According to the Farmer’s Almanac and the Groundhog, last weekend we reached the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. So although winter is technically half over, I thought I’d take this opportunity to remind dogs about the importance of taking care of their humans, especially during the long winter months when they can get bored and pick up bad habits.
Exercise: Humans need plenty of exercise to burn off extra energy. Otherwise it could lead to unwanted behavior. So it is good to make sure you take your Mom and Dad for walks daily. In the winter they may try to resist and give all sorts of silly excuses like the temperatures dipped below freezing, bitter winds that chill to the bone, and two feet of freshly fallen snow on the ground. So you may need to get creative in convincing them to leave the house. I find holding one of their boots in my mouth while looking up at them with my big brown eyes works wonders for motivation. But must confess when all else fails, running wildly around the house has also worked to get them to accompany me on a walk. When you return from your walk, give them more exercise by having them help you wipe your paws from any road salt you may have picked up. Or if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, take your humans for a winter hike! Many of the places we visit during the summer, are just as fun in the winter.
Diet: It is easy for humans to overeat, especially during the winter. Don’t be fooled by your parents’ insistence that it is for hibernation purposes. Humans can’t hibernate no matter how much they want to do it! And don’t fall for their tricks if they try to get you to indulge in unhealthy treats too. If you see them eating something that they shouldn’t, remind them with loud whimpering, and annoying flips of their arm with your nose. Make them feel as guilty as possible! However, if they offer you fruit and veggies, always accept! We all could use more fruit and veggies, and less sweets, no matter what time of year it is!
Socialization: Humans need socialization in order to become well adjusted citizens. The lack of sufficient socialization can lead to unwanted and often embarassing behavior in public. In the summer this is easy to accomplish by taking your parents to parks, beaches and other outdoor areas where dogs are welcome to bring their human companions. However in the winter this does become more challenging. I suggest contacting your local doggie daycares to see if they have playtimes open to the public. This way you can watch your Mom and Dad make new friends, while you enjoy hanging out with fellow canines. Pet stores are also a good place to bring them during the winter months. Your parents can chat with the employees while purchasing you new squeaky toys.
Stimulation: Just like dogs, humans can get bored. Therefore, it is good to stimulate their minds. Winter is an excellent time to teach your humans a new trick! Sign them up for a refresher course with their training. Perhaps work on a skill that needs improvement, like walking better with you on-leash, so you don’t have to drag them everywhere. Even better, set your sights on getting your human their Canine Good Citizen certification. Winter is also a great time to try your paw at an introduction class to one of the many sports out there designed for dogs and humans to do together. From agility, to nose work, to flyball, and obedience, there’s something for everyone’s skill and energy level. Even just playing a game together inside the house, such as modified version of nose work, can help ward off cabin fever. So if you see your human watching TV, reading or napping, try to redirect their focus to you, on a fun activity you can do together!
Rewards: Finally, as a dog it is your responsibility to encourage your human’s self-esteem. We all know that dogs are the ones in charge, but from time to time it is important for your human to feel empowered. Therefore whatever you decide to do with your humans this winter, make sure it includes plenty of tail wags, cuddles, and smiles so that they feel truly appreciated for their efforts, and that they walk away from the experience feeling good.
