Activities For Dogs In Utah On Cold Days

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Introduction

The state of Utah is home to numerous beautiful outdoor places, making it a great place for outdoor adventures with your canine companion. While Utah offers many months of very pleasant weather, the state sees cold temperatures as well. On cold days in Utah, you may feel at a loss as to how to spend time with your pooch; it is less appealing to be outdoors when it is cold. However, your pup will still need some activity. Fortunately, you will find that there is no shortage of ways to spend time with your dog in Utah, even when it is chilly. You and your pup can remain active and have a lot of fun!

National Park Drive

Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Cheap
Easy
1 - 3 hrs
Items needed
Waste Bags
Water and Bowl
Treats
Activity description
Utah is home to five national parks; Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Capital Reef National Park. On a cold day in Utah, you and your pup can enjoy a drive in any of these parks, where you can enjoy gorgeous landscapes from the comfort and warmth of your car. For example, you can view parts of Zion National Park while driving on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. The parks offer a myriad of trails that you can explore for a bit when in need of a break to stretch your legs. Exploring the parks on foot or in the car is an excellent opportunity to see great sites while enjoying time with your pup!
Step
1
Unique sights
If driving through a National Park with your pup seems like a good way to spend some time, you will first want to choose which park you would like to visit. Each of the five parks offers unique things to see; Arches National Park, for example, includes large arches throughout the park, while Bryce National Park is home to rock formations called hoodoos. Take some time to research each park; you might choose a park based on location or something in particular about the park that interests you.
Step
2
Plan your visit
When it comes to planning your visit to the national park that you have chosen, there are a few things in particular that you should do. First, you will want to plan what you would like to do in the park. Look online to decide what you would like to see in the park and which roads you will drive to see those things. You can then decide what to bring along based on your plan for the trip. There are some things that you will need regardless of what you choose to do in the park and how far you are traveling to it; for example, you will want to bring a leash, dog treats and waste bags for your pup. If you are driving a long distance, you might need to bring your dog's food as well as items for an overnight stay. If you intend to do any walking or hiking, make sure to bring appropriate footwear and layers of clothing.
Step
3
Explore and enjoy
Once you have a plan and are packed, you and your pup are ready to visit the park and have some fun. Upon arriving at the park, you can expect to pay an entrance fee. Once you enter, you can drive along the park's roads and explore your beautiful surroundings. As you drive, you and your pup can enjoy quality time as well as beautiful views. No matter which park you choose, you will come across scenic pull-off areas where you and your dog can stop for a better view. You will also find plenty of trails, which will be perfect for enjoying a walk together outside of your car.

Indoor Agility

Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Moderate
Normal
15 - 30 min
Items needed
Treats
PVC Piple
Kids' Tunnel
Hula Hoop
Activity description
Agility activities are great for providing both physical and mental activity for your pup. Engaging in these activities is also a great way for the two of you to spend time with one another. Often, when we think of working on agility activities, we think of doing so outdoors. When the weather is cold and being outside is less than appealing, why not bring the activities indoors? This way your pup can get the benefit of the work and neither of you will have to be cold. You can try activities you have worked on outdoors or work on new ones!
Step
1
Research the activity
First things first; you will want to decide on what agility activity or activities you would like to work on with your pup. If you have been working on agility activities with your pup already, you may have some in mind that you have been practicing or you may seek to try something new. If agility activities have not been something you have been working on and you are not sure of what you want to work on, a little online research can help give you ideas for possibilities.
Step
2
Build the course
Once you know what activities you would like to work on with your pup, the next step is to collect the items that you need to set up the particular activity. For example, if you are interested in working on jumps, you can use PVC pipe or a hula hoop. PVC pipe is also useful if you are looking to set up something for your pup to run around. A kids' tunnel is also a fun item to use; your pup can run in and out of the tunnel. With agility activities, you can get as creative as you like when setting it up.
Step
3
Learn, practice and have fun
After collecting the items that you need you can go ahead and set up the activity. If your pup is not familiar with the particular activity, you will want to start simple. For example, if you are working on jumps with a hula hoop, start by placing the hula hoop with one side on the ground and encourage your pup to walk through it. When they do, reward them with a treat. You can then move the hula hoop a small amount above the ground and have your pup walk through. Again, reward your dog with a treat. You can keep increasing the distance the hula hoop is off of the floor until your dog is jumping through it. Make sure to be patient with your pup and remember that this should be fun, not at all stressful for you or your dog.

