As the long winter continues on, you may notice your pup being more unruly than normal. This is most likely due to boredom. Boredom is also a very common reason for most behavioral issues. If you or your dog don’t fare well in the colder weather, here are some ideas to keep them busy and satisfied.
First, you can have them work for their food. This is the easiest for you as the owner. Whether it is in a food dispensing ball, or a button feeder, there are lots of options for interactive meal time. You can fill these contraptions with treats, but the best idea is to use your dog’s daily kibble to avoid weight gain and upset stomach. If your dog eats a raw or fresh diet, I recommend filling and freezing a Kong, or similar toys.
Another option is teaching tricks. There are tons of YouTube videos available on how to teach different tricks. AKC also has a tricks title that can be judged online! Reach out to me if you are interested. You can also find a lot of videos online for physical conditioning for your dog. Keeping those muscles strong and balanced is an important part of your pup's physical health!
My last recommendation is the treadmill! After a few initial counter conditioning sessions, most active dogs learn to love the treadmill. Exercising releases endorphins, or happiness hormones, so the treadmill becomes a self rewarding experience for dogs. Be sure to take it slow, keep it positive, and reach out if you would like help getting your dog comfortable with the treadmill.
Happy training!
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