Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Help – My Dog Has Cabin Fever!

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

Is your dog going stir crazy from being kept indoors during the cold winter months? The Hairy Dogfathers have a few ideas on how to keep sane until spring arrives.

Dear Hairy Dogfathers,

Mind taking the time to answer a couple of questions for me?

My Miniature Schnauzer, Pep, and I have to find something to do together in the winter! In the warmer months we both enjoy hiking. But in the winter, it gets way too cold, well below freezing, to go hiking in North Dakota. He’s driving me crazy – Pep is pacing around the house, and really wants to go hiking. I don’t want to go crazy this winter, so what should we do to keep active?

As well, I am interested in therapy dogs – how do you get started? I think that Pep would make a great therapy dog. I know a dog has to be out going and friendly, which is no problem for Pep.

Thank you!

Signed “Not Going Nuts”

Related:Newlywed Puppy Problems

Dear Nuts,

While it may be cold outside, the winter is no excuse to go out and have some fun with your dog. There are a variety of indoor and outdoor activities you and Pep could enjoy. You could also consider indoor dog-friendly sports like agility or rally. But don’t let the cold keep you indoors. If you own a good winter jacket, Pep should too! Get him a winter coat that fits him properly, as well as a set of booties, and you two can still enjoy hikes all winter long. If you find there is lots of snow in your region, consider snowshoeing!

If you are really interested in doing therapy work, contact your local humane society, as the certification and other requirements differ based on where you live. Taking basic and advanced obedience type classes is a great way to getting started toward your goal.

Have fun!

Related:A Dog By Any Other Name

Dear Nuts,

I love that you are looking for new adventures to share with Pep!

Being part of a therapy dog team can be a powerful experience, for both of you. Before you sign up to volunteer, take a really sober look at Pep and yourself. Therapy work is rigorous and demanding. Other dogs, unaccustomed noises, new smells and lots of strangers, coupled with clients who may be seemingly unresponsive, exhibit erratic behaviours or not be in full control of their bodies, means that many dogs are stressed by therapy work.

For the dogs and handlers who are up for the challenge, I suggest brushing up on your advanced obedience skills. Take some obedience or rally classes. The more you and your dog are communicating, the more confident you will be in new situations.

Once you narrow down the search for an institution that you want to do therapy work with, I suggest volunteering there on your own first. Get to know the staff and other volunteers, and how the place runs. Once you know the ins and outs, you will be more successful in stepping in with Pep.

I recommend reading this great book by Jon Katz: “Izzy & Lenore: Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me.”

Have fun out there together!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Best Wall Perches for Cats

You’ve heard of window perches for cats, but have you thought about wall perches? These will mount securely to a wall in your home, giving your furry friend another place to call her own.

Yorkie Apso

The Yorkie Apso is a rare but popular designer dog. Their mom is a purebred Lhasa Apso and their dad is a purebred Yorkshire Terrier.

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Alex

Say “Cheese!” Meet Alex, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Alex is a 5-year-old male Bullmastiff from Saltdal, Norway. Her…

Product Review: P.L.A.Y. Wobble Ball

The P.L.A.Y. Wobble Ball looks like a treat, but will it wobble its way into our hearts or out the door? When I eat chocolate, I like to shovel it into my mo…

Whippet

Known as sweet and friendly, the athletic Whippet is recognized for having an expression that actually closely resembles a smile.

Bare Eyed Cockatoo

The Bare Eyed Cockatoo parrots, also known as little corellas, are one of the smaller and unique breeds in the cockatoo family

SmartPetLove Brings An End To Puppy Boredom With New Toy Line

Superzoo is full of things I never knew I needed, but with a puppy (or any bored dog), SmartPetLove''s new Bounderz line may be my new best friend!

Why the Litter-Robot III Is the Last Litter Box You’ll Need

It''s time to introduce your cat to the next generation of kitty litter - meet the Litter-Robot III! It''s a robotic cat litter box that cleans itself.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Sunshine

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine! And this sunshine will make you happy when skies are gray! Say hello to Sunshine, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. She&r…

Can You Feed Your Dog Table Scraps?

Can’t finish your plate? Here’s what you should know before you give your dog table scraps. If you’re the sort of person who ends up with a…

Best Pet Treats for Squeaky Clean Teeth

Improve your pet''s oral health with dental yummies- they''ll have clean teeth and minty breath, and, as a bonus, get to munch on delicious treats!

Frozen Fruit and Lavender Bark for Dogs

Feeling hot and peckish? Break off a piece of this honey-sweetened frozen bark for your dog... and while you''re at it, get a piece for yourself!

Samoyed

The Samoyed has all the qualities you''d expect in this type of dog. It is alert, strong, happy, trusting, loyal, hardworking, gentle, and playful.

How To Groom A Dog

Here are the basics you''ll need to know on how to groom a dog. Feel free to print it out and keep it on the fridge for quick reference.

Bichonaranian

Bichonaranian, also known as Pomachon or Pom Frise, is one of the more recent additions to the diverse and rich world of designer dog breeds.