After a long time cooped up in the house, even the best behaved pooch will be antsy. Winter is the most common time for this to happen. A combination of long dark hours, deep snow and plunging temperatures may make it hard for a dog to get all the outside time she needs. But an active dog can get a bad case of canine cabin fever at any time in Golden or Lakewood. Even the best and most involved owner can find themselves with a dog with a bad case of canine cabin fever any time of the year.
The Signs of Canine Cabin Fever
Canine cabin fever shows itself in many ways. A dog may start to pace or even run back and forth for no obvious reason. Others may start barking just for the joy of hearing their own voice. Some dogs make take to pestering other pets to distraction. Some beg their favorite people to play with them at all hours.
A bad case of canine cabin fever can get destructive. A well-behaved dog may destroy the couch or other belongings. Others start raiding the garbage cans. Some very few dogs may show uncharacteristic signs of aggression. It is important to remember that these actions are born out of excess energy and frustration. Unlike a human, a dog cannot rationalize her feelings and direct them in a way that will make them feel better. That task is left to those who care for them.
Get the Dog Walking
While it may not be possible to take the dog out for a long run due to weather or health, there is a middle ground. Take the dog out for shorter walks more often. Instead of one long ramble in the afternoon, try a short amble in the morning and another romp in the evening.
If health or mobility is keeping the normal walker housebound, try the local paper for a dog walker. There are people who will happily trudge through wet and cold for a few dollars a week. Households with children can bundle up the kids and the dog and send them out into the yard to run off the energy.
If a dog walker or children aren’t available to take the dog into the great outdoors, then the great indoors will have to do. Using a long hall or a set of stairs is best. Try standing at one end of the hall or at the top of the stairs and playing fetch with the dog. Toss the toy till the dog is worn out.
Get the Dog Thinking
There are some ways to get a dog thinking. A thinking dog is a busy dog. A busy dog is a tired and happy dog. There are many toys on the market that can be filled with treats and food. Instead of an easy meal out of a bowl, a dog with a puzzle toy has to figure out how to get his dinner. This can take quite a while.
Another easy way to enrich a dog inside is to put the dog into a sit/stay or inside her kennel. Let the dog see you hide a few treats. Be sure to hide a few more sight unseen. Release the dog. Let the dog hunt out her meal instead of pestering the cat for his food.
Another way to involve a dog and possibly improve recall is to play a game of hide and seek. The dog is put into a stay. The people playing with the dog then go and hide. At first let the dog see where they are hidden. Call the dog in turns and reward her when she finds her person. As the dog gets better at the game make the hiding spots more difficult.
Get the Dog Playing
There are many ways to get the dog playing. One of the best ways to get a dog playing is to get her around other dogs. Today’s dog owners have many options for daily dog boarding. It is also called dog daycare because it has much in common with daycare for children.
At daycare facilities like Pet Peeves, LLC., dogs are encouraged to run and romp freely. There are other dogs for them to socialize and play with. While it may be hard for a normal person to find a comfortable inside space to regularly let their dog run free, a dog kennel is designed to offer just such spaces for dogs.
Dog boarding facilities offer many other benefits to a dog suffering from canine cabin fever. Indoor and outdoor spaces give dogs many different sights and smells every day. Indoor areas are climate controlled to be comfortable in even the worst weather. Doggie daycare play groups are sorted by size and temperament for safety. A dog will be with those most like her, to help her quickly make new friends and have a blast.
Get The Dog Learning
A dog who is using her mind will not be frustrated and bored. Teaching her some new tricks is a great way to bond and get through canine cabin fever. A dog and owner can buff up those old puppy training commands before working through more advanced tricks.
Consider teaching a bored dog the names of her toys while playing fetch. Even an ordinary dog will pick up on many more words than her owner would believe. More active tricks like fetching slippers or other objects are also fun. Home based training is great to impress friends and family too.
Also consider taking training courses. Dog trainers offer agility or Canine Good Citizen classes year round. Dogs who love others can benefit from becoming a therapy dog after taking the proper classes. Therapy dogs are a great boon in hospitals, schools and nursing homes. They spread joy to humans and keep some for themselves.
A happy and well-adjusted dog can take a little effort after a bad case of canine cabin fever. But the dogs and owners of Golden and Lakewood have many options available when they need them. Whether it is a good long play session or a stay in a great dog boarding place, a run of canine cabin fever can be cured.
