Not all dogs love the winter. It's cold, icy and can be challenging to walk in. Fortunately, there are many ways to help your dog beat winter boredom.

My dachshund loathes the winter. During the spring, summer and fall months, he is up for all outdoor activities. Hiking, running, long walks. He loves it. When the first snow falls, he hunkers down under a blanket and becomes a permanent “indoor Dog.”

When dogs don't get the exercise they need, they can become destructive and suffer from boredom. Here are 8 ways to keep your dog entertained and happy while staying indoors.

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1. Monkey In the Middle

Monkey in the middle is a simple game that will help your dog burn energy. Grab your dog's favorite toy and toss it back and forth between you and your partner, while your pup stands in the middle. Your dog will have fun running between the two of you trying to catch the toy. Every once in awhile, let your dog capture the toy to avoid discouragement. For an added challenge, place a small hurdle between you and your partner so that your dog jumps over the obstacle while running back and forth.

2. Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek is just as fun for me as it is my dachshund. It's the perfect indoor activity because it exercises your dog's body and mind while strengthening the bond between the two of you. First, tell your dog to “sit” and “stay.” Run away and quickly hide somewhere easy like behind a chair or sofa. You can have someone hold your dog while you hide in the beginning until they are able to stay on their own. Next, call your dogs name or give a command like “OK!” Once your dog finds you, celebrate your dog's accomplishment by giving them praise, a delightful head scratch or some yummy treats. Increase the difficulty of your hiding spot over time. Natural instincts will kick in, and he will begin using his nose to find you. The challenge for you will be trying to refrain from laughing when your dog catches your scent!

Variations of the game:

Hide and Seek is a terrific game for the entire family. If you have kids, they can hide throughout the house while your dog finds them. I have played this with my nieces and nephews, and they love it!

You can also play this game with your dog's favorite toys. Tell your pup to sit and stay while holding the toy in your hand. Then hide it somewhere easy at first. For example, put the toy between the couch cushions with half of it sticking out.

3. Automatic Toys

Automatic ball launchers, like the iFetch are great ways to keep your dog entertained indoors. Your dog drops the ball into the top of the iFetch. The ball is launched out of the machine, for your dog to chase and collect. You can adjust the distance settings between 10, 20 and 30 feet to best suit your space. It's a fun twist on the game of fetch!

4. Doggy Daycare

Doggy daycare is like an indoor dog park. If your dog enjoys socializing with other dogs or visits the dog park in the summer, this may be a fun activity to cure the winter blues.

Tips

• Make sure your dog is up to date on her vaccinations as you will need to show the paperwork.
• Research different facilities before choosing one. While there are many reputable organizations, not all doggy daycares are worthy of taking care of your pet. I find word of mouth to be a reliable source. Don't be afraid to ask people for their opinion.
• Take a tour of the facility to meet the staff and ask any questions you may have. Check for cleanliness as well as how much human interaction and supervision the dogs get.

5. Teach your dog a new trick

Teaching your dog a new trick is a great activity to do together. It stimulates their mind, and they get to learn with their favorite person in the world, you! Here is a video of my dachshund, Rocket practicing his tricks.

Related post: Why Dog's Can Help You Live A Better Life

6. Dog puzzles

Dog puzzles are great for the mind and will keep your dog entertained for a long time. You can either DIY a puzzle or buy them.

DIY puzzles:

• Take an old tennis ball and cut it at the seam. Insert treats and give it to your dog. When the tennis ball starts to fall apart, be sure to replace it, so your dog doesn't ingest any pieces.
• Grab three plastic cups and place a treat in one of the cups. Flip the cups upside down on the floor and shuffle them around. See if your dog can pick the cup with the treat.

My favorite puzzle toys that you can purchase are Hide a Squirrel, Hide N' Slide Treat Dispensing Toy, and the IQ Treat Ball.

*Be sure to supervise your dog to prevent accidental ingestion and use healthy treats like cut up carrots.

7. Have a doggy play date

If it's too cold to play outside, then bring the party indoors! Have your dog's favorite pals come over for some good old fashioned playtime. Have extra water and healthy treats on hand.

8. Go outside when you have a nice day

Even with our cold and snowy winters here in Utah, there are always a handful of days that my dog will tolerate going outside. Typically if it is cold, but the pavement is dry, he is okay. Check the weather and take advantage of a nice day by taking your dog for a walk. Keep in mind that the warmest part of the day is usually around 3 pm. If it's very chilly, use a coat to keep them warm.

Even during the coldest of days, there are many ways to help your dog beat winter boredom. Do you have any tips on how you and your dog tackle cabin fever? Share in the comments below.

The post 8 Ways To Help Your Dog Beat Winter Boredom appeared first on Bark and Biscuits.