The weather is taking a turn to more fall like temps and that also means fall rain is on the way. And for most dogs, that means a lot less outdoor time to play and walk. It also means dogs need active indoor playtime. I saw first hand how my new dog Sophie reacts when she doesn’t get her outdoor time. Sunday, it rained most of the day, so Sunday evening… it was zoomies and troublemaking way past bed time for Bailey and me. So, I guess I need to step up my rainy day games. And remember to hide my shoes from her.
How do you keep your active dog engaged enough to wear them out? Here are some ideas, some I’ve tried and some that are recommended that I’m going top try.
Chewing
Chewing is something most dogs love, especially if you get a tasty chew treat. Big raw beef bones are great for larger dogs. I have seen them in the freezer section of the grocery store that are perfect, clean cuts without sharp edges. Beef bones are hard and do not splinter like some softer bones can. For smaller dogs, think cow hooves, Himalayan chews or any of the dried animal parts you can find like necks, fish skin or legs. They are kind of gross and do smell a little, but a dried turkey neck kept my dogs busy for hours.
Note…. If you have dogs that resource guard, you will probably need to separate them to give them high value treats.
Paper Shredding
This only works for dogs who do not ingest the paper, but most dogs love to shred cardboard boxes. My dog Bailey could spend all day tearing a big box into tiny pieces. It is kind of messy but if I confine him to one area, it’s is fairly easy to sweep up. Just make sure you remove any staples or any other parts before the shredding begins.
Food Puzzles
There are so many puzzles and mats available now to keep dogs busy for a good hour or so. From treat balls to snuffle mats, you can hide their favorite treats and make them work for them. Many require the dog to think through the problem before they get the treat. Things like peanut butter frozen in a Kong will occupy their time, but they do not require much energy or brain power. But if you just need an hour of peace, they can be a lifesaver.
Indoor Training
Training your dog to do a new trick can occupy them and provide rewards for good behavior. Start off with stay and shake. Then move on to more complicated tricks like finding their toys by name. Hide and seek is also a fun game and keeps their sense of smell sharp.
From rain to snow, Northern Michigan fall and winter can make it a challenge for active dogs. So stock up on the things your dogs love and make the next rainy day an active day.
