Winter Boxer Excersise

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sporter

Boxer Pal
Hello everyone.

I was wondering: How do people keep their boxers excersised during the winter months when it is too cold to be out for very long?

Thank you!
Sarah Porter
SCBR Volunteer
(soon to be a first time boxer mommy!)
 

Boxer_21

Boxer Insane
Where exactly in NH are you from?? I also live in NH (Manchester) so I feel your pain about not being able to play outside for long periods of time. With Riley, I mostly walk when it's warm enough to walk (which today was :) ). On the days where it's to cold, we go outside frequently, but don't stay out very long. Normally we go out for about 15-20 minutes to play and then we go back inside where it's nice and warm. Thursday was exceptionally cold outside (as I'm sure you're aware) so we made numorous trips outside to play and for him to go potty. Other than that, we just play inside. We try to have at least one good wrestling match a day. Usually later on in the evening so he'll get pooped out a little closer to bed time.

Play some learning games as well as physical games. Boxers are incredibly smart so challenging their minds is also important. For this, I just take treats and hide them around the house for him to find. Sometimes we'll play hide n' seek. You just kind of have to be creative when thinking of new things to play.

Good luck getting your new baby!! :)
 

SweetGirlie1400

Super Boxer
I dont think yo "have" to aviod going outside just because its "cold".. its a LOT colder here in Canada (can get to like -32*C) and you'd still haveta take ur dog out... just dress them up warm.. get booties and jackets (or sweaters) and just bundle em up and bundle urself up and they should be just fine..... if ur looking for indoor exercise I know some people that are VERY CREATIVE! and they use thier treadmill to work thier dog out <they have a special tread mill desighned for dogs.. its wider..... I think a normal treadmill would do the same trick tho> its an idea lol :D
 

Thomas Liggin

Boxer Insane
What you want is some vigorous activity that will provide aerobic activity for your dog in brief periods of time. The activity will help to keep him warm. If you have snow on the ground, the activity will probably be limited to a smaller area. One you can keep clear to provide good footing.

I made a toy Indy enjoys from a tether ball. He gets quite stimulated and plenty of exercise in 10 to 15 minute bursts. Doing this several times a day will give him plenty of exercise without overexposing him to the cold.

You can find directions for making it on another thread. Go to General Boxer Forums>The Boxer Ring>Toy Suggestions.

You can make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise without having to work up a sweat yourself, since he does most of the work. Indy can now "head" the ball three or four times before it swings away from him. If you prefer, there are "soft touch" tether balls available. I couldn't get one at the local Sports Authority, but plan on ordering one from the internet. He doesn't seem to mind the regular tether ball, but soft touch should make contact gentler. Don't know if it will rebound as well.

After 15 minutes of active play Indy who is very fit is breathing hard. He has to chase it, jump to butt it, change direction, so he is exercising every muscle group from head to toes while playing with it.

If you have any questions, you can e-mail me, or send a private message and I'll be glad to respond.


Regards, Tom
 

sporter

Boxer Pal
In NH too!

Originally posted by Boxer_21
Where exactly in NH are you from?? I also live in NH (Manchester)


I live in Barrington, a hop and a skip from route 4 & route 9. I have been watching your pictures of your boxer baby, stories too and god he is beautiful! Quite a character too.
I finally have my hubby yelling at me about when we can get one too! So having become a volunteer transporter for SCBR, I just HAD to complete an application! Hopefully we get a boxer buddy soon. If not I am on a list for a boxer puppy in March...

Sarah
 

sporter

Boxer Pal
Winter boxer excercise

Thanks everyone, for the good ideas. I love the idea of a tether ball toy in the back yard! I am definitly gonna do that and I happen to have a nice 5 foot section of 4x4 left over form another project...Now I just need to get me a boxer....

Sarah
 

Scorpio

Boxer Insane
We go out everyday for a walk and play in the field, when its really cold we make it shorter. Ozzy wears a coat. They also have a big back yard just for them (Ozzy and Ryker my rottie). The teather ball idea is good, will definite do that!
 

Boxer_21

Boxer Insane
Riley also has a teatherball.... well maybe I should say he did. Early this past summer, I hung one in the tree and he has since popped one. The replacement was recently (within the last few weeks) pulled off the tree. Now he has two teatherballs to play with on the ground, but just the rope remains in the tree. It's a seasonal item here so I'm having a hard time finding one now. The first two that I got were only $5 at Wal Mart, but the only one I've been able to find is at Toys R Us for a whopping $20!!! :eek: I refuse to pay $20 for a teatherball, so we've been playing different games until I can find a reasonably priced replacement.
 
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