Rich Moore, 71, of Pagosa Springs, and his dog Finney hiked to the summit of Blackhead Peak (12,500 ft.) on August 19, but never returned home. The search for them was intensive, and teams spent nearly 2,000 man-hours scouring the wilderness, without success until a rather surprising recent discovery two months after their disappearance!
On October 30, a hunter found Moore’s body two and a half miles from the top of the mountain, in the Lower Blanco Drainage Basin with Finney, the Jack Russell, still alive but weakened, who had survived the harsh weather conditions, at his side.
According to Delinda Vann-Brightyn of the Taos Search and Rescue team, retrieving Moore and Finney was not easy due to the difficult terrain. A helicopter was used to drop the search team off on the steep terrain. Moore’s faithful dog accompanied him as he left the mountain.
After her rescue, Finney was taken to a veterinary hospital for treatment and examination, and was eventually reunited with her family. This surely brought them some comfort in the midst of their tragic loss.
Finney quickly won the hearts of many Internet users thanks to her courage and loyalty to her master. This moving story touched the hearts of pet lovers and wilderness enthusiasts alike, drawing attention to the deep bond between animal and master. It also reminds us of the dangers inherent in exploring nature.
Colorado Missing Person Organization
Although the Archuleta County Sheriff’s Office and other investigating authorities have yet to determine the cause of Moore’s death, it is unlikely that foul play was involved. The incident has sparked debate about mountain safety and preparedness, as reports suggest that Moore was not sufficiently prepared when he arrived at his destination.
On April 16, Emily Rawson and her boyfriend, Greg Saulnier, had Sunday dinner at her parent’s house in Okotoks, Alta., 45 kilometres south of Calgary. After the meal, Rawson and Saulnier took their three dogs, Buck, Brinley, and Ferb, out for a walk. They headed down the ridge behind Rawson’s family home, which leads to a river valley and beyond it an open field of grass that used to be a campground—a section of land Rawson’s been exploring since she was a kid. Despite being privately owned, it’s become a popular dog-walking area.
The three dogs took off to explore. Buck waded into the swampy water of a nearby pond. Rawson called Buck back but was distracted by Brinley. When she looked up, Buck was gone.
“That was just really strange,” she says, “because he’s actually a therapy dog, so he doesn’t really leave my area. And it was weird that I couldn’t hear any walking or any sign of him.”
Photo Courtesy of Emily Rawson
Rawson shouted Buck’s name. When she didn’t hear anything, she texted her mom at the house, asking her parents to come and help look. She kept shouting Buck’s name until finally she heard a single bark. “It kind of sounded like there was an echo,” Rawson says. She checked the storm pipes near the pond but didn’t see anything, so she walked further into the campground. That’s when she heard what sounded like a panicked scream.
She’d never heard Buck make that noise. “My heart just instantly dropped when I heard that because I knew something was wrong,” Rawson says. Adrenaline kicked and Rawson and Saulnier hunted for the source of the barking. Rawson walked deeper into the field and almost tumbled into an opening in the grass the size of a manhole cover. Peering down, Rawson could see Buck about a metre and a half below, treading water.
It turns out the hole was an abandoned septic tank filled with cold water, a remnant of the campground. Rawson and Saulnier both reached into grab Buck but it was too deep. Unsure what to do, Rawson started having a panic attack, shouting at Buck to keep swimming.
Meanwhile, Rawson’s parents were walking down the ridge, headed over to help. At this point, Buck had been in the water for close to 10 minutes, and Saulnier noticed the dog’s head bobbing and slipping under.
“I keep ropes and all that kind of stuff in my vehicle,” Saulnier says. “But my vehicle was back at the house up the hill. And when I looked back at Buck, his head was up and down in the water. I knew we were running out of time.”
Saulnier stripped off his sweater, socks, and shoes, and slipped into the hole, plunging into the ice-cold water. “You could actually feel how cold the water was from the surface. You could see Buck’s breath it was so cold in there,” he says. “Once I dropped into the water, I submerged past my head and I still couldn’t touch bottom. I just went into cold shock.”
