
This is a placeholder text
Group text

by Davren on 01 December 2010 - 21:12
I am wondering what folks do in the winter when the weather is cold, wet, nasty outside as far as training and preventing boredom in their dogs. My male is rather high energy and requires a lot to keep happy. Also, just like people, i worry about their overall physical conditioning. I know some folks are die hard fans of the winter cold, but due to health reasons, I am rather restricted during the winter months. They do get out to run and play with one another, but is this enough?
Thanks,
Renee

by GSDguy08 on 01 December 2010 - 21:12
That's enough with some dogs, a lot of dogs need more. If I just let my Huskies out to run and play among themselves they would get bored and try to escape to find something more entertaining. Not to mention it doesn't drain their energy much just playing with each other like a good long 4 or 5 mile walk that we typically do. If you didn't have conditions that restricted you I'd say just suit up in something warm and walk them every day....but since you can't maybe others will have suggestions.

by TingiesandTails on 01 December 2010 - 21:12
No, that's not enough...they need mental stimulation, too!
You can practice different commands inside, you could throw in a short tugging session outside or lay a track inside your house (when no one else is around).
There are also interactive toys for dogs, such as Nina Ottoson toys, however it doesn't take long for a GSD to figure out how they work, but they are still fun.
There is lots of fun stuff to do inside. Maybe you can additionally ask someone to walk your dog(s) for a longer period of time during the winter months, so they get the physical stimulation that they need other than playing in the yard.
You can practice different commands inside, you could throw in a short tugging session outside or lay a track inside your house (when no one else is around).
There are also interactive toys for dogs, such as Nina Ottoson toys, however it doesn't take long for a GSD to figure out how they work, but they are still fun.
There is lots of fun stuff to do inside. Maybe you can additionally ask someone to walk your dog(s) for a longer period of time during the winter months, so they get the physical stimulation that they need other than playing in the yard.

by Red Sable on 01 December 2010 - 22:12
As for physical, it sure is enough with my two to get out and play with each other. They just go and go and go and go. It is unbelievable.
I work with them both separately first and than let them at each other for the physical workout.
Don't mind the date on the pics, these are not that old. My camera's battery died, and now the date is wrong.


I work with them both separately first and than let them at each other for the physical workout.

Don't mind the date on the pics, these are not that old. My camera's battery died, and now the date is wrong.

by alboe2009 on 01 December 2010 - 22:12
Training still takes place during the winter. Walking, playing running etc., still happens. roadtrips and rides still happen. Last winter we were hit with two storms. On the farm we were at about 5'. Just walking through that was a workout and there were only two. This year there will be three.
As for your condition; Do you have children, grandchildren that could take your place in training? Where is your location and maybe some one on the forum is close? If your in a club maybe another member could assist? If none of those can help can you afford renting say a storage area, warehouse, partial warehouse and do your training there? Just some ideas.
As for your condition; Do you have children, grandchildren that could take your place in training? Where is your location and maybe some one on the forum is close? If your in a club maybe another member could assist? If none of those can help can you afford renting say a storage area, warehouse, partial warehouse and do your training there? Just some ideas.

by dAWgESOME on 01 December 2010 - 23:12
I'm in Minnesota (aka Minne-SNOW-ta) but was born & raised in California so although my rugged dogs are not much bothered by the winter climate I on the other hand can only take so much for so long. I have taught all of my dogs how to walk and gait on a treadmill and that helps. I also work on teaching my dogs silly "tricks" which really are not that silly at all - targeting, retrieving and hide & seek scent games just to name a few.
This winter I have a young dog that I'm teaching to indicate articles off the track something I have never done before. I don't know what your goals are for your dogs or what your level of training experience is but I have for the most part really enjoyed "free shaping" some behaviors with my dogs and the best part is that this time of year it all can be done in-doors
Have fun & stay warm
This winter I have a young dog that I'm teaching to indicate articles off the track something I have never done before. I don't know what your goals are for your dogs or what your level of training experience is but I have for the most part really enjoyed "free shaping" some behaviors with my dogs and the best part is that this time of year it all can be done in-doors
Have fun & stay warm

by malshep on 02 December 2010 - 00:12
I still train, twice per week, during the week it is just short workouts, not the whole routine. Then play in the snow. My shepherd hauls wood to the house for me. I have tried to cross country ski and let them run which is alot of fun too.
Always,
Cee
Always,
Cee

by DenWolf on 02 December 2010 - 00:12
I am not sure where you live, but check with your vet and see if they have an indoor dog pool in your city. There are a few in my area, and they have pretty good prices for open swimming time, if your dogs enjoy that. Indoor heated pool, lots of fun toys to retrieve. You will get wet.. so always bring a change of clothes and socks.
Then there is always this:
www.youtube.com/watch
(I have always wanted to build one of these on the side of my house... and have it hooked to batteries.)

by Davren on 02 December 2010 - 00:12
WoW! Thanks for all the suggestions. I like the idea of some indoor track/article work. I do have a treadmill, my male gets on it for short periods of time. My female wants nothing to do with it. We do have an indoor pool. The water is not heated, we have koi and goldfish in it, but we heat the building, so that is a great option!
Thanks again!
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top