Activities For Dogs In Mississippi On Cold Days
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Mississippi is famous for its sultry heat, but, you can rest assured that winters in the Magnolia State are far from mild and tolerable. Often, the humidity that plagues citizens of the great state of Mississippi hangs around far past the dog days of August. In fact, this nefarious humidity is in its prime during the months of January and February. Furthermore, winter days in Mississippi often bring freezing rain and ice rather than snow. However, when Mr. Snowman does drop by Mississippi, people will venture out to make a snowman (no matter how tiny). Sometimes our pups join us on these adventures. However, one needs to be cautious because Mississippi dogs are often unfamiliar with snow and the ice that often accompanies it.
Find the Treat
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Cold Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy
small treats
Activity description
Utilizing a treat dispensing toy is a great way to stimulate not only some physical activity, but also some mental stimulation as well. Although the most popular brand of treat dispensing toy is the KONG brand, there are actually many toys that can be utilized for this activity. To begin, you will need to use small kibble that will fall out of the toy easily. That way your pup does not get confused about what he is supposed to do. As the dog becomes accustomed to the game, you can increase the difficulty of the "food puzzle" toy. Some of these dispensers allow for the use of larger pieces of food inside the toy. Your dog will learn that the expectation is to find the food - a reward in itself!
Step
1
Introduce the toy
One cannot simply hand their pup a food dispensing toy and expect the dog to figure out how to use the toy without some training. Some dogs may smell the treat inside and simply chew in an attempt to procure the food. You must show the pup that they need to shake or paw the puzzle toy in order to release the prize inside.
Step
2
Increase the difficulty
Once your dog has learned how to make small kibble or bite-sized treats fall from the treat dispensing toy, it is time to increase the difficulty of the activity. Although you can anticipate a clean-up after use, you can place slices of banana, spoonfuls of canned dog food, or even dog biscuits into the toy. Your dog will need a trial run or two using a dog biscuit, but, once he catches on, you will be able to place a variety of treats or foods into the toy.
Step
3
Hide the toy
Once your dog has learned how to use the food dispensing toy, you can begin hiding the toy in order to add another level of difficulty to the game. You can hide the toy underneath a pile of pillows (NOTE: the author only recommends doing this if you place solid foods or a treat into the toy), or you can put it inside his crate, so that he can play while you're away.
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Take a Hike
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Cold Day
Cheap
Easy
20 min
Items needed
dog booties
Activity description
Although snow in Mississippi is a rarity, most dogs enjoy the opportunity to play in the snow - no matter if they may only see snow once or twice in a lifetime! In order to take your pup outdoors in the humid cold of a Mississippi winter, you should be sure to bundle the pup up before partaking in winter fun. You may be able to purchase special wax for your pup's paws, or you may want to invest in a pair of booties. Regardless, you will need to put a warm vest or coat on your dog. Limit outdoor play to less than thirty minutes. Remember, the humidity of a Mississippi winter is often highly uncomfortable for your pet.
Step
1
Gather your gear
The snow in Mississippi is considered "wet" - it is not powdery, such as snow in a less humid climate might be. You will need to prepare for this. First, you will need to have a coat or vest on hand and booties as well. Even though it doesn't snow often in Mississippi, you might have to take your pup out for a walk in very cold temperatures. A coat and booties will come in handy for this.
Step
2
Get a towel
Because the snow is "wet," it is likely to melt and become more like water before you bring your pup back inside. For this reason, you'll want to have a towel handy so that you can dry your dog's legs and body off after a walk in the snow. In addition, you might want to put an old towel down at your entrance so that the snow isn't tracked in. Your pal is likely to be cold and wet after an adventure in Mississippi snow, so have his favorite blanket available too.
Step
3
Go have fun!
Now that you have everything prepared for your return, you can take your pup outdoors for some snowy fun. Let your pup off the leash and allow him to run and play. Some dogs are so excited by the phenomenon of snow that they just want to run in it. Others might play a game of fetch while you are outdoors together. Regardless, keep your outdoor time to fifteen to twenty minutes. You do not want your buddy to get wet and cold while playing.
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Work on Old Commands
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Cold Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
small treats
Activity description
In Mississippi, snow is a rarity. It is generally a joyous occasion because it is so rare, and both dogs and humans enjoy playing in snow. However, ice is much more recurrent than any other type of winter weather in the Magnolia State. For this reason, you may need to stay indoors. While you are indoors, you can do many things to keep you and your dog entertained. You have already taught your dog to sit, stay, and possibly to shake or roll over. A cold, blustery Mississippi winter day provides the perfect opportunity for you to practice those old commands one more time.
Step
1
Prepare your pup
Call your dog to you. You might want to praise him, or say, "Do you want to play?" Your dog will sense your enthusiasm. However, you don't want to get him too excited or the training won't go as planned. Show him that treats are available for a reward. Then, start with something simple.
Step
2
Go over the commands
Again, begin with a simple command. "Sit" is often the best and easiest. Tell your pup to sit. If you haven't practiced in a while, you may have to show him what you expect of him. Once he successfully follows your instructions, then reward him with a treat and lots of praise.
Step
3
Practice makes perfect
Increase the difficulty in the commands. "Shake" is also a fairly easy command. You might have to pick up your pup's paw to show him what you expect. Once the dog gives his paw to you freely, then you can reward him with a treat. Next, move on to "roll over." This is often very hard to teach, but your pup may remember this command rather easily. Once he completes the activity as you ask, then reward him with a treat and praise.
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More Fun Ideas...
Play Tug-of-War
Prepare a place to play - you might even need to move the furniture - and have a good game of tug-of-war with your pup!
Puppy Play Date
Invite a friend who has a pup of the same size and age and allow the two to play. This encourages socialization, and you can enjoy the company of a friend as well.
Conclusion
Although Mississippi is generally in a more temperate climate than its northern neighbors, winters in the Magnolia State are often just as chilly as those in Missouri or Nevada. Furthermore, the cold of Mississippi is rather humid. Just as the humidity makes the summer heat almost unbearable, the humidity of the winter months can make Mississippi residents downright miserable! However, you and your pup can find ways to have fun even on the most dreary of winter days. Whether you are outdoors or snuggling on the couch, there is always fun to be had with your furry friend.