Warm Up Winter: Six Ways to Keep Your Pup Active On and Off Their Leash

When the temperatures drop, that doesn’t necessarily mean your pup’s physical activity has to! There are plenty of ways you can get your dog the activity that you both crave from those glorious spring, summer, and early fall days. You might just have to be a little more creative!

So, what’s the secret to keeping your pup active in the winter? Before you head out to your car with your pups and their favorite leather dog leashes, let’s take a look at six of our favorite wintertime activity ideas first!

 

Keeping Your Pups Active On and Off Their Leather Dog Leashes

Just because winter is upon us doesn't mean the fun has to stop! You may not be able to spend hours outside playing fetch with your four-legged friend, but it is possible to get short bursts of good-quality exercise throughout the warmest parts of the day.

Check out some of our favorite activities that you can try this winter to keep your pup in shape in spite of the cold!

1. Schedule an outing to the dog park/agility course
2. Call some friends and schedule a puppy playdate
3. A good, old-fashioned walk
4. Enroll your puppy in doggy daycare
5. Try out local obedience or training classes
6. Take the exercise indoors

1. Schedule an Outing to the Dog Park or Agility Course

Not only does this get you out of the house, taking your dog for a drive to your local dog park or agility course is a great idea for many reasons—even in the winter! First, it’s exciting for your dog (if they don’t mind car rides) to get out of the house and have a change of scenery. Second, socializing with other dogs and their owners is essential for their development. Last but not least, allowing your dog to practice agility skills or just run around playing fetch with other dogs is excellent exercise and is sure to translate into an epic nap later on!

Make sure that before you leave the house to head to the dog park, you have prepared by outfitting your pups with the proper essentials. This includes a sweater or jacket, water, a collapsible water bowl, and of course, their collars and leather dog leashes. You certainly don’t want to lose control of your pups on your way into the park. When you put on your dog’s luxury leash, make sure it’s securely fastened before you get your pup out of the car.

There are a few tips to remember when you visit your local dog park. We've compiled a few here to give you a refresher, or if you've never been, hopefully, these tips help prepare you for your first visit!

• Keep it clean

Always try to get your pups to relieve themselves before you enter the dog park, if possible. Taking them for a short walk while still attached to their leather dog leashes is an easy way to do that before entering the enclosure. Always make sure to bag up their waste and dispose of it immediately, so you don't spread any diseases. If your pups don't use the bathroom before entering the park, keep a close eye on them and keep your waste bags handy—another dog parent might need one too, so keep some extras available!

• Know when to go

If your puppy is younger than 12 weeks old, we don't recommend that you expose them to other dogs, as they have not gotten all of their vaccines. Try taking your young pup on a walk with their new luxury leash and work on leash training at a local walking trail instead!

• Unleash your pup from their luxury leash

You'll want to make sure that as soon as you cross into the dog park, you unleash your puppies, so they don’t get hung up on their leather dog leashes. Plus, you don't want your puppy to drag that beautiful luxury leash right through a huge mud puddle! Just make sure to keep your luxury leash close at hand for when you’re ready to call it a day.

• Leave the toys at home

If your dog isn't typically good at sharing their toys, it's a much better idea to leave them at home to cut down on pup scuffles. Instead, opt for non-toy-centered activities like obstacle courses or just let the dogs run and chase each other freely. After all, that's the activity that'll wear them out the fastest!

 

2. Call Some Friends and Schedule a Puppy Playdate

Does your pup have a case of the winter blues? There’s absolutely nothing a pup party can’t fix! Call up your dog-loving friends and their pups and invite them over to your house for a play date! It doesn't have to be extravagant, but by providing yummy homemade puppy treats like these or party favors—a luxury dog collar or leather dog leashes—you can make your dog’s friends feel like royalty! Plus, you’ll get the added advantage of hanging out with your human friends, too!

 

3. A Good, Old-Fashioned Dog Walk

What’s better than a brisk walk with your four-legged friend? Many dog owners are a little nervous or anxious about taking their pup out in the cold and for good reason! Often, we hear horror stories about pups getting too cold or hurting their paws because of ice or road salt. However, if you take the proper precautions and choose the warmest part of the day, a short winter walk is perfectly safe and even beneficial for both you and your pup!

Most importantly, you should always follow this simple rule: if you have to put on layers to be comfortable and warm, your dog does, too. So, bundle up your pup in their favorite winter sweater or coat, and if they aren't opposed to it, you can even add booties to protect those little paws! As always, make sure your dogs have their leather dog leashes on anytime you leave the house.

Make sure to wash off your pet’s paws when you do get home to prevent any irritation if you’ve encountered road salt or de-icer!

