Winter boredom is definitely a problem in my household, and I’ve found that our dogs get just as tired of being cooped up inside as my partner and I do. We take them for regular walks, play in the yard, and do all the normal things that owners do with their dogs, but there are just some days — I’m looking at you, polar vortex — that they don’t get enough exercise.
We have two dogs with two very different energy levels. This video, taken when Minna was about 6 months old, shows just how high-energy she can be.
But during the winter, even Champ can get a little stir crazy, and he’s been known to get a little rambunctious when he hasn’t gotten the excess energy out of his system. And this is inevitably when the furniture gets knocked over, plants get destroyed, and pillows and throws get tossed to the floor.
Here are some ways that we’ve found to keep the pups occupied during the coldest days, keeping them happy and keeping our home intact:
Indoor dog parks or dog daycare: If you live in a city, then chances are, you’re familiar with dog daycare. I’ll admit that I was skeptical at first, but after seeing how happy and worn out my condo-bound puppy was after spending a day off-leash, chasing twenty other dogs, I was a convert. It’s not always the cheapest service, so you may want to strategically plan to take your dog when you know they’ll be bursting at the seams to get some energy out. It’s also worth it to keep an ear to the ground about indoor dog parks, which are a much more economical option. On the weekends, our local doggie daycare has the option for an indoor dog park. For $5, you can spend several hours out of the elements, watching your dog romp.
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