Now that the really cold weather has started how do you exercise your dog when it's below 10 degrees or so? Sweaters and booties from pet retail chains haven't really cut it for my dog, he still shivers and runs back inside. Any suggestions?
2007-01-12 04:19:30 · 11 answers · asked by MollyTimballi 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Put layers of clothing on your dog. Like put a thinner doggie shirt or sweatshirt on him or her, then a coat on top. I found that 2 layers of clothing keep my 18 pound dog pretty warm. He's a short haired dog with no undercoat. But then again, he's so interested in going out that he doesn't care if he's cold.
Also, if you can get your doggie to keep walking briskly instead of letting him turn around and run back inside, he will warm up by the walking and so will you.
If you can find one, a hat will keep the dog warm too. I have hat for my dog becuase it came with a sweater set I bought for him. It's kind of clunky but if I tie it right, it stays on him.
The other option is to get a plastic football or other toy that squeaks and squeeze it and throw it in the house. If you can get him interested in that, he can run around for a very long time as long as you keep playing with him.
2007-01-12 04:29:13 · answer #1 · answered by Hermione G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog doesn't usually get cold outside, so I just put a coat and gloves on me and go. But there are plenty of alternatives to outdoor exercise.
You can play fetch in the house if you have a hallway that can accomodate your dog. You can also play fetch up and down the steps - this usually tires out the dog even faster and is good exercise for developing muscles in the hindquarters. You can teach your dog to play hide and seek with you, a treat, or a favorite toy. Tell your dog to sit and stay while you go hide whatever it is you want the dog to find. When it's hidden, return to your dog and have him seek out the hidden item. At first, you might have to make it pretty easy (leave it in the middle of the floor in another room), but as he gets the hang of it you can hide it in more and more complicated places.
Another good thing to do in the winter or rainy weather is to working on training - reinforce existing skills and/or teach brand new ones. A lot of the silly "parlor tricks" are great to teach dogs in the winter and training keeps their mind active and stimulated.
Above all, it's not necessarily physical exercise that keeps dogs from getting bored - mental stimulation often tires a dog faster than just chasing after a ball. Try anything you can to keep your dog's mind working and you'll continue to have a happy pooch, despite the weather.
2007-01-12 04:33:47 · answer #2 · answered by GoldenDonut 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the breed. My GSD is fine with the cold, even below zero. But she's built for it. I usually needed to go in before she was ready. If it's a greyhound or another short haired dog, you will definitely need some sort of covering. I know there are some "coats" out there that are similar to horse blankets. I think they just strap around the dog rather than having to be pulled over the legs. And doggie boots are good for all breeds if you're walking them where there is going to be salt or other deicers. This can really irritate their pads. I'm not really sure what else there is out there besides the doggie boots.
2007-01-12 04:30:16 · answer #3 · answered by dpausch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's too cold for you and your dog then, there are plenty of games to play inside with your dog that gets him plenty of exercise: fetch, hide and seek, chase, etc.
I play inside games with my dog and she runs and gets really excited, not to mention we both get exercise. My dog and I both play fetch and I chase her around, and we play hide and seek.
My dog is a miniature pinscher and she has really short hair and some areas on her body she doesn't have hair at all. I think outdoor exercise is great during the appropriate seasons; however, the cold is harsh on both our skins and we both enjoy our indoor games together. Good Luck.
2007-01-12 04:28:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make him run for the ball which you throw from the living room to the dining room. Its below zero degrees, there is ice on the road, give him and yourself a break.
I wonder if you can invent a running platform for dogs similar to the ones that humans use.. Wait , just make it wider so he can run or jog beside you.
2007-01-12 04:29:09 · answer #5 · answered by QuiteNewHere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
play fetch inside ur house......u can even pick up an object probably ur dogs favorite toy and run around the house and let him chase u...do this as often as possible tht will keep him warm and make sure u have somethin on the floor for him to lie on...also dont just give him ordinary water to drink....keep refillin warm water every half an hour.....hope this helps u...
PS:any exercise tht involves running will help him a lot...
cheerz
2007-01-12 04:27:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When it's cold outside I work on mental exercise with my dogs. I like 101 things to do with a box which is clicker training that teaches your dog to 'think'. it's a lot of fun for you and the dog
this product shows you how to do it http://www.sitstay.com/cgi-bin/sdisp.cgi/BPCT.lg.jpg
but this page can get you started http://www.canineuniversity.com/articles/training/train_28.html
A lot of mental stimulation can be almost as exhausting as physical exercise.
2007-01-12 04:46:43 · answer #7 · answered by SC 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treadmill is a great way, and they love it... hang a dog treat from string and turn it on they will run forever, even after it stops they don't want off.
2007-01-12 04:29:58 · answer #8 · answered by liz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out equifleece.com brill jumpers for dog. My dog is toastie in hers.
2007-01-12 04:49:28 · answer #9 · answered by Rachel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Treadmills for dogs: http://www.jogadog.com/
2007-01-12 04:28:01 · answer #10 · answered by JaneBond 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