When it’s bitterly cold and dark outside by the time we get home for work, it’s very tempting to snuggle up on the couch for the evening. But our dogs are starting to get cabin fever from being inside so much. What can we do to give our dogs something to do without any of us getting frostbite?
If your dog is good in cars, there are tons of places that our puggles like to visit! The Starbucks in Brighton gives the furry kids that come through their drive thru window a lid with whipped cream in it! Many banks and fast food restaurants also keep treats for the dogs that visit their drive thru windows. So take your fur kids on errands with you!
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| Fagan & Cooper enjoying a road trip |
PetSmart is a great place to take your dog and they are always welcome! They can try on a new collar or coat, check out the treat section, and sniff all the toys and dog butts they can find. PetSmart also has some great training classes for dogs of all ages and training levels. And of course, on their way out of the store, they are always offered a treat.
There are facilities that offer dog agility classes and swimming classes, and these have the double benefit of exercise and socialization at the same time. Check around your area... you may be surprised to find the activities offered for dogs!
Dogs - particularly larger dogs - absolutely love the snow and playing fetch can last longer than the pet parent wants to be outside! Our yard can become quite the place to be once we start throwing balls (or snowballs with a treat stuck inside).
During a walk during a somewhat warmer day, there are tons of places that the puggles are welcomed! As I’ve mentioned before, Two Brothers Coffee on Main Street welcomes dogs inside for a treat while their owners warm up with a latte or cappuccino. Because Cooper was an abused rescue before he came to live with us, going downtown and getting him acclimated to being around people was crucial and he has made so much progress since we moved here. Dogs are social animals and the more you can have them be around other people and dogs, particularly when they are young, the more they will benefit.
Of course, there isn’t anything much better than snuggling with a furry lap warmer when it’s cold outside, but remember - our dogs love (and need) to get out for an adventure whenever possible!
Hello, great ideas to keep our babies happy during this long winter! It's so cool to read a blog from a fellow dog person. My baby is a 175 pound Irish Wolfhound, Claire. She has very bad food allergies so I can so relate to the treats you have created with Cooper and Fagan. Awesome pups by the way and I love the names. Look forward to reading more in your blog!
ReplyDeleteWOW! That's a big dog - or a small horse! :) You must really have fun with a dog up in the thumb area with so much room to run!
ReplyDeleteWhat type of food do you feed Claire? Are her allergies common with her breed? I found it really interesting when I really started researching the pet industry how much grain is in our dogs' food - especially corn, wheat and soy.
Yes, my little pony! :) She is our baby though and yes it's fun to have her out here with room to roam. The vet says allergies are not common with her breed, just the way God made her. I have had many pups including Newfoundlands, Australian Shepard and Norwegian Elkhound and never had this experience. It can be really frustrating for her and mama! She is allergic to beef and lanb especially but also has allergies to substances other than food. They cause staph infections and ear infections and an overall dampened immune system. Because of this, I, like you really had to research pet food and treats. You are so right! It is amazing not only the grain but just the garbage in general that is in food and treats. We cannot even give her oral heartworm meds. Fortunately we were able to find kibble and canned that is only chicken and rice that she can eat. The next step of course would be cooking our own food but I worry she will not get the nutrients she needs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cute photo!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Wish I could take the credit for their being so photogenic…. :)
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