Winter’s short days and biting windchills tend to shrink a dog’s daily routine. Small and thin-haired breeds, and senior dogs, may be reluctant to go outside because of the cold. As for the rest, we’ve all been there: Life is busy and the weather is bleak, while your pup gazes at you hopefully ….
Fewer walks, less outdoor play, and less time in the sun can lead to canine frustration, boredom, and a whole lot of pent-up energy with nowhere to go.
But go it must. Those missed outdoor moments add up and depending on a dog’s talents and tendencies, bottled up energy will be expressed the only way s/he knows how. Behaviors that top the naughty list include: destructive chewing, excessive barking, whining, digging, house soiling, and reactivity on walks.
By devoting just a few minutes of your time and a little bit of focus, you will see how a few, small adjustments can boost your pet’s mental sharpness while supporting their overall well-being — all from the comfort of your living room!
Indoor Play for Dogs
- Towel Treat: Scatter small treats on a hand or bath towel, fold it into squares adding a few treats between folds and let your pup sniff, paw, and nudge their way to the hidden rewards. Or twist a towel into a spiral with treats tucked into the folds. Also works as a rewarding mealtime challenge.
- Muffin Tin Challenge: Place treats (or mealtime kibble) in the tin and cover with toy balls.
- Soft Toy Fetch: Clear a hallway or living room space and toss lightweight toys for a safe indoor game of fetch.
- Training Treat Fetch: Dogs that exhibit little inclination to fetch a toy will find it hard to resist high-value treats zipping across solid flooring. Works beautifully for me with shy or anxious dogs. One lifelong fetch junkie — feeling very apprehensive on the initial visit —enjoyed my introduction so much, she refused breakfast on the second morning until I took the hint and began sliding her kibble across the floor.
- Training Sessions: Short bursts of practice with your dog — like sit, stay, or learning a silly pet trick — will build confidence and trust and love.
Indoor Enrichment for Cats
- Puzzle Feeders: Encourage natural hunting instincts with puzzle toys or treat balls using two handy items cats enjoy: paper and cardboard. I crumple kraft paper (or cut up grocery bags), scatter the paper with a pinch of kibble and a treat or three, scrunch it into a tight ball with slightly moistened hands, and roll it toward my feline friend. By the next visit, the only thing remaining is crumpled paper that can be reused/recycled. More than one cat? Make extra treat balls, drop them into a box filled with more crumpled paper scattered with more kibble/treats. Or skip the paper and drop treats into a small box, close the flaps, and use scissors to punch holes in the sides for the treats to fall out. Dogs would enjoy these puzzles too!
- Interactive Play: 1) Wand toys mimic the thrill of the hunt, keeping your cat well exercised and mentally in their happy zone. Plus, a human playmate can adapt to a cat’s unique play style, building lasting trust and affection. 2) The Cat Dancer toy is a springy steel wire with little rolled-up pieces of cardboard attached to one end. Simple, cheap fun that cats love. 3) Laser toys are convenient and best for high-energy chases, though they lack the confidence building of catching the prey. Make your cat a winner by ending laser tag with a wand toy and/or treats.
- Climbing Opportunities: Cat trees, shelves, or a cleared bookcase provide vertical space for exploration and exercise. Additionally, high places offer safety from household commotion and extra warmth.
Time to Get Cozy
- Warm, Soft Spaces: Create a cozy corner with blankets or pet beds or fashion a custom hideout in a drawer or closet your pet can retreat to when life becomes too hectic.
- Gentle Grooming: With your pet’s permission, the sensation of brushing and touching releases feel-good hormones that increase overall happiness for both of you. Grooming keeps the coat healthy, removes loose fur, prevents uncomfortable hair mats, and signals to your pet that s/he is safe, accepted, and loved.
Brighten your pet’s winter days by incorporating five or ten minutes of structured indoor play or scent work. A consistent schedule of feeding, playtime, and walks will help both of you navigate the gray, frigid, and blustery winter season.