Photo Courtesy of Emily Rawson
Saulnier collected himself, gripping a metal pole that ran vertically down the tank with one hand and grabbing Buck with the other. He pushed the 60-pound dog onto his chest and then hoisted him one-handed up towards the opening, kicking with his feet. It took two attempts, but Saulnier thrust Buck up towards Rawson where she’d been joined by her parents. Rawson’s dad managed to grab Buck by his ears and hoist him out of the hole.
“Buck was pretty limp,” Rawson says. “He didn’t really spark up for a while. I didn’t even think he was alive. I couldn’t look at him. And then I was worried about Greg in the hole.”
While Saulnier may have saved Buck, he now found himself stuck in the hole with the freezing water turning his body numb. Rawson and her dad grabbed Saulnier’s hands but were unable to lift him from the hole. And as the minutes ticked by, it was clear the cool temperature was making Saulnier weaker. The family had called emergency services but there was no indication of when they’d show up.
Looking for a way to get Saulnier out, Rawson dashed back to the house for a rope. “I ran up that hill,” she says. “It took about two minutes, which is normally about a 10-minute walk. I think adrenaline kicked in because I remember I couldn’t see. I was so dizzy, and I felt so sick.”
Rawson returned with a rope and her dad lowered it to Saulnier who tied it around his torso like a harness. Rawson’s dad held the rope tight, allowing Saulnier to let go of the metal pole and relax his arms. He continued to speak with Saulnier, keeping him conscious.
Photo Courtesy of Emily Rawson
“It was pitch black and freezing cold, and looking up at that hole, it was so close but so far, and you don’t have the strength to get yourself out. It was a scary thought being helpless like that,” Saulnier says. “I started to go in and out just from being so cold, and then off in the distance, I heard someone walking.”
The Okotoks Fire Department had arrived. The firefighters lowered a sling to Saulnier and hoisted him out of the hole. Saulnier’s skin was purple. He’d been in the water for 25 minutes. After being checked for injuries and signs of hypothermia, Saulnier was given the okay. “The fire department said if Greg was in there another two minutes, it would have been a completely different story,” Rawson says.
Photo Courtesy of Emily Rawson
After the incident, the fire department told the town council about the open septic tank. Okotoks sent a team to investigate. The hole was estimated to be about three and a half metres deep. Since the abandoned campground is on private property, the town alerted the owner and asked them to seal the hole.
Photo Courtesy of Greg Saulnier
A spokesperson for the town said that the property owner was shocked to find out what happened and is taking steps to seal the hole.
“The property owner was quite diligent in responding to that circumstance,” the spokesperson said.
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Naming a new furry member of the family always takes a lot of work—first everyone makes a shortlist, and the rest of the time is devoted to convincing other people why your shortlist is best. In the end, it’s the names that mean the most to us, that we have a deep connection to, as well as the classics, that usually end up getting picked, as proved by Rover’s annual top pet name report. Here are the most popular dog names of 2022, plus a few other pet name trends:
Top male dog names
10. Toby
9. Winston
8. Teddy
7. Buddy
6. Rocky
5. Leo
4. Cooper
3. Max
2. Milo
1. Charlie
Rover also noted the fastest-growing pet names of 2022, including Julian and Harrison for dogs and Tiggy and Marbles for cats.
Food- and drink-related names are always popular choices, and this year was no different. Favoruite foods no doubt correspond with pet names, with Donut, Burrito, and Kimchi all being top choices. Gin, Merlot, and Cosmo hit high on the list of alcohol-inspired names, while Monster, Latte, and Boba rounded out the drinks category.
Pop culture also influenced our naming conventions. Elvis, Rhianna, and Mozart were trending musician-themed names; Eleven, Nori, and Saul were top TV show-themed names; and Rooster, Lupin, and Peter stole the spotlight in movie-related names.
Want to see if your pet’s name is on any of the lists? Check out the full Rover report here.
Bear shortly after he was found. Photo courtesy of Greg McLeod.
