Indoor Games for You and Your Pet

"Baby it's cold outside." We all know the words, we all sing along. But do we really listen to the fact that it is cold outside? Cold, cold, cold.

I do not know how many times in the last month as I have been on the telephone with my sister, who resides in Maine, that I have heard her say, "Harley no!" Or "Jake, get down." With it being so very cold outside (She reported to me last night they had over a foot of snow on the ground... and here I was all excited about the miracle of one hundred snowflakes that were seen here in my beloved Texas last week.) her dogs are experiencing cabin fever.

It is simply too cold for her dogs to get their natural exuberant energy draining exercise done daily whilst in the middle of winter- in Maine- which lasts twice as long as other winters.

Now remember I know cats. I know a lot about cats. And I have two small dogs as well. Still it was time for a phone tree. (Can you tell I love to talk on the telephone? I can use any reason for a phone tree.)

What are some ways to engage in physical activity with your dog during the frigid winter months?

Remember these are gentle games to encourage gentle behavior in gentle dogs. Harley and Jake are both big dogs.

Indoor games for your dog and you (or your kids) - No running in the house

Well... except for the dogs. Clear a space and play race with the dog. Not only is it good exercise for the dog, but you as well. And your kids. My sister has a huge basement that this works best in... if you reside in a small home or an apartment I would suggest power walking around an indoor park or track... or even the living room furniture (a lot of times!).

Indoor games for your dog and you (or your kids) - Bubble bubble toil and trouble

Come on, dogs love bubbles. * There are always exceptions, of course.* Get a pet safe version (Do you know there is catnip bubbles? My cats love the bubbles! Okay, okay... some of them do. After all I am part of a rescue for Persians... and they are mostly just pretty couch potatoes. ) Dogs love to jump for the bubbles... the kitchen might be best for this, or the garage or back porch. They jump and then catch them on their tongue. Please do not forget to praise your dog for a job well done!

Indoor games for your dog and you (or your kids) - Game time

Tug of war toys are great for indoor activity. Be gently yet authoritative when teaching your dog the vocal commands of drop and release. Again, if you have a big room- maybe allow the kids indoor Frisbee- like games. Then again... You are inside. Maybe just stick to the tug of war games.

Indoor games for your dog and you (or your kids) - a personal favorite

Play hide and seek... encourage your kids to leave the kitchen and they, too, can play hide and seek from you as they play hide and seek with the dog. My sister, when I mentioned this to her... before I even finished told me, this would only be doable if she did not have to seek.

Indoor games for your dog and you (or your kids) - you can do magic

Hide your keys. Hide a set of keys at least. Begin hiding them under the couch or the cushions, depending on whether you allow your dog on the couch (I allow my two little ones to be on the couch. They just sometimes need help getting onto the couch.)

Each time your dog returns the keys to you, reward with a treat.

Now if your dog shows above average intelligence, more magic can be done by teaching your canine family member the pea game. Take three plastic cups and place a treat under one of them. If he can point with his or her paw to which cup holds the treat then reward. Spend some time mixing the cups up, too each time. Kids can enjoy this bonding experience for hours.

Dogs like jobs. Teach them to fetch your slippers and join you on the sofa for an enjoyable movie or cuddle time as you read a book.