Raise your paw if you'd rather hide under the covers than go outside in winter weather...
Truthfully, I love going outside in cold, snowy weather, but Parental Unit...not so much. She manages to faithfully take me for at least one walk each day, no matter the weather. Take today for example. We went for our usual length walk despite the single digit temperatures and a few inches of snow and ice on the ground.
But there are lots of ways you can exercise with your dog in the winter, both indoors and out. Check out these tips from PetMD (complete with invigorating slide show) to get some ideas for winter fun with your pooch. What we like about these top ten winter exercises is that they vary in intensity from a stroll around the block and the usual game of indoor or outdoor fetch, to interval training and "Skijor" a combination of cross-country skiing and mushing. Thanks, but we'll just stick with a walk and some fetch!
Here are six more excellent winter exercise tips for you and your canine companion from Cesar's Way. These focus a bit more on mental engagement which can be as stimulating for your pooch as that Skijor thing.
Depending on the temps and wind chill factors, and your dog's age and type of fur, he or she may need to wear a coat and/or booties. And don't forget to thoroughly wipe your dogs' paws after each walk to remove salt and other ice melting agents before they lick them.
You hoo, Parental Unit!
Let us know how you and your dog get your exercise during the winter months—we'd love to hear your tips for staying fit when it's cold outside!
Truthfully, I love going outside in cold, snowy weather, but Parental Unit...not so much. She manages to faithfully take me for at least one walk each day, no matter the weather. Take today for example. We went for our usual length walk despite the single digit temperatures and a few inches of snow and ice on the ground.
But there are lots of ways you can exercise with your dog in the winter, both indoors and out. Check out these tips from PetMD (complete with invigorating slide show) to get some ideas for winter fun with your pooch. What we like about these top ten winter exercises is that they vary in intensity from a stroll around the block and the usual game of indoor or outdoor fetch, to interval training and "Skijor" a combination of cross-country skiing and mushing. Thanks, but we'll just stick with a walk and some fetch!
Here are six more excellent winter exercise tips for you and your canine companion from Cesar's Way. These focus a bit more on mental engagement which can be as stimulating for your pooch as that Skijor thing.
Depending on the temps and wind chill factors, and your dog's age and type of fur, he or she may need to wear a coat and/or booties. And don't forget to thoroughly wipe your dogs' paws after each walk to remove salt and other ice melting agents before they lick them.
You hoo, Parental Unit!
Let us know how you and your dog get your exercise during the winter months—we'd love to hear your tips for staying fit when it's cold outside!