Layered Up Hike

Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Cheap
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Waste Bags
Water and Bowl
Warm Clothing/Layers
Activity description
Just because it is cold out does not mean that you and your pup HAVE to stay inside. A hike in Utah when the weather is cold is more than possible. What you do have to do is prepare for the weather so that you are comfortable. This means dressing in layers, having a warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves and possibly some other items like hand warmers and a warm beverage. Choose your trail and be prepared; then you and your pup can enjoy a walk in any number of beautiful places that the state of Utah has to offer!
Step
1
Choose where to hike
Deciding where you will hike will depend in part on where you are and how far you would like to travel. The state offers many opportunities for you and your pup to trek the trails. You can check out the trails of Mill Creek Canyon in Salt Lake City, explore Dry Canyon in Logan, visit various trails in Moab, or explore the trails of the Kanab Trails system among many other possibilities. A little online research will provide you will plenty of ideas for hikes you and your pup can take when the weather is cold in Utah.
Step
2
Get ready
This means getting your layers and other items together. How many layers you will need will depend on the temperature and how cold you tend to get. A base layer is a good place to start (a short or long sleeve t-shirt) and then add from there. A fleece jack or pullover can help keep you insulated; make sure to have a warm jacket as well. A hat, gloves and scarf are key to keep heat from escaping and don't forget thick socks so your feet can stay warm. Keep in mind that as you get moving, you will likely warm up. Plan to carry a backpack with you so that as you remove layers you have a place to put them. Other items to have handy are waste bags, a leash for your dog, water and treats. If your dog tends to get chilly, bring along a sweater or jacket for them.
Step
3
Enjoy your adventure
When you have the clothing and items that you need and know where you are going, you and your pup are ready to enjoy some outdoor time together. Head on over to the trail that you have chosen and once you are layered up, begin your walk. Go for as long as you like and be sure to enjoy the fresh air. Remove your layers as necessary so that you don't get overheated. Even though the weather is cold, make sure that you and your pup have plenty of water. It is important that you remain hydrated!

More Fun Ideas...

Visit the REaD Cat

Thinking of curling up on the couch with a good book on a cold day? Why not do a little shopping first to find just the right book to relax with. Located in Kanab, the REaD Cat is a bookstore and more! It includes books as well as t-shirts, cards, puzzles, board games, magnets and other fun items. Leashed dogs with good behavior can accompany their human into the shop to check things out. Shopping and browsing with your canine buddy will give you the chance to spend some time together someplace warm!

Moab Barkery

Looking for something to do when the weather is cold in Utah? Why not check out The Moab BARKery? This fun shop showcases a variety of products like premium food, natural treats, training and outdoor gear, supplies for your home, bedding and pet-related gifts. Foods contain no wheat or soy and helpful staff members are happy to work with you on how to best meet your pup's nutritional needs. You and your pup can visit the BARKery and do some shopping or learn about how the foods and treats they offer can benefit your pooch. Whether or not you make any purchases, it is a fun store for you and your dog to explore!

Work On Tricks

You might have some tricks or obedience skills in mind that you have been meaning to work on with your pup. When the weather is cold, it is the perfect time to work on these things while inside your home. Choose a trick or skill and research how to best work with your pup to learn it. The internet is a great resource for this; you can find written instructions as well as videos. Make sure to have some treats available to reward your pup with as you work with them. Make sure to have patience - this will ensure that this is a fun activity for you and for your pup!

Conclusion

A cold day in Utah does not mean that you and your pup won't have anything to do. With a little thought, you and your pup will find plenty of ways to spend time together, whether inside or outside of your home. Whichever activities you decide to engage in, you and your pup will be able to enjoy some quality time with one another, have some fun and further develop your relationship. In addition, you won't have to worry about your pup meeting their activity needs or getting into trouble out of boredom!