Larger dogs, too, can benefit from a fetch game. “For dogs that like to chase or fetch, I often recommend owners toss pieces of food down a long hallway or up or down a staircase,” adds Dr. Haug. “This can also be combined with training by asking the dog for a behaviour and then, rather than handing the treat to the dog, the owner throws the food reward so the dog can chase it.”

Think about setting up a small, informal agility course, especially for your little or medium-sized dog. You can use chairs, tables, etc. Your dog can go under the chairs and tables, weave through chairs set up in a row. You are hampered only by your imagination.

Your can play Hide and Seek with your dog indoors. One person hides and you send the dog to “Go find…” adding the person’s name. Most dogs will relish this sort of game. Since the dog’s nose and hearing are so acute it may not be a huge challenge, but it will be fun.

Be sure that all games involve thinking, not brute strength, wrestling or mindless play that can only teach your dog to be unruly. The point is to be creative and work with your dog to learn new things – fun things that you and your dog will enjoy doing and showing off to friends and family.

I suspect we have a world full of very bored dogs that aren’t making full use of their minds as well as their bodies. Use the inclement weather to ensure that your dog isn’t one of those.

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