Activities For Dogs In Missouri On Cold Days

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Activities For Dogs In Missouri On Cold Days

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Introduction

Missouri in the winter can be brutal to human and canine. Finding activities to do with your dog on cold days in Missouri is not as hard as you think. Plan a trip to a few specialty dog stores to pick out some new toys, invite friends over for a playdate, make some frozen treats for your dog to enjoy or brave the elements and take a brisk walk. If you are an outdoorsy type of person, bundle up and head outside for playtime especially if it has snowed!

Doggy Playdate

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Toys

Treats

Activity description

Planning a doggy playdate is relatively simple. You will need to set your guest list, buy some snacks for both human and canine, pull out some toys and block off restricted areas in your home. Since it is cold weather, you will also need to decide if you are going to have all the dogs playing in your house or are you going to bundle up and spend time outside in the cold. An unfinished basement is also a great place to host a doggy playdate. It is easy and cheap to host a playdate, just be prepared for accidents to happen and have cleaning products close at hand during the event.

Step

Invite the guests

When making out your guest list, keep in mind that it is cold outside and your guests will need to come inside to warm up if you are hosting the playdate outside. Hosting your playtime inside would be ideal so everyone can be toasty warm and only have to go outside for potty breaks. Keep your guest list to a minimum to avoid a large crowd that could wreck your home while playing.

Step

Set up the play area

The day of the playdate will be busy so have your play area already set and then put gates up to keep the dogs contained in that area. Add some new toys and some well-loved toys to the area. Place some bowls of fresh water out of the way, but easily accessible. In another room set up a refreshments table for your human guests. You may also want to set up a small table with doggy treats to give your four-legged guests throughout their time together.

Step

Enjoy the company

Once your guests have arrived, pull out a chair and enjoy the company. It can be great fun to watch dogs playing together, especially when they know each other well. You will be smiling at their antics in no time and relishing the time you get to spend with your human friends. To make sure the playdate goes well, be sure everyone knows that they are to clean up after their own dog in the event of an accident.

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Shopping

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Collar

Leash

Treats

Activity description

During the cold weather, you can easily get cabin fever because it is miserable to be outside. Take an afternoon and go shopping with your dog to some of the specialty pet stores in your area. Browse the selection of toys and treats with your dog. Some stores will offer sample treats for your dog to try. Let your dog sniff through a selection of toys. When they find the one they want, allow them to carry it to the counter for purchase! Be sure to clean up after your dog if they make a mess while in the store. Keep your dog leashed while in the store and practice their basic obedience skills so they are a well-mannered shopper.

Step

Plan your trip

When you decide to go shopping with your dog, be sure to plan your trip and be prepared. If you plan on being gone for several hours, bring a bowl and bottle of water along so your dog can have a drink. Pack some paper towels, poop bags and hand sanitizer to clean up any accidents. Make sure your dog knows their manners and will behave while in the store.

Step

Browse the shelves

While in the store, keep your dog by your side and do not allow them to become a nuisance. When walking through the store, be sure your dog is not knocking items from shelves. If your dog becomes easily excited, steer clear of other dogs or the adoption center in the store. Some stores do offer samples of new treats, be courteous and only take one sample of each treat to see which one your dog likes best.

Step

Enjoy the attention

Your dog is a show-stopper and they will get a lot of attention in the store and in the parking lot! They can show off their good manners by sitting quietly while soaking up the attention. You can also teach your dog to proudly carry their new toy to the counter to show off. Having a well-behaved dog is ideal when visiting dog-friendly stores.

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Brisk Walk

Popular

0 Votes

Cold Day

Free

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Collar

Leash

Treats

Dog Coat and Boots (Optional)

Activity description

Even in the cold weather, your dog will need to go outside to go potty and stretch their legs. You might as well bundle up, clip on their leash and set off at a brisk pace around the neighborhood when the weather is not dangerous to be out in. In icy or snowy weather, you will want to protect your dog from the elements if they are a shorter coated breed. Their feet can be protected with snow boots for dogs. Do not stay outside for too long, both you and your dog can enjoy a brisk walk and then get inside where it is warm.

Step

Dress properly

The weather in Missouri is notorious for changing quickly. Therefore, check the weather forecast before going on your walk. Dress according to the temperature with coat, hat, gloves and even a scarf if the weather is extremely cold. Warm boots that are easy to walk in would also benefit you during your walk! Plan to only be outside in the cold for a maximum of 30 minutes at a time.

Step

Protect your dog

Your dog will also need to be protected from the cold weather if they are not a breed that excels in cold weather as does the Malamute or Siberian Husky. Snow boots will help protect your dog’s feet from frostbite. Hairless or thin coated dogs may also need a coat to keep them warm while out walking. There are plenty of coat styles for dogs of every shape and size.

Step

Keep it short

Because it is so cold outside, you do not want to linger during your walk. A brisk walk is basically to get some fresh air, stretch your legs and let your dog get their exercise. Plan your route accordingly and be prepared to shorten your walk if you notice your dog is having trouble tolerating the cold weather. Do not stay outside longer than 30 minutes at a time.

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More Fun Ideas...

Hide and Seek

Hide and seek can be played indoors or out. In the cold weather, you may want to stay indoors and play a modified game of hide and seek. Use treats and toys that your dog really loves and hide them in easy to find places. Increase the difficulty of the hiding places as your dog becomes comfortable with the game.

Nose Work

This activity can be done indoors to keep you warm during the cold weather. Use pre-scented packs to hide around the house and have your dog locate the scent. Training for nose work does take patience, but if your dog really has a nose for it, they can go on to compete in nose work trials.

Conclusion

The weather in Missouri can turn cold very quickly. When the cold weather appears, it usually forces everyone inside. Finding activities that you can do with your dog while trying to stay warm during the winter months in Missouri can be frustrating, but with a little planning your dog can enjoy fun activities that keep them from becoming overly bored. Research the various activities that are acceptable for dogs in your area and choose the ones that would work best for you and your dog.