One of the joys of going to the cottage is sharing the experience with your family and friends, and that includes furry family members. So when Greg McLeod set out for his cottage in French River, Ont., this past Canada Day weekend, he and his wife, Julianne, brought Bear, their nine-month-old golden retriever with them. Bear was no stranger to the cottage. He had been around fireworks before, but out of an abundance of caution, Greg and Julianne had Bear leashed and on a harness during the festivities. But when the first boom went off, Bear bolted, and Julianne lost her grip on his leash. What followed was a chaotic 61-hour search for Bear featuring sleepless nights, countless search parties, beef broth, and a little luck. The ending was a happy one, with Bear appearing less than a kilometre from where he disappeared, but if Greg were to do it all over again, there are some things he would have done differently after speaking with pet recovery experts.
What to do in the first few hours your dog goes missing
Getting the word out to the community is the first step you should take after your dog goes missing, says Denise Coulombe, a trained animal search and rescue technician in Fredericton, N.B. and the co-founder of the Maritime Animal Response Team. She recommends starting with local veterinarians, animal shelters, and SPCAs so they are aware in case someone brings in a lost dog.
Spread the word on social media, but beware of scammers
Social media platforms, specifically Facebook, are great because you can join cottage and town-specific groups in your area and share posts to notify people in the community to be on the look out for a missing dog. The community can notify you of animal sightings, which can help inform search efforts, says Coulombe. “In many communities, there are Facebook pages and groups called lost and found pets in various towns and cities.” Once you start putting your information out there, beware of scammers. Greg received several text messages and calls from people claiming to have either seen or to have caught Bear. “After two days of no leads, I’m standing on my neighbour’s dock, and I get a text message: ‘I’ve found Bear.’ You’re desperate and you’re emotionally fragile, so you have to be careful,” says Greg.
If people do contact you about a possible sighting, Coulombe suggests that owners ask for:
The exact location the dog was spotted
The direction it was headed
A description of the dog (to avoid mistaken identity)
What to include on a sign for a missing pet
Coulombe has a specific strategy that she uses when posting signs to ensure they are seen in high-traffic areas. “I recommend using big corrugated bristol board in a neon colour that follows the 55/55 rule: five words that can be read in five seconds at 55 kilometres an hour and include a picture of the dog and use specific words such as ‘Lost dog, if spotted, call immediately.’ Put them at intersections, along the road where the dog ran off, and at coffee shops and gas stations. Even if the nearest gas station is a 40-minute drive from your cottage, if it’s the only one around, it’s likely heavily trafficked. Not to mention, Coulombe says dogs can travel up to 30 kilometres a day, depending on their size, so you want to cast a wide net.
Spread the word on social media
Notify nearby vets, animal shelters, and the SPCA
Create scent trails leading out from the last place your dog was seen or at your cottage (see scent tips)
What not to do when your dog goes missing
“Our natural reaction when you see a running dog is to call out to them or try and catch them,” says Coulombe “That’s a big no-no because when a dog escapes, generally it will go into flight mode. It’s a physiological response that occurs when an animal feels threatened,” says Coulombe. With that in mind, you want to avoid doing the following:
Don’t chase the dog
Don’t call out to the dog
Don’t approach the dog
What should you do if you find a lost dog
Check it for tags with contact information
Take it to a vet or shelter (they can scan a microchip if the dog has one)
Post in local community groups on Facebook
What you should do if you are the owner and you see the dog
Get on the dog’s level, lay on the ground
Call out softly
Prepare a food bowl
Always carry pungent treats with you
Scent tips
Beef broth
Bacon grease
Barbecue sauce
Dirty clothes with your scent (anything with a strong scent)
Tips for loss prevention and recovery of a dog
Microchip
Up-to-date tags
GPS tracker
Don’t offer a monetary reward, this attracts scammers
This essay about the coywolf was originally published as part of “The Great Canadian Creature Feature” in the June/July issue of Cottage Life.
Animals are oblivious to national borders. Their habitats pay no heed to lines on a map; birds and herds migrate across them at will. They were roaming the landscape long before those lines were drawn anyway. No nation can ever truly lay claim to any one beast as its national animal.
The coywolf is, quite possibly, the only known exception to this rule. It is the rarest of breeds: a new species of hybrid origin, a mammal forged before our eyes. The coywolf is younger than zoology, younger than even Canada itself, having emerged only in the last 75 to 100 years.
