Brownsville dog park is flooded and cold. Now what?

Posted on 01. Dec, 2009 by admin in Dog Activities, Top Stories

STAFF REPORT
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Rain and a December chill have left the Brownsville dog park flooded, muddy and cold. As a place of recreation and exercise, it’s off limits for now. And many dog owners will probably want to avoid a drizzly walk around the neighborhood with the ongoing drizzle and crisp winds.

According to the American Kennel Club, most dogs enjoy short walks in brisk weather, but they are safest indoors where it’s warm and sheltered.

So how can you keep your high-energy dog happy indoors? What kind of games and exercise might help drain some of your pets get-up-and-go?

For starters, check out our previous article, “Exhaust your high-energy dog with daily adventures.” It contains some activities that will help indoors, although some will of those ideas will not be of much use in cold December weather in Brownsville.

Also, check out these “Cool weather tips to keep your dog safe.” And you might like to download the AKC’s cold-weather dog flyer.

Cold weather exercise ideas for your high-energy dog

Brave the cold for a while
Take your dog outside–just be quicker about it. Your dog will likely be comfortable with a short trip in wet and cold weather. If so, a jaunt outside will do a lot to keep your dog satisfied. Many dogs instinctively bunker down during bad weather, as long as it is short lived. In Brownsville, a cold front could easily pass in a matter of days.

Play a game of tug indoors
Many people advise against tug-of-war games with dogs, saying it contributes to aggression and behavioral problems. While tug games should always be avoided for children with dogs, the games are often safe to play with adults, who can control a dog’s excitement level and possibly turn the game into a training session. In her book, “The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs,” author Jean Donaldson support tugging games. Her argument is that dogs learn cooperation through tugging games. Rather than a mindset of two dogs (or an owner) fighting over an item, such as a rabbit or a rope, the two are helping to throttle the prey (in the wild) or the rope (in your living room). As a test, let the rope go in the middle of the tug game. Your dog will likely sling it about for a while, but it will then bring the rope back for more cooperative play.

Try a laser light, but be forewarned
Pet stores often sell red-dot lazer pointers in the toy sections for cats and dogs. These pointers generate a red dot that you can point around the house, creating a chase game for many active pets. For a high-energy dog, especially smaller dogs that can run about the house, a laser is an attractive toy to wear out a dog indoors. After all, the game is entertaining to watch and you can play during commercials while watching television. However, some dogs have developed mental obsessions that have been attributed to these games. Because the laser dot lacks a taste, touch or smell, the dots do not mimic natural prey. Dogs hunt using all their senses, but dogs that have become obsessed with chasing a laser dot often start barking and chasing light cast by windows and other sources. This can be a terrible mental state for any dog. If you choose to use a laser light, keep the games short and guard against obsessive behavior. Many dogs may enjoy this game without a problem, but the dogs that most enjoy the game are most at risk for developing an obsession.

Train something new
Mental challenges will entertain your dog and will be mentally exhausting. It’s also a good excuse to work on a new skill at a time when you may otherwise go to the dog park for exercise and play. Consider training sit, down, stay or come commands to begin. Later, you can try more advanced skills, such as barking on command or tricks such as shaking hands or high-fives.

Cuddle up together
Some dogs will be keen to spend some time with you on the couch. But some dogs will never seem to settle down long enough for a television show or movie. In these cases, have some dog rawhides, bones or something similar available. Your dog will use energy to chew through these goodies while cleaning its teeth. As an alternative, though it won’t give your dog sparkling teeth, you can fill a Classic Kong dog toy, Large, Red toy with peanut butter. Or you can fill a Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball with treats.

Set up an indoor play date
You can invite friends and their dogs to your place, and let your dogs scamper indoors. Or you can take turns hosting the indoor play date. The introduction of furry friends will do a lot to entertain and exercise your dogs, and going to a new environment will also provide new smells and surroundings if your dog is feeling cooped up. So combat cabin fever, and arrange some play dates indoors. If you do not have a friend available for a play date, take your own pack to the local pet store. PetSmart in Brownsville allows dogs inside the store, and you can at least reduce some of your dog’s cabin fever with a quick trip through the aisles, while you shop for food and suitable indoor toys.