It’s time to make those resolutions again.  It’s a given that most of them will be health related.  But what about your pets? Winter is a time when most of us get into semi- hibernation mode and our pets are no exception.  So, when you dust off those dumbbells, make sure that you also have an activity list ready for your pet.  If not don’t worry, because we are here to help you out.  So, here’s some activities you can try out with your pets this winter to keep them not just physically but mentally & emotionally healthy as well.

Outdoor fun:

Treks & hikes:

A lot of people prefer long walks and treks in winter when the air is less humid and you don’t get dehydrated as easily.  Especially if you live in areas which aren’t prone to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures then this is one of the most fulfilling activities for your dog and you.  Dogs love exploring new terrains and more importantly whiffing out new smells.

It’s best to start slow and slowly build up to longer and more strenuous walks.  You can join up a community and get tips for best treks to try with dogs in your area too.  Keep in mind both your and your pet’s age and physical fitness and stick to your comfort zone.  It’s not a competition. The idea is to have fun while staying active together.

 

 

Visit to a dog park or beach:

No better way to get in some exercise than some fun and frolic with new friends.  So why not head to the nearest dog park or beach with your fur baby.  You could take your favourite humans or children along and make a picnic of it.  Or even bring along a date double date anyone?

These are some of the well-known dog parks in India:

1. In Mumbai – 1. Carter’s road dog park
2. Priyadarshani park
3. In Bangalore- Petboro Dog park, where your pet can also avail of services just as doggie daycare, grooming sessions or training classes.
4. Delhi recently got its first ever dog park at Old Rajendra Nagar. There’s more good news in store for pet parents in Delhi as plans are afoot to inaugurate another dog park in South Delhi by March 2022. This park is planned to have space for facilities like swimming, digging and trails for our canine companions.

With a little perseverance and help from Google you could find a number of dog parks in other cities too.  In smaller towns or villages, you might not find a designated dog park but there should be a lot of more open spaces for dogs to play as compared to city dogs.

Explore:

It’s always a good idea to explore any new space thoroughly before letting your dog off the leash. You should make sure that the space is secure and there are no gaps in fencing etc.  Also stay close to your pet at all times in case there are other pets around that seem aggressive. If your pet hasn’t been adequately socialised they might get uncomfortable in close proximity of other dogs. They should be allowed to keep a comfortable distance and not be forced to befriend each other. Remember even a gentle pet can snap if they feel cornered.

 

• Long drive:

If both you and your pet are longing to be outdoor but you don’t have access to a safe outdoor space, going for a long drive could be a great stress buster.

It’s a good idea to search for pet friendly restaurants along the way in case you need to make a pit stop

 

Indoor activities:

 

Hide and seek:

Most dogs can be easily taught to seek family members who are hiding with the help of simple voice cues like ‘Ready’ ‘Find’.One family member can hide while another one keeps the pet from seeking till the cue is given.

Alternatively, the pet can be distracted by a treat thrown in opposite direction and the pet parent can hide. This is a fun way for children and dogs to bond as well.

 

 

• Find the treat:

This is a doggie version of treasure hunt where the pet has to find their treat that has been hidden away. You can even use a food maze feeders to provides the pet with mental stimulation and makes them earn their food. This provides a sense of satisfaction, and works very well with cats as well.

 

• Toy rotation:

A variety of toys and training accessories can be used to make sure the pet doesn’t get bored and under stimulated. A variety of balls, toys with different textures and sounds, ropes, shapes can be tried out on regular intervals. Damaged toys should also be discarded and replaced.

 

 

 

• Ability training for dogs:

In agility training, typically a dog learns to navigate an obstacle course made up of jumps, tunnels, and walkways. It’s a team sport with the handler helping the dog to complete the course.

While this can be a competitive sport, it can also just be a fun activity with a lot of health benefits for pets. It provides cardiovascular, muscular and mental exercise to dogs while keeping them active. Agility training classes are becoming popular in India too among aware pet parents. You could send your pet for these if you wish to. Or you could even try basic agility training at home with your pet. It’s important to seek proper guidance for this to avoid any injury to yourself or your pet. One way is to attend a couple of sessions with a professional trainer to assess how your dog adapts to the training. And then continue at your own pace.

 

Crazy K9 Campers is Mumbai based group dedicated to pet dogs & pet parents. We specialise in organising Weekend Pet Getaways, Agility Training, Behaviour Consults & Puppy Training. The founder Pooja Sathe is an internationally certified Dog Trainer & Behaviourist, working with pets since 2005.
Our Contact:
Pooja Sathe- Gawande
9820596903
pooja@crazyk9campers.com
www.crazyk9campers.com