December Tip Of The Month: Do Dogs Get Cabin Fever?

Are you and your dog suffering from cabin fever?  I look out the window and there is snow here and there. Sure, the sun is shinning but it still feels cold.  I do take my dogs Laika and Deuce for an “obligatory” walk every day.  Perhaps we go out a little later during the day so that it is not in the teens but in the 30’s :0).

What about you?   Do you walk with your dog (s) regardless of the cold?  I have had a few training sessions that was cancelled because it was potentially too cold for the dogs (and the humans too).  This got me thinking:  how does one assess if indeed it is too cold for the dogs to be out there learning something new?

Each dog is different of course:  Some cannot wait to get out the front door for a new adventure but others… might run away from the leash and your intentions of going out.

Consider a few things in order to determine if it is too cold for you and your dog to venture into the cold:

1. The age of your dog,

2. The size and the coat.  

3. Finally observer your dog for any indication of not wanting to go outside and if so, I suggest you 

    honor his silent request.

I also would like to suggest that you think of laying in bed with a good book and warm as a way of spending quality time with your pal.  Okay, sure, most likely your dog WILL beg for some form of mental stimulation and entertainment. So here are some ideas of simple things you can do with your pup in the comfort of your home.

Practice Recall (come when called)

Arm yourself with your dog’s breakfast or dinner and go from room to room calling your dog’s name enthusiastically.

Once your dog gets to you, click and reward with a piece of kibble

Run to the new destination and repeat!

If you have more than one dog you can still practice the above but in addition make sure you keep it safe by teaching your dogs to wait for their turn.

Say their name followed by a simple behavior- Deuce gets to sit while I ask Laika for a play bow.

Engage Your Dog on His Natural Behaviors

Give your pup something that they can tear apart and dissect.  Dissecting is indeed a natural doggie activity.  It is part of the kill sequence that our dogs used to engage in before they where served their meals in colored ceramic bowls or fun dispensing toys (my choice- always my choice).

NOTE: If you give your dog something to tear apart, be attentive so that your dog does not eat small pieces of paper.  Once the fun activity is done with remove all traces of paper from reach.

Cardio One-Two-Three:

Create a safe “agility” course that includes having your dog crawl under a chair, leap unto a sofa or bed.  Perhaps you might try having your dog step backwards from the floor to the sofa so that they practice their propioception skills while using their hind legs and core.  Please remember that this is suppose to be a fun

Activity for your dog!  Do NOT force your dog into doing something that he appears concerned about.  Instead build up his confidence slowly…  make every small step towards a specific goal a confidence building experience.

Practice off-leash heeling by walking around your living room with your dog at your side.

Practice sit and wait at every single door in your home and if your dog is able to finish the round with the same exercise at the front door.

Reward, reward for quite calm behavior!

If you have any fun ideas that you would like to share, please email me so that I can add to the list.

Wishing you and your furry friend a warm and cozy holiday season!

Almudena