Cabin Fever? How to Keep Your Pup Happy Indoors
This time of year brings outside elements that might make it challenging to keep up with your pet’s energy level. Whether you have a new puppy that needs extra attention or have a certain breed of dog that is naturally energetic, keeping your pets occupied when it is cold and rainy outside can be difficult. Here are some suggestions to help when you both have a little cabin fever.
Create an Indoor Obstacle Course
Try setting up an obstacle course indoors. This is traditionally for outside but with a little imagination you can turn the inside your home into an amazing course! First clear out a space where it is safe to have fun. Put away anything that may be in the way like a coffee table or breakables and test run the space yourself to see what adjustments need to be made. Then start setting up your course. Use regular home items like chairs to make a “weaving” obstacle, the stairs as many times as you can safely to help dwindle down that energy, firm cushions could be set in a triangle shape to run or “shimmy” through or create a tunnel with sheets and the back of your sofa and some chairs. Take a look around and you will find resources you didn’t even know you had and create a fun space for your pup to play!
Be Play Ready
Get interactive toys or have some of their favorite toys hidden so you can bring them out when you need them. For cats and dogs, new toys generally mean they will be occupied for at least enough time for you to turn your attention elsewhere. This goes for their favorite snacks and treats as well. There are also interactive toys specifically to occupy a dog’s time like: toys that move by themselves; mats that you can fill with treats, cheese, or peanut butter; or plush puzzle toys where your pup digs out the treat or find the smaller toys. Looking for some inspiration? Check out our Evolve DIY Dog Toy with Treats video or our Evolve DIY Cat Toy with treats video to make your own interactive toy! In this case, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure so stock up for a raining day 😉
Take Time to Train
If you’re stuck inside with nowhere to go, use it as a time to train with high reward treats like these. Jerky bites are the perfect size to use as training treats and will have your pup sitting, shaking, and rolling over for another tasty treat. Think your dog is well trained and in need of a challenge? Try practicing your recall, where your dog sits and waits for your “come” or “here” command behind a doorway where they can’t see you. Set up your phone to record their reaction to being left alone and still taking commands. Then tag us @evolvepetfood on Instagram with your results!
Run, Run, Run
Literally run around the house. Keep it simple. Sometimes the best thing for you and the whole family is just to RUN IT OUT. Let the kids race with your pets, play a game of hide and seek, or set the timer and run until the time runs out. Be safe and have fun running that energy out!
Change Your Location
Play dates can be just the thing to cure the winter blues. You get to interact with a pet parent that hasn’t been stuck with you at your house and your pup get to have a blast with their buddy outside. Win – Win.
Indoor playgrounds and doggie day cares are a great place to take your dog while it is dreary outside. They are safe, clean, and most importantly indoors!
