Upcoming winter and exercise

[CrazyStella]

My Stella is 9 months old and FULL of energy, as I know most boxers are. I live on the East Coast and am wondering what those of you who live in snowy places do for exercise for the dog in the winter. Stella has never seen snow; I can barely get her to go outside to go potty in the rain. Right now the weather is great and I take her to the beach and the dog park, but I'm worried about how to expel some of her energy now that it is getting dark earlier (I work all day but have a dog walker) and the snow is coming. I live in a small house with a small yard so we rely a lot on getting exercise outside of the house. Any ideas as to what you all do at this time of year? Thanks!!

 

[pairofboxerz]

We go to the dog park all year round though things can get a bit dicey when the trails get iced over. However, most dogs seem to be pretty smart about staying off the ice and I am looking into getting some boot cleats so I don't land on my butt quite so often this year either (and makes navigating in the dark a bit easier).

Reba runs into problems when it gets really cold with the snow getting between the pads of her paws and winds up holding her paw(s) for me to clean them out. I have noticed that when she is running and playing (keeping busy), it seems to bother her less. Duke seems to be oblivious to it and just runs around like a lunatic. One positive thing is that it takes less time to tire them out. ;-)

I have heard of places offering indoor play (doggie day cares) but I figure I need the exercise even more than my guys do so we just all go play in the snow (which reminds me I need to dig out the mittens and boots).

 

[elgerdes]

In the thread "Boxer Ring" I believe there is a thread about this same topic. Some ideas I saw were wrestling, laser pointer, food games, hide and seek, just to name a few. Good luck

 

[CrazyCharlie]

When it snows, she will like it. hehe. Best thing ever to watch but yes there are a few threads in boxer ring already.

 

[jacquim]

We go to the dog park all year round for exercise. Our dog park has a river running through it, so I have to watch to keep the dogs off the ice though. I have yet to take the boxer puppy out in the snow but with my other dog, she has a sweater and boots that she wears and she has a blast (and I have some warm outer wear for those -40 days!). I find that she really needs the boots as snow gets wadded up in between her pads and her feet get sore otherwise. She can often go without the sweater since she has long thick fur but I'm sure that Raiden, the boxer, will need some extra protective as he gets cold and shivery even in the rain on walks.

 

[starzNJ]

You just have to tough it out. I used to have to march around the backyard with an umbrella and leash until Starz went potty because she would refuse to go out there in the rain.

Then the second she went I'd run her back into the house all excited. After a few months she got the clue that you couldn't go inside unless you went. She's fine now, rain or shine.

If it's really windy and her ears are blowing around (with rain) she still kind of "argues" with me about going outside. Also, in that 36" blizzard we had last year after Christmas, I let her go on the patio under the picnic table. I know it sounds gross, but there was so much snow, 60mph wind, that she was terrified. She was also only 5 months old.

I may have made her too comfortable though. We had some crazy thunderstorms this past summer and she was un-phased by them. I myself was scared a few times having to run out there and make her come back inside. She just continued playing like it wasn't even happening.

My point to all that rambling; you just bundle up and go out there and continue playing just like summer. Snow is even more fun because she loves eating it!! Added bonus.

 

[MNboxerdad]

Up here in the arctic wasteland of Minnesota, you have to deal with this alot! Snowshoeing and winter hiking can be lots of fun. I know people who skijor as well, but I never tried it with a boxer. Dog booties and a coat might help. There is a place in town that sells great sled dog booties and jackets that are reasonably priced. Dog Booties Last winter my guy was a young pup in January, and those dog booties were the only way I could get him some outside exercise. Well worth the wrestling match to get them on.

 

[pairofboxerz]

There is also a product called Musher's Secret that is a special type of wax to rub on their paws that is supposed to help protect their paws from the snow/ice. I have never tried it but I've seen people use it at the dog park and swear by it.

 

[Dell]

We haven't had the experience, but friends who have boxers old enough to experience snow say they LOVE it. Of course, your baby melts in the rain but you might be surprised by how much she likes playing (and wearing herself out) in the snow.

Another thought...and one I have no clue how to do...is train her to run on a treadmill. A friend does this since she has 5 boxers and simply not enough "go" to wear them all out. They love it. I can't get Kona to do it, but haven't tried seriously enough...hmmm, maybe good time to start before we are snowed in!

 

[Animommy]

What about the Mush Face?

Im really glad you posted this! I also live on the East Coast & every year have the SAME issue! Especially with having 5 dogs, they all get so darned stir crazy & feed off each other! (And mommy & daddy! )

One huge reason why i never really took them for walks in the Winter (besides my joints ) was that knowing that they are a brachycephalic breed, ive worried about the cold messing with their breathing?

Is there anyone that could give me some more insight as to if im merely being an over-worried mom or maybe tips on how long is too long, etc. This will be a huge issue for me this year also i can feel it!