Less Active During the Winter

[Yolie]

Does anyone have any suggestions on keeping my dog active in the winter months? During the summer when the days are longer Onyx and I go on a long walks before and after work. During the winter I find myself only taking him out to do his business and this winter in particular he seems to be suffering from cabin fever. I don’t remember it being this way last year but this winter I can really tell he misses the extended time outdoors.
I’ve thought about Doggy Day Care but five days a week is expensive.
And being that Onyx is so incredibly friendly to EVERYONE, I don’t feel safe walking him when it’s dark.
I feel like such a bad mommy!

[Tanya]

Honestly? I am still outside for an hour and Rocky is 12. we don't cover the same distance as his age but I am absolutely still out there with him twice a day (20 mins in the morning; 45-60 minutes after work). If you can't have someone else help out (dog walker, doggy daycayre) or find indoor play dates then you'll have to bite the bullet and go out. SO MANY fun things to do in the winter. Days are getting longer so we don't have to stick to sidewalks anymore either.

Last winter i'd go "cross country skiing" in the field with penny. or snowshoeing. she'd hop around in the snow. I still run outside in the winter (yes i live in Canada and it's cold) even without a dog partner. Rocky prefers trail walks so we try to hit those as much as we can (plus it's protected from the wind there).

Are you able to shift your schedule some so you can either do morning or evening walks if you are concerned about the dark/safety? (with days getting longer this gets more doable).

Find a friend to walk with you? fellow dog walker? Set-up play dates in friend's yards/homes (I did this when it's icy - we'd do indoor play dates).

Take a class? I am taking scenting with Rocky.

Train more in home? make him work for all his meals (training, new tricks, interactive games)? Some classes you can take online (like scenting).

[kimbersmom]

I agree wholeheartedly with your effort to get Onyx more outside time. Tanya has some great ideas.

For her first 3 years, DH took Kimber to the dog park every single day- snow, sleet, rain, freezing temps. Only ice stopped him, because Kimber needed outside time. We've been lucky that DH stops work at 4, though. Nowadays, Kimber gets by with a 1 mile walk in the evening (DH takes her for another mile before work). During the shortest days, I shifted my schedule so I could be home in time for the evening walk.

[Tanya]

I agree wholeheartedly with your effort to get Onyx more outside time. Tanya has some great ideas.

For her first 3 years, DH took Kimber to the dog park every single day- snow, sleet, rain, freezing temps. Only ice stopped him, because Kimber needed outside time. We've been lucky that DH stops work at 4, though. Nowadays, Kimber gets by with a 1 mile walk in the evening (DH takes her for another mile before work). During the shortest days, I shifted my schedule so I could be home in time for the evening walk.

I shift my schedule in the summer usually to do a longer walk/exercise in the morning when it's cooler (too hot after work and sometimes it's almost bedtime for me by the time it's getting slightly cooler). I will absolutely have to do this with Rocky this summer.

And yes ice is the only thing I am paranoid about and that will stop us from going out at all.

[annkie]

I use to just bundle up even when it was 20 degrees outside and go for a walk. Jules wasn't even cold so he didn't care. People in my neighborhood just carry flashlights. You can try that and get a flashlight for the collar of your dog perhaps. Also, don't forget about mental stimulation. When it was pouring outside I would work through tricks with Jules for like 15 min or so. It's not the same as a walk but it does help.

[Snowshoe]

We are MORE active in winter with cross country skiing, snowshoeing and just regular walking. I did work shift though, with days off mid week and now am retired. And I'm in a rural area with easy access to places to do those activities. If you are urban where do you go and what do you do in summer? If you use dog parks I know some around me are lighted and still in use in the longer dark hours. Second the idea of classes too, some provide an energy outlet and all make your dog think, which itself can be pretty tiring.

OUr dog walking friend is a nurse with shift work too and she used doggy day care and a dog walker when she was on her long shift hours. When we were off the same times we skiied and snowshoed together. So funny, she's an accomplished down hill skiier but she can't cross country for beans.

[Sue-Ram]

My dog would be bouncing off the walls if we didn't get out for our longer walk after work and he's 11. I have found that most people don't like walking to close to a big (black) dog in the dark so I actually feel quite safe.

What about two days a week at day care.

[Yolie]

You guys are dedicated! I go home every day around midday to get my disabled son off the school bus and situated for his personal care aid to take over. Maybe instead of rushing back to work I’ll take Onyx for a long walk and just work a little bit later.
And yes, Day Care once or twice a week is doable.

Thanks a bunch!

[Berna]

I am not a fan of night walks and I hate the cold but I still walk my almost 11 yo every day for at least an hour and a half (if it's windy it's a bonus, lol). I can't say I always enjoy these walks (I'd rather stay at home and drink a warm cup of coffee and watch a movie) but he needs that walk, so out we go.

[Sue-Ram]

You guys are dedicated!

Of course it also depends on what other responsibilities you have in your life. I don't have kids, just a dog.