Winter games can be a lot of fun – IF your fur coat is warm enough and you have a lot of energy. A good pile of snow on the ground means it’s playtime for dogs and kids. Some of those things the kids slide on are hard to control, so stay out of their way when they’re flying down the hill. There’s nothing to stop you from chasing after them down the hill. Just be sure there’s not another flying saucer coming at you from behind. You might be asked to drag the sled (or saucer) back up the hill. That would let you show off how big and strong you are.    

One thing you should not do is steal hats, gloves or mittens. They are not toys and swiping them – whether to toss them around, or chew them to bits – is NOT a game! Stick to racing around after the kids, adults and other dogs. And after all that hard work, the kids will get hot chocolate and if you’re lucky, you should get a special doggy treat, definitely not hot chocolate!

A Word to the Dog’s Owners:          

For some dogs, winter is weather made in heaven just for them. Others would rather be in Florida.  Spending most of the winter indoors is okay so long as you can provide plenty of indoor exercise, both mental and physical.                    

When it’s just cold, your “outdoor” dog needs lots of exercise that (unfortunately, you may say) involves you, but only if the ground is safe. Rufus needs you to throw the toy that he can chase and then, of course, bring it back to you and “Drop it” (or “Give it”), so the game can begin again. If he hasn’t been trained to return it, play with him on a very long (30 feet) lead or rope. You may have to run after him a short distance so he doesn’t race into the end of the lead and choke before he gets the ball. Then gently reel him in toward you as you tell him how smart he is. This is fun playtime, so no scolding, only encouragement. Indoor dogs can play the game, too, that is if you have a garage, basement or a room large enough that furniture can be avoided. 

Another indoor game that dogs love is hide-and-seek. Put the dog on a Sit-Stay and go just out of sight, maybe behind a chair, and invent a special signal such as “Okay! Find me!” (“Okay” releases the dog from the Sit-Stay.) As the dog comes near, make a sound and when he finds you, you can tell him how clever he is – big smiles, lots of petting. If need be, you can add a tiny treat at first, but the dog’s reward is finding you, not being given a treat. 

Snow is almost as much fun for outdoor dogs as it is for the kids. They love to burrow into a snow bank (or the pile you’ve just shoveled off the deck). A snow ball fight (soft snow please, not ice-balls) is great for Rufus because when he catches the snow ball in his mouth, it falls apart – and he’s ready for the next one. As mentioned above, pulling the sled or saucer back up the hill is fun for the dog, and gives the kids a reason to brag about their dog. On a flat surface, the breeds that are true sled dogs can really show off their skill and stamina. A bit of training is essential to prevent physical damage (there are books in the library on the subject) and the only other warning would be not to make the weight on the sled too much for the dog. With a toddler or young child on the sled, an adult should walk beside Rufus to curb any thoughts he might have of entering the Iditarod Race.    

There is one major danger and that is dogs getting lost in the snow. Their normal scent tracks to lead them home are buried; their normal visual guides (driveways, bushes, fences) are invisible. Keep a sharp eye on Rufus. Be sure he is micro-chipped and wearing an ID tag with proper information. And allowed off-leash only if reliably obedience-trained.             

When the outdoor fun and games are over, the dog must be thoroughly dried – feet, ears, elbows (chin whiskers if any) in addition to a good body-rub. Ice that forms between the pads of the feet needs to be gently combed out. (Tip: heat the comb under warm water.) All this is normally followed by a very, very long nap. Yes, by dogs, kids and adults!

                                            

Until next time – BE GOOD!

-  Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog fancy Magazine.

In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me! which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award last year.