Rainy D
What to do on those “rainy” winter Days.
I am writing this blog on February 28, 2024. Mother Nature played a cruel joke: she dumped 30 cm of snow overnight and then followed it up with a downpour, leaving us with a slushy nightmare. This is never fun and it’s even worse for me right now as we are fostering a 3 month old puppy who is potty training.
When I’m not trying to coax my sweet Moose (a mixed chocolate lab pup) to go outside in the rain and “do his thing”. I am also trying to curb his puppy energy. We tried going out for a walk on the Ray Peters trail but it was covered with 6 inches of snow, rain and mud. We ended up cutting it short when I had to carry him the last 5 minutes of the walk. And that walk was this morning. What do I do when Moose gets his afternoon zoomies? Luckily, there is a lot that can be done at home while avoiding the monsoon rain storm.
Games that Engage:
- The Great Indoor Hunt: Channel your dog’s inner detective with a game of hide-and-seek. Start by hiding small, yummy treats around the house and use the “find it!” command to send your pup on a sniffing adventure. Gradually increase the difficulty by hiding treats in more challenging locations.
- Brain Teaser Toys: Food puzzles and treat dispensing toys are a great way to keep your dog occupied while also challenging their problem-solving skills. Head down to Peaks Family Pets, Squamish’s original pet food and supply store, and browse their selection – they have a wide variety of these toys to choose from! Fill them with kibble, treats, or even frozen yogurt (dog-safe, of course!) for extended entertainment.
- Indoor Fetch: Who says fetch is just for the backyard? Use a soft ball or toy (available at Peaks Family Pets!) that’s safe for indoor play and practice in a hallway or open living area.
- Sniffing Safari: Get creative and turn an ordinary cardboard box into a treasure trove of scents! Place a towel in the box, sprinkle some treats or kibble on top of it, and then fold the towel into a loose bundle. Crumple the remaining fabric of the box to create a more challenging “terrain” for your dog to navigate with their nose. Encourage them to sniff out the hidden goodies and praise them for their success.
Treats that Delight:
- DIY Kong Stuffing: Kongs are classic dog enrichment toys that can be filled with all sorts of goodies. Peaks Family Pets carries a wide variety of Kongs, along with delicious and healthy ingredients like peanut butter (xylitol-free!), yogurt, and broth. Get creative and whip up a yummy homemade Kong filling!
- Frozen Treats: Beat the heat and keep your pup cool with frozen treats made with dog-friendly ingredients like mashed fruits, yogurt, or broth. You can freeze them in ice cube trays or silicone molds for a fun and refreshing snack.
- Lickable Mats: Spread some wet food, peanut butter, or mashed fruits onto a lickable mat and let your dog enjoy the slow and satisfying process of licking it clean. This is a great way to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated.
Short Training Session: Remember, even a short 10-minute training session can be just as mentally stimulating for your dog as a walk. This mental exercise can help tire out your dog and provide them with valuable mental stimulation. Practice basic obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down,” or work on a new trick. I have been working on training Moose not to enter the mud room. He loves to go in and help himself to our shoes.
Remember:
- Safety first! Make sure any games or activities you choose are safe for your dog’s age, size, and physical limitations.
- Supervise playtime. This is especially important for puppies who are still learning appropriate chewing behavior.
- Adjust the difficulty. Start with easy games and gradually increase the challenge as your dog gets the hang of it.
- Most importantly, have fun! Your dog will pick up on your positive energy and enjoy spending quality time with you, even on a rainy day.
