If your dog is suffering from cabin fever (and what dog isn't?), here are some fun and easy exercise options for just about anyone - including those who are eager to embrace the elements head-on, as well as those who prefer to go into hibernation mode at this time of year.
Snow Sports
Want to take advantage of the snow? Grab your dog and the right equipment and you'll be all set. Just be sure to bring along some water for your dog if you'll be out for an hour or more; dehydration can be a problem in winter, too, and running through the snow can be very taxing.
Snowshoeing: Anyone who can walk can snowshoe, and the shoes themselves can be had fairly inexpensively online or via classified ads. All your dog needs is some basic obedience training. And it's great exercise for both of you.
Cross-country skiing: There's no better way to give yourself, and your dog, a good cardiovascular workout. If you're skilled, and you have good off-leash control over your dog, take him or her along next time you hit the trails - a good time will be had by all.
Skijoring: For a little more excitement with a hyper dog weighing 30 pounds or more, you might want to give skijoring a try. It's an adaptation of cross-country skiing that allows your dog to do the heavy pulling - and it sometimes means
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It's also a perfect technique precluding over-exuberance when someone comes to the door. Here's what to do: Snap a leash on his collar. Then deliver, and enforce, a series of commands as quickly as he can carry them out. Use any combination of commands such as sit, down, stay, come, heel, and sit up, mixing them up and imparting a sense of great urgency with each one. Expect that you'll have to use a few corrections to ensure a lively cadence. Once you've captured his full attention, praise him and release him. If he loses emotional control, repeat the