As winter's chill sets in, dog owners across the UK are facing a familiar dilemma: how to ensure their four-legged friends get enough exercise when the weather makes outdoor walks less appealing. One owner, struggling with four energetic dogs, recently turned to the Reddit community for practical solutions.
The Winter Walk Conundrum
The pet owner explained the specific challenges they face during the colder months. Their dogs are used to spending significant time outside, but the drop in temperature has reduced these opportunities. While the dogs have plenty of toys, these don't always satisfy their need for intense activity, or 'zoomies'. The situation is compounded by seasonal decorations, as the owner noted, "with the Christmas tree up, they can't play super rough like they normally do."
In a further comment, they added context: the dogs do go outside, but unsupervised time leads to excessive barking at squirrels, causing neighbour complaints. Their usual routine of two-hour ball-playing sessions outdoors leaves them tired, but the energy often returns within an hour, leading to restless behaviour indoors.
The Overwhelmingly Popular Solution: Canine Hide and Seek
The response from the Reddit community was remarkably consistent. The most recommended activity was a version of hide and seek, often called 'find it' or 'hide it'. This game engages a dog's powerful sense of smell and natural foraging instincts, providing both mental and physical stimulation.
One user shared their successful method: "My dog loves it and sniffs his brains out trying to find all the treats I’ve hidden. Usually tires him out pretty nicely, and also I think makes him feel like he’s done 'his job'."
How to Play the 'Find It' Game
The game is simple to teach. Start by showing your dog a treat, saying a cue like "find it!", and then tossing it on the floor. When they find it, offer enthusiastic praise. Once they understand the concept, you can progress to hiding treats around a room while they watch.
The final, most stimulating stage involves placing your dog behind a closed door or gate, hiding treats in various spots around your home, and then releasing them with the "find it!" command. This advanced version provides a significant mental workout as the dog has to search methodically without visual cues.
The original Reddit user reported great success, stating their dog now "shoots off like a rocket looking for the treats" and that "it’s honestly really impressive to watch him work." Another owner adapted the game by having a family member hide, calling out for the dogs to find them.
Expert Endorsement and Additional Tips
This popular advice is backed by animal welfare experts. The Blue Cross charity also recommends hide and seek as a "great fun" indoor activity that is entertaining for the whole family.
Beyond scent games, other Redditors suggested structured indoor training sessions. Working on known commands in new sequences, or introducing new tricks, one dog at a time, can provide focused mental exercise. This is particularly useful for households with multiple dogs, as it encourages them to respond only to the commands given to them individually.
For dogs that are reluctant to brave the cold, the discussion also touched on practical outdoor gear like coats and boots, though the owner confirmed they had not yet tried paw protection. The consensus remains that combining shorter, managed outdoor trips with enriching indoor games is the key to a happy, well-exercised dog during the winter season.