The coywolf’s origins trace deep into Canada’s cottaging heartland. In the early 20th century, as North America’s population grew and its landscape was colonized, the eastern wolf population (Canis lycaons) was hit hard. Facing a habitat squeeze and eradication campaigns, the wolves headed north from the eastern seaboard and the St. Lawrence lowlands. By the 1950s their few remaining numbers had found safe haven in and around Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park. That’s when they met up with some western coyotes (Canis latrans) who, facing similar habitat pressures, had migrated from the American midwest and the central plains region of Canada.
So began the greatest-ever dirty weekend in the history of cottage country. For the coyotes, it was probably not love at first sight. The western gray wolf (Canis lupus) kills coyotes, so the idea of getting cozy with its eastern cousin probably seemed a bit dodgy. But eastern wolves, being significantly smaller than western ones, were a lot less intimidating. They were also eagerly seeking to diversify the gene pool, so they’d have been in a welcoming frame of mind. Plus both were new to the area, and there’s no better icebreaker than “where you from?”
The courtship turned out to be quick, and the marriage mind-blowingly successful. Their offspring are acknowledged by scientists as a species of hybrid origin: zoologists call them “eastern coyotes” and the rest of us call them “coywolves.” (For taxonomy nerds, they are known as “Canis latrans var.,” or “coyote variant.”) Coywolf is the better name, given that the species is a perfect fusion of its ancestors’ inherent traits, to the point of practically wielding mutant superpowers.
The coywolf’s size falls somewhere between wolves and coyotes, weighing in at roughly 45 pounds on average—small enough for stealth and agility, but big enough to throw its weight around. They can be loners or travel in packs. They can hunt together to take down deer, or subsist happily on rabbits, birds, and berries, or shop for groceries, ie., raid a chicken coop.
But perhaps their most remarkable trait is their habitat adaptability: they can live anywhere. And at a time when the combined pressures of ongoing habitat loss and accelerating climate change are putting more and more species at risk, the coywolf is kicking everybody’s ass. Like wolves, they are comfortable in the wild, but like coyotes, they’re not perturbed by human settlement. They happily nest and hunt amid rolling hills, farmland, and even in urban areas. Across eastern Canada and the New England states and as far south as Virginia, the “coyotes” people keep seeing in their backyards are most likely Algonquin Park coywolves, busy reconquering the continent.
So in addition to being made in this country, the coywolf’s traits are clearly and distinctively Canadian. We all love our big-city amenities, as well as the joys of escaping them. We know how to nest in any habitat; there’s no landscape we can’t call home. We can get along with just about anyone, and we believe there is strength in diversity. Truly, we are all coywolves.
Facts & figures
Let’s talk about sex, baby: Unlike some other hybrid species—mules, hinnies, ligres—coywolves are fertile and can reproduce.
And the winner is… Scientists call coywolves “the most adaptable mammals on the planet.”
A wolf in alternate clothing: For a long time, people thought coywolves were just large coyotes.
Read more essays from “The Great Canadian Creature Feature” to read more of our favourite writers making the case for their pick for the most Canadian animal in the June/July 2021 issue of Cottage Life.
This essay about the coywolf was originally published as part of “The Great Canadian Creature Feature” in the June/July issue of Cottage Life.
Animals are oblivious to national borders. Their habitats pay no heed to lines on a map; birds and herds migrate across them at will. They were roaming the landscape long before those lines were drawn anyway. No nation can ever truly lay claim to any one beast as its national animal.
The coywolf is, quite possibly, the only known exception to this rule. It is the rarest of breeds: a new species of hybrid origin, a mammal forged before our eyes. The coywolf is younger than zoology, younger than even Canada itself, having emerged only in the last 75 to 100 years.
The coywolf’s origins trace deep into Canada’s cottaging heartland. In the early 20th century, as North America’s population grew and its landscape was colonized, the eastern wolf population (Canis lycaons) was hit hard. Facing a habitat squeeze and eradication campaigns, the wolves headed north from the eastern seaboard and the St. Lawrence lowlands. By the 1950s their few remaining numbers had found safe haven in and around Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park. That’s when they met up with some western coyotes (Canis latrans) who, facing similar habitat pressures, had migrated from the American midwest and the central plains region of Canada.
