Winter’s cold weather and short days take a toll on all of us. The winter blues can even get to the best of us some days, and the same goes for our dogs. The cold temperatures and early evenings can even leave our big lazy couch potato dogs feeling blue. But Winter doesn’t have to be dull. Winter can also be a time for cozy nights and fun activities that can have both you and your dog having a good time. Here are some fun ideas for things to do with your dog in the Plainfield/Joliet area.
Take a Winter Hike in Plainfield/Joliet
From trails to natural historic sites, Joliet offers a variety of places to hike where your pooch can tag along. One path to check out is the rail-trail called Wauponsee Glacial Trail. Another fun rail-trail to walk would be the Old Plank Road Trail, or you can hike a trail preserved from a historic canal path called the Illinois and Michigan Canal NHC. Wherever you decide to take your dog, you can never go wrong with an outdoor hike on a trail.
Have an Indoor Activities and Baking Day
Winter can also hit us with some snowstorms and unbearably cold temperatures. For days when you don’t want to step foot outside, spending time inside with your pooch is sure to make them happy. Being indoors doesn’t have to be boring, and you don’t have to spend it watching movies all day. Interacting with your pup by playing with their toys and reviewing basic training can give them the mental stimulation that they need. You can also look up some fun dog-friendly baking ideas and bake your pooch a treat as a reward. For other ideas on indoor activities, you can also ask your local pet sitter for any other advice they might have to stimulate your dog and keep them busy inside.
Indoor Winter Activities: Dog Park
If the outdoor dog park is covered in snow and you don’t want to be standing in the cold, you can always visit an indoor dog park with your dog. Googling indoor dog parks in your area should provide you with a few suggestions on where to take your pooch on a cold day. Sure it won’t be a fresh air experience, but your dog will be able to interact with other dogs and run around to their heart’s content…just maybe not at full speed. This physical and mental stimulation will surely have your dog out of the winter blues in no time.
Skijoring
If you’re brave enough to try new things, enjoy a challenge, or just love to ski, then this next activity is for you! Skijoring is a winter sport in which a dog pulls a person on skis. If you have an active dog and are itching to get your skis on, then this is the perfect activity for you to get your heart racing and your blood rushing. Whether you take the dog out for a short time or a long time, this activity will surely have you both worn out and exhausted in no time.
Play a Good Old Game of Fetch
This last activity is a classic one. Dogs love to fetch all year round, so a bit of snow won’t slow them down racing after the ball. This activity doesn’t require much effort on your part either. If your backyard is fenced or if there’s a dog park nearby, a couple of steps can lead you and your dog to having a good time together. Whether you throw a ball or a stick, your pup won’t care as long as you’re with them there.
These are just some activities you can do with your four-legged friend in the Winter, but I’m sure there are a lot more ideas out there in which you can invite others to join in on the fun too! Winter comes every year, so we shouldn’t let it get to us and our pets. Instead, we should embrace it and take part in the activities it offers and brings because spending time with your dog will always bring about a good time.
