Keeping the Dog Happy in the Winter
Full disclosure, I’m writing this as we’re getting pelted with snow and the dog is stuck inside. That said, she loves the winter. I’m not sure how that happened, but it’s true! The first snowfall has her running outside. Unfortunately in a place that regularly gets sub-zero temperatures and it puts a usual cramp in our usual trips to the park and games of fetch. It’s a challenge getting her to stay happy and healthy even when we can’t get out. I thought that today I’d talk about some of the things that she likes and keep her busy all through the winter months.
Jolly Ball
I’m not sure what happened with this to make it so great for the dog. We were at a friend’s house and they had one for their dogs. Biscuit wouldn’t stop playing with this ball. I ordered one online while we were in their living room. That was in September, and Biscuit hasn’t stopped playing with it every single day. She can push it around the living room or the yard, even in the snow. Worth the $12. We have the largest size, but I’m seriously considering getting a second smaller one.
Westpaw Tizzi
I'm sure I've written about this before. It has been affectionately named Peanut Butter Crotch Man because its primary use is to be filled with peanut butter for the dog to lick out. She loves this thing. It's also one of our most durable toys. This was also made only an hour from my hometown, right here in the USA. It’s kind of gross, but it is undeniably great. This will run about $20 but comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Barkbox
I know this one is cheating a little, but these are fantastic. Biscuit gets a box of two toys and three packs of treats once a month. It’s $24 a month, and it keeps things interesting for her to have new toys rotating in and out. If you use this link, you'll get your first box FO FREE and another will be donated to a dog in a shelter!
TopPaw Tuff Chameleon
Another lifeproof, snowproof toy that can take on whatever the dog dishes out. This is made of a ballistic-grade fabric that is essentially bulletproof. She chews on it, we play tug, it gets dragged through the snow and mud, and it’s essentially untouched. We have another one as well, but this is her favorite.
Interactive Treat-Dispensing Toys
We have a neat toy with trap doors that lift up and down to hide snacks inside. It’s good for her to practice sniffing out and searching for treats. It can keep her busy for quite a while as well before she gets frustrated and picks up the whole thing to shake out!
And that’s that! She’s a happy camper in the snow, but also has been enjoying snuggling on the couch on her designated blanket. What’s your doggo into when the weather gets gross?
