Strategist offers straightforward suggestions for keeping your canine companion engaged during inclement indoor weather
In the chill of winter or the pouring rains, you might find your outdoor time with your furry companion limited. But that doesn't mean your training routine has to take a hiatus! Shift your focus indoors and work on honing those essential skills, such as how to prevent your dog from pulling on the leash.
Juliana DeWillems, the visionary behind JW Dog Training & Behavior, has generously shared some at-home leash-walking tips to help you master this crucial skill. Let's dive in!
"Being cooped up due to crummy weather? No problem!" says DeWillems with a smile. "Transform this into an opportunity to practice, refine, and sharpen our skills!"
In her engaging video tutorial, DeWillems demonstrates a multitude of commands to maintain loose-leash discipline at home. She maneuvers her dog to walk at her heel, offering a treat for a job well done, and employs the "Let's go!" cue to circle the living room leash-free.
They pivot together, and she signals a halt when she does. The 'Switch' command, which instructs canine companions to move from one side of her to the other, is also part of the repertoire, even in cramped spaces. So, why not exercise these maneuvers when you're stuck inside? After all, every little bit of training counts!
Indoor activities don't end with leash training; there's a whole world of fun waiting for you and your dog. Classic games like hide and seek can be a hit, or get creative and design your own agility course with household items for your dog to jump over, crawl under, and zigzag through. Get inspired by these creative indoor games for dogs.
Nourishing your dog's mind and body can be as simple as incorporating engaging toys into their routine. Kongs, feeding puzzles, and the best-loved snuffle mats work wonders as enrichment methods that provide mental stimulation when you're both indoors.
Think a dedicated play area might be in order to keep your pooch entertained? Child's play! Here's how you can create an exciting home dog play area tailor-made for your tail-wagger.
- Juliana DeWillems, the creator of JW Dog Training & Behavior, provides at-home leash-walking tips to improve loose-leash discipline, using commands like 'Let's go!' and 'Switch'.
- Aside from leash training, indoor activities for dogs could include engaging in classic games such as hide and seek, or designing an agility course with household items for them to navigate.
- Toys like Kongs, feeding puzzles, and snuffle mats can be used as enrichment methods, providing mental stimulation for dogs during indoor play.
- If you're looking to keep your dog entertained indoors, consider setting up a home dog play area with child's play simplicity.
- Creative indoor games for dogs and setting up a home dog play area can be great ways to nourish your furry companion's mind and body during the trials of winter or rainy weather.
