is over. Grab a pair of snowshoes and some cold weather gear and get out there! It’s always an enjoyable experience navigating a winter wonderland together with your dog. Keep your dog’s size and age in mind before enjoying this exercise. Small and older dogs may get cold easier than others and may not appreciate being out in the snow and ice.

• We do recommend bundling your dog with a jacket or coat.
• Snow shoes if there is snow on the ground! Also Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax is great for winter and summer heat for protecting your pets paws.

Walking

A very easy and obvious choice. No matter how cold or warm it is outside, the phrase “Do you want to go on a walk?” will surely excite your pup. Bundle up up for a walk in the winter, whether it’s snowy outside, it is still safe for your dog to walk in the snow. Watch your dog for signs if they are shivering or shaking, take them indoors immediately.

It’s Pawty Time is a dog walking and pet sitting service serving Hillsborough and Belle Mead, founded by Monika Rynkowski in 2019. It’s Pawty Time is fully bonded and insured. If your pet needs some more exercise or an extra walk please feel free to contact us via our chat or contact us page! We are your pets seconds family! ❤️