Dogs

Indoor Games for Fido's Cold and Wet Weather Days

by Carol Bryant,
Social Media and PR Director, Writer/Blogger
FIDO Friendly magazine

(c) courtesy FIDO Friendly

Cold weather and rain go away, come again another day, especially when Fido wants to play. Unto each life a little rain must fall, but that doesn’t mean a day of boredom and/or mischief for Fido. Using a little ingenuity, a bit of resourcefulness and some new technologies, Fido won’t mind the cold or wet weather. Indoors means fun time, too.

Where’s Fido?

Hide and go seek is a perfect year-round game for dogs of all
ages. Not only does this game work perfectly on rainy days, but it heightens a dog’s sense of smell in a fun and rewarding
manner. Start out with a few of your pooch’s favorite treats.
This game will require two people initially. One person stays with Fido in a room while the other hides. When ready to be sought, the hidee lets out a “come, Fido” or “whoo hoo” sound to initiate the game. As Fido scours room to room, occasionally let out a verbal signal. Once found, praise him like he just won an Olympic medal and reward with a treat. Repeat. One caveat: Be sure the favorite Limoges vase or grandma’s heirloom plates are removed first.

"Bored" Games

Fido can’t fire up the PSP or Nintendo and play video games but he can engage in some good old-fashioned game play. The Nina
Ottosson Collection of games is designed to exercise the brain. These activity toys encourage problem solving in a multitude of ways: finding hidden treats via lifting and pushing blocks, pushing pieces and turning discs. The Kong line of mind-stimulating toys fit the bill on a rainy day. Stuff treats inside the opening and Fido must problem solve to access the reward inside. Patience and persistence means puppy puddles of fun!

Trick Training

Have a pooch who gets cabin fever when stuck inside? Canine Fitness Trainer Gail Miller Bisher encourages her clients to commit to Fido’s exercise even on rainy days. “To live a healthy canine lifestyle, a dog should be getting 20 to 60 minutes of exercise each day and whether he needs to lose weight or is simply maintaining a healthy fitness level that means consistency,” she told FIDO Friendly magazine.

Sitting Up to beg for 10 reps will help strengthen your dog’s core muscles improving balance and stability. Those core muscles are used for walking, trotting, jumping and many other actions so it is important to strengthen them regularly.

Rolling Over is another good exercise for core muscles. Do four to five rolls each direction so you are targeting muscles equally.

Shaking Hands is a nice stretch for the shoulder muscles but be sure to do both front paws 5 to 10 reps for a balanced workout.

Commando Crawling on his belly for 10 feet following a healthy, low-fat treat. This is good for rear end, shoulders and core muscles.

Tug-of-War with a toy or towel is a great indoor exercise for strengthening the rear end, shoulders and abdomen. Remember not to lift the dog’s head back when playing tug of war. Fido can engage in these activities on road trips as well, so be sure to pack these essentials when going on a vacation or overnight venture. Let the games begin; Fido’s ready!

For more FIDO Friendly content, subscribe to the magazine at www.fidofriendly.com and visit our blog at http://blog.fidofriendly.com”. Now entering our 11th year of publication in 2011, FIDO Friendly magazine includes the very latest hotel and destination reviews along with health and wellness topics, dog training advice, rescue and feel-good stories, contests, and the latest pooch products to hit the market.

Related Reading:

Exercising Fido When you Can't Join In
Busy Bones and Other Boredom Busters

Kyjen Puzzle Toy Review
More Ideas for Busy Bones and Kong Stuffing

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