Activities For Dogs In South Dakota On Cold Days
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Introduction
Lacking the motivation to take your pup out for some exercise when it is chilly in South Dakota? You are not alone. It can be challenging to come up with ways to ensure that your dog gets the activity they need when the weather is not particularly pleasant. Fortunately, there are activities that you and your dog can engage in indoors that will keep your pup busy (and out of trouble) without either of you feeling chilly. In fact, for some, you won't have to leave the house. Spending time on these cold day activities with your pup will not only help them expend energy; is also a perfect way to further enhance your relationship. Of course, if you are craving fresh air on those cooler days, you and your pup can still engage in some fun outdoors, especially when dressed for the weather.
Hide and Seek
Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Free
Easy
10 - 30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
A game of hide and seek can be a lot of fun for your dog...and for you too! When the weather is cold in South Dakota, you can bring this classic game inside and play as you typically would. The game is simple; you will hide and your pup will find you, all the while providing mental and physical stimulation for your dog. Have some treats ready and get ready for an entertaining few minutes. Start by hiding in easy to find spots so that your pup can be successful and gain confidence. You can then make things more challenging for your pooch by choosing more difficult to find places to hide or by having several people hide.
Step
1
Working on "stay"
An important skill for your pup to understand is to be able to follow the command of "stay" as this is what you will tell your dog to do before you go and hide. If your pup struggles with this command, this is something to work on together. You can also have a friend hold on to your pup's collar as you begin your efforts to hide.
Step
2
Getting started
Once your dog is comfortable with the command of "stay", or you have a friend able to hold on to their collar, you are ready to hide. Remember to start with simple hiding places and increase the challenge for your pup as they go. Once you have hidden, it is time to call for your dog. Once your dog has sought you out and located you, be sure to reward them for their efforts with a treat.
Step
3
Repeat for a treat
Keep playing after your pup has found you and has earned a treat. As you notice that your pup has gotten the hang of the game, you can make it more challenging for your pup by hiding in places where it may be more difficult to find you. Another way to add to the challenge is to have several others hide as well. Your pup will then have to find all of you. Hiding your pup's favorite toys is another variation of the game that you can try.
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Custer State Park
Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Cheap
Easy
2 hrs
Items needed
Treats
Water and Bowl
Waste Bags
Leash
Activity description
While it may be hard to motivate yourself to take your pup out on a cold day, there is no question that the two of you would benefit from some fresh air. Fortunately, you can spend some time outdoors by keeping a few things in mind. You will want to dress appropriately for the weather, bring along something hot to drink and keep moving. Custer State Park offers the room that you and your pup need to keep moving and keep the blood flowing. The park includes 71,000 acres of land with hiking trails for you and your pup to explore. Look out for wildlife while you walk and keep your mind off feeling chilly!
Step
1
Plan your visit
Craving some outdoor time despite the cool weather? Start planning a visit to Custer State Park. Take a look at your schedule and see what day and time work for you. During cooler months, you will likely experience warmer temperatures in the middle of the day, so you might want to target that time for your visit. Be sure to look online for information on park hours and any restrictions on where your pup can be in the park.
Step
2
Get prepared
There are multiple things that you can do to keep warm when outdoors in cold weather. The key is being prepared. Make sure to wear layers as well as a warm coat. As you and your dog get moving on the trail, you will likely warm up and you can remove a layer or two. A warm jacket over your layers is also important. A hat and gloves will be helpful when trying to keep yourself from getting chilly. A few extras to help keep you cozy are hand warmers for your pockets, an extra pair of socks and a hot drink. If your pup tends to get cold easily, be sure that they have a sweater or a jacket.
Step
3
Keep moving
Your visit is planned and you have the right items to keep warm. Now it is time for you and your pup to have some fun! If you have looked online, you may have an idea of what you would like to see at the park, or you can just check things out when you get there. The park offers plenty of ways for you and your pup to be active and enjoy the fresh air. Both you and your pup will likely appreciate the opportunity to be outside, even when the temperatures are brisk.
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Tricks and Treats
Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Free
Normal
5 - 30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
A great way to spend quality time with your pup is to work with them on learning new tricks. Your pup will appreciate the one-on-one attention as well as the extra treats. Fortunately, this is an activity that you and your pup can engage in regardless of the weather, as you can work on tricks without leaving the warmth of your home. Choose a trick or two to work on with your pup and seek out information on how to go about training your dog to do it. Have plenty of treats available to reward your pup for their efforts and provide some positive reinforcement!
Step
1
Start simple
If working on tricks with your pup sounds like something you and your pooch will enjoy, the first thing that you will want to do is decide what trick or tricks you would like to work on. You may already have some in mind, or you can look online for some ideas of possible tricks you can train your canine companion to do. If training your dog to perform tricks is new for the two of you, be sure to start with simple tricks; this way you and your pup will be less likely to get frustrated.
Step
2
Video help
Once you have decided on a trick or two to work on with your pup you will want to learn how to go about training your pup to perform each one. You will likely be able to find plenty of information on training online, from how-to guides to YouTube videos that walk you through the steps to train your pup. You may find the videos particularly helpful, as you can watch them over and over as you are working with your pup to pick up anything you may have missed.
Step
3
Praise and reward
After obtaining the information you need on how to work with your dog on a particular trick, it is time to begin. If you have chosen videos to help you with your training, you may watch the video through once before you start working with your canine buddy. This will help you get an overall idea of how to work with your dog. As you begin working with your dog, you can refer back to the videos as you have any questions. Most important when working with your dog on learning tricks is to be patient and have fun. Reward them with praise and a treat for excellent effort!
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More Fun Ideas...
Puzzle Toy Play
When it is cold outside in South Dakota, puzzle toys are excellent for occupying your pup (and keeping them out of trouble). Made of rubber or hard plastic, a puzzle toy can be filled with treats, kibble or a sticky substance like peanut butter. There are different types of puzzle toys available; choose one and follow the filling instructions. Hand the toy to your pup and watch them try to manipulate the toy just right in order to earn their treat. The puzzle toy is great for physical and mental activity and you will enjoy watching your dog figure out how to make it work!
Play Some Hall Ball
If you have a hall in your home and you have a ball, you have all that you need for a game of hall ball. Just what is hall ball? It's simple; throw the ball (a tennis ball is great) down the hall for your dog to chase after. Your pup will run down the hall, put it in their mouth and then return it to you. Then go ahead and throw the ball again. Do this again and again, for an easy activity that will help your canine buddy get out some energy!
Try Skijoring
Are you a fan of skiing? When the weather is cold and there is snow on the ground, you and your pup may enjoy skijoring. What exactly is skijoring? The activity involves you cross country skiing with your dog running in front of you with a long line that connects you to their harness, helping to pull you along. You can work with your dog on the commands for turning and stopping, and pulling comes naturally to many dogs. Skijoring is a great way for you and your pup to learn something new together AND have a great time outdoors.
Conclusion
South Dakota gets its share of cold days, which can feel worrisome to a dog parent. After all, how can you make sure that your pup gets the activity that they need to be healthy and stay out of trouble when going outside is not so appealing? It turns out there are plenty of options of ways to spend time with your pup, both inside and outside during cold weather months. Not only will your pooch get the activity that they need but the two of you will have a great time together and further develop your relationship!