Winter not only brings colder weather, but also shorter days. It’s easy to neglect or avoid taking your labrador retriever dog for a walk since it’s more comfortable inside, but that doesn’t mean they should be lazy all day. Labs have a natural energy they need to burn every day. Whether it’s exercising indoors or going on a quick walk in the cold, here are some top tips for keeping your dog active in the winter.
Play Hide-and-Seek With Dog Treats
During your labrador retriever training process, you likely discovered your lab will do almost anything for a treat. Use this to your advantage! Put a treat in one of your dog’s toys and make them work for it. Even better, hide out somewhere in your house with a treat in hand and make them search for you before you give it to them. Chances are your pet will eventually sniff you out, but forcing them to move around before it happens will keep them active.
Make an Agility Course Indoors
Be creative in your home and set up obstacles for your labrador retriever dog. Put some things in their way for them to go around, under or jump over before they can come to you to eat their food or get a treat from you. One of the top labrador retriever facts is they are smart enough to figure out how to get around, over or under different things to get what they want. Even a small agility course can keep your dog’s blood flowing.
Learn New Tricks
When you’re stuck indoors with your pet, take advantage and do some labrador retriever training. If you have an older lab, don’t believe the popular saying that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. When you’ve been cooped up in the house for a few days, your lab will be very willing to have his mind stimulated and learn something new. It’s much better than just being lazy and doing the same old tricks.
Exercise Outside Periodically
Even though it’s cold and the weather conditions aren’t ideal, still take the time to take your labrador retriever dog for a quick walk. Bundle yourself up and put a sweater on your dog if they need one and start moving. Of course, your walk may not be as long as it normally is during warmer days, but just getting outside and moving will help your dog work off some of that nervous energy.
Dogs don’t go into hibernation, so you can’t forget to make them active. Many times, your lab will give you signs they need to be active by having a sudden burst of energy in the house. Keeping your lab’s mind and body active in the winter takes some creativity, but not a whole lot of effort. It’s worth it to both you and your lab!
