The Cold Doesn’t Have To Make Us Bitter! Enjoy Winter Walks With Your Dog

Yikes! After a mild holiday season that had me — like many of you — happy to not be quite so bundled up, it seems the time has come to break out the best gloves and warmest coat we have!
This is the time of year that Charley, a chocolate lab, starts to pout if his walks decrease in frequency. Trust me! I know it’s not easy walking in the cold, but I’m here to give you a few tips that may make your walks much more enjoyable, for both the dog and the dedicated parent! Physical exercise is still necessary for both you and your dog — even when it’s cold!

Attire
I know that some of you may not like the cold weather, but since we don’t have a choice in the weather, preparing for the wind, cold temps and possibly deep snow is imperative to a successful walk. As long as you are prepared and ready to get bundled up with the proper thermal layers, socks and other winter clothing, there really is no reason why your walk can’t be enjoyable! Charley Bear’s mom, Andrea Harral, said she walks her dog every night no matter how cold it is. “I’m prepared!” she said. “Cold winter night walks are actually quite peaceful and quiet!”

How long should I walk? Isn’t my dog cold?
Depending on which breed of dog you have, this will determine whether you should be prepared to put a sweater or even a coat on your pet to ensure comfort and safety. The northern breeds, especially those with the double coats, really enjoy the cold! Any small breed or short-haired dogs will, of course, appreciate your help with some added warmth and layers, like you do!
Consider keeping your walks shorter in duration, but adding more frequency. To get the most out of your walks, mix it up a little. Take a different route than you normally walk, or go to an entirely new place for a walk. For dogs who are so inclined, fetch and tug outside can also be wonderful exercise and provide good relief of pent-up energy. Charley loves to play fetch in the front yard. He rolls on his back and makes snow angels, he thinks it’s so exciting when we go to the front yard since it’s different!

Safety
Roads and sidewalks can be slippery and hazardous, particularly if your dog pulls on the leash. Bitter winds also can make walking more difficult. Also, be mindful that salt on roads and sidewalks can injure your dog's feet and also should not be ingested when the dog is grooming himself post-walk. Consider having the dog wear paw protection of some sort. Wiping your dog's feet with warm water when returning to the house is always a good idea too!

Mental Exercise
Now is the time to brush up on some training! Refresh on the following behaviors at a minimum: leave it, door manners (polite greetings and wait at a boundary) and go settle on a mat/in a crate.
Also, teach your dog a new trick! This is a mentally stimulating task for him. I imagine learning a new trick for a dog is somewhat like doing a crossword puzzle for people: fun mental stimulation that relaxes the brain. The trick I've been working on with Charley lately is to carry his water bottle so he can bring it with us on our walks!


Now you’ve got tools to make a walk with your pooch wonderful — even in winter! So bundle up with your dog and enjoy these bitter cold days together!