Keeping Your Dog in Shape When the Weather is Nasty

How do you keep your puppy in shape when it is unable to go outside? While it is always a possibility that you can go out regardless of the weather, sometimes Mother Nature makes it extremely hard to accomplish this. You should still realize that there are ways to take the dog out even in the worst weather. For instance, you can shovel snow in the yard in an area where the dog can go, and even in the rain you can brave the weather, if need be. But, you're reading this because you want to know how to not go outside, and that's all right. Here are a few simple different ideas you can use when it is just not realistic to go outside.

PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK

So you've played with your kids and afterwards they get tired and usually need to take a nap. Well, why not your dog? You can play hide and seek with your dog by hiding in a closet or even a cupboard (whatever fits best). To play just yell the dogs name and when the dog comes and gets near jump out with excitement, the dog will also get excited and will want to keep playing.

CREATE AN INDOOR DOG GYM

This can be done easier then you think. With some carefully placed cardboard you are on your way. Cut up some old boxes and build little bridges, you can use duck tape and create a cool dog gym. If your dog just doesn't get it, put food at various stages of the gym and watch as he burns the calories he is gaining. After a while he will realize there is more fun to it than just the eating. If you decide to do this please first decide if your dog is too lazy for this because it defeats the purpose if you have to continue feeding him.

USING THE STAIRS

Using the stairs can be another great way to give your pet a workout, you may even get one yourself. Run up the stairs then throw the toy to the bottom of the stairs then run back down and start over. If your dog already knows how to play "fetch" this is obviously easier because you don't have to get the personal workout. Please also be sure that your dog is coordinated enough to not get hurt running down the stairs.

PLAYING FETCH

Last but not least, the most common thing you can do with your dog is toss something, either a ball or toy and watch him run and then bring it back to you. It is recommended that you have some space in your home if you wish to do this, as we don't want that $500 vase hitting the floor in disaster. There are also different tricks you may want to teach your dog to help it workout and if so purchase a simple dog trick book.

And now you have it, combining a few of these tips together you should have your mutt in athletic shape in no time, regardless of the weather.