So began the greatest-ever dirty weekend in the history of cottage country. For the coyotes, it was probably not love at first sight. The western gray wolf (Canis lupus) kills coyotes, so the idea of getting cozy with its eastern cousin probably seemed a bit dodgy. But eastern wolves, being significantly smaller than western ones, were a lot less intimidating. They were also eagerly seeking to diversify the gene pool, so they’d have been in a welcoming frame of mind. Plus both were new to the area, and there’s no better icebreaker than “where you from?”
The courtship turned out to be quick, and the marriage mind-blowingly successful. Their offspring are acknowledged by scientists as a species of hybrid origin: zoologists call them “eastern coyotes” and the rest of us call them “coywolves.” (For taxonomy nerds, they are known as “Canis latrans var.,” or “coyote variant.”) Coywolf is the better name, given that the species is a perfect fusion of its ancestors’ inherent traits, to the point of practically wielding mutant superpowers.
The coywolf’s size falls somewhere between wolves and coyotes, weighing in at roughly 45 pounds on average—small enough for stealth and agility, but big enough to throw its weight around. They can be loners or travel in packs. They can hunt together to take down deer, or subsist happily on rabbits, birds, and berries, or shop for groceries, ie., raid a chicken coop.
But perhaps their most remarkable trait is their habitat adaptability: they can live anywhere. And at a time when the combined pressures of ongoing habitat loss and accelerating climate change are putting more and more species at risk, the coywolf is kicking everybody’s ass. Like wolves, they are comfortable in the wild, but like coyotes, they’re not perturbed by human settlement. They happily nest and hunt amid rolling hills, farmland, and even in urban areas. Across eastern Canada and the New England states and as far south as Virginia, the “coyotes” people keep seeing in their backyards are most likely Algonquin Park coywolves, busy reconquering the continent.
So in addition to being made in this country, the coywolf’s traits are clearly and distinctively Canadian. We all love our big-city amenities, as well as the joys of escaping them. We know how to nest in any habitat; there’s no landscape we can’t call home. We can get along with just about anyone, and we believe there is strength in diversity. Truly, we are all coywolves.
Facts & figures
Let’s talk about sex, baby: Unlike some other hybrid species—mules, hinnies, ligres—coywolves are fertile and can reproduce.
And the winner is… Scientists call coywolves “the most adaptable mammals on the planet.”
A wolf in alternate clothing: For a long time, people thought coywolves were just large coyotes.
Read more essays from “The Great Canadian Creature Feature” to read more of our favourite writers making the case for their pick for the most Canadian animal in the June/July 2021 issue of Cottage Life.
Puppies are beyond adorable. So, giving one as a present is sure to make an impact, right? As much as gifting a puppy will make the holidays unforgettable, it’s often at the expense of the dog. Plus, as fulfilling as dog ownership can be, it’s not a decision you should take lightly or make for somebody else. Here’s why you shouldn’t gift a puppy for Christmas and what you can do instead.
Dogs require a serious commitment of time and money
Puppies are a huge responsibility. A dog means a significant commitment of time and energy—from the basics like house training and obedience to meeting exercise needs with daily walks. Before you get a puppy for your family or gift one to somebody else, it’s critical that you guarantee they will meet the responsibility of dog ownership for the pet’s lifetime.
Dogs are also expensive. According to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the average cost of a puppy is over $4,500 a year. And the annual cost of an adult dog is around $3,700. So even though you are absorbing the purchase or adoption price of the puppy, is your gift recipient ready to take on all those other expenses? Your generous gift might not be so generous after all.
Choose a dog that fits your lifestyle
Whether you intend for the dog to join your household or somebody else’s, you must match the breed and personality to the new owner’s lifestyle. A busy herding breed might be perfect for an outdoor enthusiast, whereas a laid-back lap dog might be someone else’s ideal pet. Or maybe an older dog who is already house trained is a better match than a rambunctious pup. Because it’s so important to match the dog to the owner, you should never choose somebody else’s dog for them. And if you’re gifting the puppy for Christmas to a member of your immediate family, everybody in the family should be part of the selection process.
