Jackie and I have survived two winters in Alberta and are on our way to enjoying our third winter in beautiful Alberta!!
We are originally from the Maritimes, and the winters are completely different. Instead of 30-40 cms of snow, we now get -30 to -40 degrees Celsius.
When there is lots of snow, it’s not too bad; you grab some snowshoes, put on a snowsuit, and away you go, besides having to work a little harder you can still enjoy time outside with your family, 4 legged ones included…
But when it’s -30 to -40 degrees Celsius, going outside long enough to tire the dogs out isn’t an option.
Keeping our dog physically active is vital, but did you know that mental stimulation can tire out your dog just as effectively? Mental exercise is a fantastic way to engage their brains, prevent boredom, and keep them happily exhausted.
Since we arrived in Alberta, we have had to come up with some other ways to keep our boys from driving us crazy during the cold snaps.
Here are some things that have helped us tremendously.
Puzzle Toys and Treat Dispensers
Introduce puzzle toys, treat dispensers, or snuffle mats that require your dog to work for their reward.
These toys challenge their problem-solving skills and keep them engaged for extended periods.
Fill them with treats or their kibble to make mealtime a mentally stimulating activity.
Brain Teasers
Introduce brain teaser games designed specifically for dogs.
These can include interactive games where your dog needs to manipulate levers, buttons, or compartments to access treats. Such activities challenge their cognitive abilities and keep them entertained.
Scent Games
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so scent games are an excellent way to engage their brains. Hide treats around the house and encourage your dog to find them using their nose.
You can gradually increase the difficulty by hiding treats in more challenging spots.
Training Sessions
Regular training sessions not only reinforce good behavior but also stimulate your dog’s mind.
Teach them new tricks, practice obedience commands, or engage in interactive games like hide and seek.
Short, frequent sessions work wonders in mentally tiring them out.
Interactive Play
Engage in interactive play that requires mental focus. Games like “find the toy” or “follow the trail” where your dog tracks an item.
Balancing Exercises
Have them balance their feet on an object like a Bosu ball or balance pod’s.
You can alternate with the front paws, back paws, and all four. This is great for their core and stabilizer muscles, but it will also mentally tire them out as it’s something different and requires their focus.
if you don’t have access to a balance ball or bosu ball, have your dog stand close to your couch’s arm or kitchen table, put their front paws on top and take a treat and place it just outside of their reach, have them stretch as much as they can.
Rotate Toys
Switch up your dog’s toys regularly. When they have access to the same toys all the time, they might lose interest. By rotating toys every few days, you can keep their curiosity piqued, ensuring they stay mentally engaged. Plus chewing on their toys is a great way to prevent them from chewing on furniture.
Relaxation Time
Lastly, allow for downtime. Mental exhaustion can sometimes be achieved by giving your dog time to relax and process the day’s activities. Provide a comfortable and quiet space for them to unwind and recharge.
Using mental exercises as an alternative, even when the weather is nice, can have tremendous benefits for your dog. It teaches them patience, mentally tires them out, and allows for the body to have an active recovery.