Labs of Steel

While we all know the benefits of exercise, keeping your dog fit during the winter months can be challenging. Lower temperatures and a decrease in our own activity levels make us less eager to play with and exercise the family dog. But these mostly indoor activities can help you and your dog warm up to winter:

• Throw a ball. Find a tennis ball or a soft ball and toss it. Your dog will be eager to retrieve it. Experiment with different sizes, and challenge him to bring them back to you. If space permits, play in a long hall or large room to encourage "long-distance running."
  
  
• Play hide-and-seek. This game tests your dog's sense of smell. Show him any object, and let him examine it by sniffing or chewing it. Ask him to sit and stay while you hide it. (Be sure to place it where he can get it.) When you're ready, urge your dog to find it. You might even try hiding yourself!
  
  
• Go "fishing." This activity is ideal for small dogs and places where space is limited. Tie a rope to the end of a stick, and tie a favourite toy to the rope. Dangle the toy, and encourage your dog to jump for it. A word of caution: If your dog has had muscle or joint problems, this exercise may not be advisable.
  
  
• Set up an obstacle course. Create a course in a large room-be sure to include tunnels to crawl through (a large box or an old open-ended barrel will do quite nicely) and objects to walk around or over (chairs, tables or boxes). Complete the course together or encourage your dog to go solo through each "station."
  
  
• Form doggie playgroups. If you know someone else who has a dog, arrange time for them to play together. Assuming they're compatible, they'll amuse themselves. Throw a ball, play hide-and-seek or try the obstacle course to see which dog can finish first.
  
  
• Find an indoor obedience class. Watch for dog-training classes in the newspaper. Attending weekly sessions will ensure that you and your pooch spend some time together. Plus, classes will introduce you to other dogs and their owners. Use them to set up doggie playgroups.
  
  
• Catch a breath of air. Weather permitting, take your dog outside. Use common sense. If it's much too cold for you, it's probably too cold for him. Come inside if he's shivering excessively or appears uncomfortable.
  
  
• Throw snowballs. Throw a snowball and watch your dog try to find it. Wipe his paws when you're finished to be sure they're free of salt or other ice-melting chemicals that might irritate the skin.
  
  
• As always, before trying any new rigorous exercise routine, consult your veterinarian.