Keep Your Pets Entertained During the Cold Months

Now that the summer months are long gone, your dog is probably spending more time indoors. This often means more time in the trash, chewing on furniture, and ripping up the carpet as well. But it doesn't have to!

• Invest in some enrichment toys. These can be found commercially and usually are some type of food dispenser. This will give your dog something to do and keep him out of trouble. You can also recycle milk jugs and boxes and create your own puzzle toys.
• Play hide-and-seek. Dogs are really good at sniffing out food, but almost never get a chance to do it. Start by hiding some treats in a really easy spot (i.e. under a piece of paper, half under the rug, etc). Make the treats progressively harder to find as you dog gets better and better at using that nose of his.
• Spend some time training! Positive reinforcement training is a great way to build the relationship between you and your dog. Training games can also wear him out, and a tired dog is a good dog!
• Set up play dates with other dogs. If your dog enjoys spending time with other dogs, set aside some time to let them hang out together. Be sure to use caution if going to a dog park.