In this episode of How to Have a Happy Dog Without Going for a Walk, we’re diving into how to keep your dog engaged and fulfilled as the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop. With a few easy adjustments, you can create a winter-friendly routine to keep your dog happy and calm, even if daily walks aren’t as practical.

Highlights:

• Adjusting routines for darker days — Tips for helping your dog adapt to new activity cues and routines, so they still feel fulfilled even when walks are limited.

• Making the most of natural light — Quick ideas to maximize any daylight you do have, whether that’s a short game in the garden or a few minutes of fresh air to boost their spirits.

• Enrichment over exercise — Why mental stimulation can be just as satisfying as physical exercise, and how to make the most of indoor activities with the TESS system: Tricks/Training, Equipment Games, Sensory Activities, and Scent Work.

• Safety essentials for dark walks — Reflective gear, buddy walking, and other key tips to keep winter walks safe and enjoyable, if you do venture out.

• Activity of the Week: Cardboard Box Treasure Hunt — A fun, easy enrichment game that lets your dog use their sniffing skills to hunt for treats and toys in old boxes. Perfect for a cosy night in!

This episode is perfect for anyone looking to keep their dog content through the colder months, with indoor enrichment and a few practical winter adjustments. Tune in to get inspired and learn how to keep those tails wagging all winter long!

For more enrichment ideas and training resources and to join Wags without Walks, visit ⁠LauraCarterCanines.com⁠ and connect with us on social media:

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