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Exciting Winter Games for Dogs

Read here how to keep your dog busy outdoors and indoors in winter.

Even when it’s cold, the dog needs to be outside and get enough exercise – provided, of course, that it’s physically fit. These exciting winter games will help you keep your dog busy in the cold season. In addition, many ideas can also be implemented at home.

A snow course for the dog

If there is enough snow, you can build a small course for your dog: a small wall to jump over, a big ball for the dog to climb on or a board on the snow ball as a seesaw.

As long as the snow cover isn’t too thick, you can also practice circuit training outside – under difficult conditions: mark out a circle with branches, stones or shoveled small snow holes. Let the dog walk outside the circle while standing in the middle. You can change speed and direction.

The right ball game

When there is snow, balls often sink. When the dog grabs the ball, it also picks up a lot of snow. If you still don’t want to miss out on ball fun, you can fall back on the following alternatives:

  • Feather-light balls that don’t sink
  • Swimming toy that slides across the snow surface
  • Frisbee discs for dogs

Luminous balls are suitable for playing in the dark. They are also clearly visible in dense bushes and are also found in dense fog.

A dance for two

Dance with your dog: If your dog is the right size, you can let him walk through your legs. Try it forwards, backward.

Your dog can also jump over your outstretched arm, or you can create a bridge with your body for him to walk under.

Have your dog spin, clockwise and counter-clockwise. These dog dancing elements can be used indoors and outdoors.

Organize a dog meeting

In winter there are fewer people and dogs than in the warm season. Take the initiative yourself: Find contact with other dog owners using information sheets in the supermarket or on social media. Apps also help dog owners to connect with like-minded people.

Set the goals high

For outdoors and indoors: Instead of throwing the food bag or hiding it on the floor as usual, there are many other options. Hang it on the doorknob, on a branch, put it on a chair or bench, wedge it in a half-open drawer or a crack in a tree.

When searching, your dog now has to lift its nose, which many dogs take some getting used to. A filled feed bag motivates the seeker to try a little harder.

Train without distractions

Dull winter days are ideal for training at home. Think about it: Which exercises are not really in place yet?

Whether you want to work on reliable recall or retention, all of this can be perfected at home where nothing distracts the dog. The big plus: You are also more relaxed and this is passed on to the dog.

Time to “chill”

This exercise is particularly useful for nervous dogs that tend to bark a lot at visitors: the aim is to use a signal to send the dog to its berth. He should remain there until he receives the release signal.

Toss a treat in the dog’s spot and praise him as soon as he visits the blanket, crate, or couch. Show him to stay. Reward that too and sit next to him.

Pet him until he relaxes and closes his eyes. If that works, support this sending with a signal word (blanket, basket, couch). As soon as he is there, you will “chill” – very gently and without any command tone.

The exercise can be expanded at will. Send the dog from another room, another floor, from the front door. You have all winter for this and in spring a dog that will calm down at the signal.

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