 

4. Enroll Your Puppy in Doggy Daycare

If you're a working pet parent, you've likely looked into doggy daycare for your pup already. A great alternative to dog sitters or running home on lunch breaks to make sure your puppy can potty and get some exercise, doggy daycare can provide your pup with socialization skills and much-needed activity, even during winter!

There are a few things that traditional doggy daycares do well that we love and know your pup will too!

• Daycare facility provides socialization with other dogs, as well as other humans
• Dogs can develop social skills and interact with other dogs their size and of a similar temperament
• Exercise and stimulation are a big part of doggy daycare’s curriculum
• Some daycares also offer boarding and grooming services
• Your dog can learn basic commands and manners if your daycare also offers training or obedience classes

If you’ve got a dog that suffers from separation anxiety, doggy daycare can be a great (and perhaps less expensive) alternative to a dog walker or private dog sitter. Plus, you won’t feel guilty if you can’t make it home over lunch because you know your pup is having a ball with other dogs!

Always make sure your pup is up to date on shots before sending them off to their first day at daycare. You don't want them coming down with an illness if they encounter a sick puppy. Likewise, if your dog is under the weather, you should refrain from taking them to daycare until they're feeling better.

If you feel like your pup is better suited for some quality one-on-one attention when you can't be home, you can search for reputable dog sitters that can come to your house on your schedule. They'll spend time with your pup, take them on a walk with their luxury leash, feed them, let them out to potty, and of course, cuddle! Ask your fellow pet parents for recommendations in your area to find an excellent fit for both you and your pup.

 

5. Try Out Local Obedience or Dog Training Classes

For a unique activity you may not have thought of, try signing your pup up for an indoor swimming class! Did you know that swimming is one of the most highly recommended activities for dogs by vets, trainers, and canine physical therapists? It's a great low-impact activity, plus your pup can do it from the warmth of a heated indoor pool!

In fact, 15 minutes of swimming is equivalent to a two-mile walk – talk about an excellent wintertime activity!

If doggy swimming classes aren't available in your area, try signing up for obedience or other training classes. Your local pet store likely offers all kinds of training classes for all levels, from puppy classes to lessons for senior dogs looking for a refresher. The best part? You'll get to take part in these classes, so you'll get a lot of quality one-on-one time with your pup in the process!

 

6. Can Dogs Exercise Indoors?

When it's just too chilly to take your pup outside for some exercise, stay inside! There are plenty of safe, exciting things you can do to work with your dog indoors as there are outdoors. Let's take a look at a few indoor activities perfect for counteracting the wintertime chill.

• Treadmills

If you have a treadmill, you can use it to help your dog walk off some of their pent-up energy! To use your treadmill with your dog safely, you need to make sure to slowly teach your dog how it works and keep the speed slow at first, allowing them to get used to the movement. A handy tip that might keep your pup moving is holding out a treat in front of the treadmill so they will "walk" towards it. You can reward them for a job well done once they're safely off the treadmill!

• Indoor training

A cold, rainy winter day is the perfect opportunity for you to engage in some basic training courses with your pup! Things like teaching your dog to walk around the house attached to their luxury leash or how to politely greet guests without jumping are great activities to keep you and your active pup busy on a cold day! Not only will these lessons teach your puppy positive behaviors that will benefit you both later, but they also help your dog learn to socialize better with other humans and dogs.

• Hide and seek

Keeping your puppy's mind sharp during the colder months of the year, especially on days when you can't go outside, can be daunting as a pet parent. However, there are tons of ways to make a boring inside day more fun—and delicious! Have you ever heard of treat balls or puzzle toys? These fun toys dispense treats or pieces of dog food to your pet, but only once they interact appropriately with the toy. By using their nose, mouth, tongue, and paws, your pup will stay interested and mentally sharp for minutes at a time.

No matter which activities you choose, always remember that keeping your pup active in the winter months is just as important as the rest of the year. Keeping them engaged and happy also requires that you keep them safe and secure, too. We suggest investing in a high-quality luxury leash to do so!

 

Leather Dog Leashes: The Key to Staying Safe Outside

Making sure your pup has a fitted dog collar is the first step to keeping your dog safe when it’s time to head outside. However, you also need to make sure that you pair that luxury collar with a luxury leash to match! Not only are leather dog leashes and collars more comfortable for your pup, but they are also a lot more comfortable for you!

When you're searching for the perfect luxury leash, look for one that not only complements your pup’s personality but also has a long life span. That's where well-made, high-quality leather dog leashes come in.

 

Leather Dog Leashes for One and All

Here at LuxeMutt, we're passionate puppy people. We love our dogs as a part of our family, and we want to do whatever we can to keep them happy, healthy, and safe. That starts with making sure our pups wear leather dog leashes when outside on walks this winter. Whether you need a bowtie luxury leash to match your favorite bowtie dog collar or just need a sturdier, yet stylish luxury leash for the pup in your life, we’ve got you covered!