How To: Entertain the dogs during winter?

[Keith P]

Hey all! I live in a small cottage. Probably the size of a 1 BR apartment. I have no yard :irked:

Winters coming and my Boston Terrier hates the cold! What can I do to tire her out indoors in small living quarters? I've been throwing the ball up and down the stairs (the only straight run in my house), but I fear running on stairs will put too much abuse on her joints in the long run.

Any ideas? Lately we have been doing a lot of training to work her mind. Sitting, placing, giving paws, etc.. She is still really hyper and doesn't always sleep through the night.

Any suggestions from my MR family? I may have to invest in some serious doggy winter gear/wear..

 

[SIReefer]

I was going to suggest some cold weather doggie gear. Try hooking up with other dog owners. If your dog is occupied it will probably feel the cold less. Also see if there are additional dog training classes in your area. They are usually held indoors-gyms & halls rented out etc. They cost but it'll keep your pup indoors.

 

[NYreefNoob]

doggie tread mill or a small remote control car will chase it

 

[MikeyZO]

This isnt an indoor activity... but I like to take mine outside and throw snowballs at him, and watch his amazement when he either misses it and cant find the ball in the snow, or the look on his face when he catches it and it disappears in his mouth.

 

[duke62]

laser light

 

[Keith P]

Thanks for the great ideas! We actually own a tread mill thats in storage. No room to set it up. Next house...

I had to give up on the laser pointer. Both my dog and cat were getting neurotic. It really wasn't healthy for them. My cat would cry for days afterwards...

The training idea sounds good. I'll start looking. It would be so cool if I could find a trainer that has an indoor agility course!

 

[NYreefNoob]

if there is a petsmart around you they offer training class's, from being a past dog owner and breeder and dog lover nothing like a completely trained dog

 

[Keith P]

My dog is actually pretty well trained. We used to do group training with Best Friends Dog Training before we moved. I'm going to call Nassau Dog Training Club, a not for profit group on monday.