Dog Obedience Training Blog
I live in Southern Georgia, most people move to the South to avoid the dramas of the weather known to our cohorts to the North. Being from Wyoming, I know the joys and horrors of winter and most of the time I joke that we don’t even have seasons here in the South it is just one extended summer. However, much to my chagrin we have had a winter this year. My pipes have frozen, and I have had to scrape my windows more than a dozen times (after 3 years I had to buy a window scraper).
The whole country it seems has been experiencing a winter of record, so I thought while we are all cooped up inside we should discuss some of my favorite foul weather games to pass the time until spring comes and we can get outdoors and get the exercise we are all in need of!
Dogs need mental stimulation, without it they begin to choose naughty behavior and get into trouble. Our dogs cannot watch television, they can’t read books or do any of the things we usually enjoy when exercise outside is not an option. However, they still have the same amount of pent up energy building up day by day and they need a way to expel it.
The easiest way to entertain your dog is to give him something exciting to chew. Chewing is a minimal form or exercise and mental stimulation for your dog. Often, if we don’t provide an appropriate chewy, our dogs will begin chewing things that they shouldn’t put their mouths on. Chewing gives them something to do.
I also like to play indoor games with my dogs when the weather is bad, or when their energy level is driving me crazy and I can’t take them outside for some physical exercise. The whole point of playing games with your dog is for both of you to enjoy yourselves! Pick games or invent games that you will both enjoy.
I love to play hide and seek with my dogs!! Hide and seek not only builds a bond, it also teaches your dog to find you utilizing his other senses; his sense of smell and his sense of sound. I want my dog to know how to find me using all his senses just in case there is ever an emergency. Instead of panic at being lost, by playing this game, I have given my dog the tools to find me and he thinks he is playing his favorite game. This is also a great way to teach your dog that the word “COME” is the most exciting and fun word he can hear.
I also like to hide my dog’s toys and teach him to find them. Find your dog’s favorite toy, first I like to wave it around in front of him to get him excited. Next I hide it in an easy spot, beside me or behind me and tell him to find it. Praise him and you can even give him a treat when he finds his toy. Next try hiding the toy in a more precarious but semi-easy place. You may have to use a helper or tell your dog to stay as you hide his toy.
There are many things to do inside to entertain yourself and your four legged friend when the weather is bad! Teach your dog a trick! Let me know what trick you would like to teach your dog!!
Don’t let the weather get you down, grab your best friend and play some games, if you do this you will build a bond that lasts a lifetime!
You just can’t keep a smart dog down. Here’s a neat video that proves patience and persistence pays off!
Does your dog ever wear you out playing fetch. Seems like he’ll never get tired of chasing a ball? Check out this gadget that someone in that very situation came up with. This would also be a great way to entertain your dog during the day while your away.
Check out our other methods as well to stop your dogs barking here!
Thought this was a pretty cool dog trick!
Would cool little tricks like this be something you’d be interested in me releasing a course on?
There’s just nothing like getting a laugh out of friends with funny tricks.
Let me know if that interests you?
Enjoy!
Chet
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