The holidays can be too much for dogs
The holidays are a busy and sometimes stressful time of year, and a new pet requires attention and routine while they adapt to their new home. Many people can’t provide that kind of stability amid holiday cheer. Plus, all the festive sights, sounds, smells, and visitors can overwhelm a new pet. And we can’t forget to mention the extra holiday dangers such as toxic foods, candles, and ornaments. Consider waiting for a quieter time of year when your family or the gift recipient can focus on their new furry family member.
A better way to gift a dog
So, with all this in mind, how can you surprise somebody with a more suitable gift? Consider dog-themed items such as a stuffed animal in the likeness of a child’s favourite breed, paw print earrings, or a graphic t-shirt with dog images. What about a subscription to a dog magazine? Or you can donate to an animal shelter or rescue organization in the person’s name.
If the recipient has agreed to dog ownership and you’ve chosen a more appropriate time to pick the puppy, you can still give a holiday present. Wrap a few books about how to choose a puppy or train a dog. Put a bow on a collar and leash. Or you could even pre-pay the adoption fee at the shelter or rescue, then help the gift recipient choose their dog later on.
Puppies are beyond adorable. So, giving one as a present is sure to make an impact, right? As much as gifting a puppy will make the holidays unforgettable, it’s often at the expense of the dog. Plus, as fulfilling as dog ownership can be, it’s not a decision you should take lightly or make for somebody else. Here’s why you shouldn’t gift a puppy for Christmas and what you can do instead.
Dogs require a serious commitment of time and money
Puppies are a huge responsibility. A dog means a significant commitment of time and energy—from the basics like house training and obedience to meeting exercise needs with daily walks. Before you get a puppy for your family or gift one to somebody else, it’s critical that you guarantee they will meet the responsibility of dog ownership for the pet’s lifetime.
Dogs are also expensive. According to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the average cost of a puppy is over $4,500 a year. And the annual cost of an adult dog is around $3,700. So even though you are absorbing the purchase or adoption price of the puppy, is your gift recipient ready to take on all those other expenses? Your generous gift might not be so generous after all.
Choose a dog that fits your lifestyle
Whether you intend for the dog to join your household or somebody else’s, you must match the breed and personality to the new owner’s lifestyle. A busy herding breed might be perfect for an outdoor enthusiast, whereas a laid-back lap dog might be someone else’s ideal pet. Or maybe an older dog who is already house trained is a better match than a rambunctious pup. Because it’s so important to match the dog to the owner, you should never choose somebody else’s dog for them. And if you’re gifting the puppy for Christmas to a member of your immediate family, everybody in the family should be part of the selection process.
The holidays can be too much for dogs
The holidays are a busy and sometimes stressful time of year, and a new pet requires attention and routine while they adapt to their new home. Many people can’t provide that kind of stability amid holiday cheer. Plus, all the festive sights, sounds, smells, and visitors can overwhelm a new pet. And we can’t forget to mention the extra holiday dangers such as toxic foods, candles, and ornaments. Consider waiting for a quieter time of year when your family or the gift recipient can focus on their new furry family member.
A better way to gift a dog
So, with all this in mind, how can you surprise somebody with a more suitable gift? Consider dog-themed items such as a stuffed animal in the likeness of a child’s favourite breed, paw print earrings, or a graphic t-shirt with dog images. What about a subscription to a dog magazine? Or you can donate to an animal shelter or rescue organization in the person’s name.
If the recipient has agreed to dog ownership and you’ve chosen a more appropriate time to pick the puppy, you can still give a holiday present. Wrap a few books about how to choose a puppy or train a dog. Put a bow on a collar and leash. Or you could even pre-pay the adoption fee at the shelter or rescue, then help the gift recipient choose their dog later on.
For fans of winter, the cottage can be a wonderland, and many dogs agree. They love to frolic in the frosty snow. But there is such a thing as weather that is too cold for your dog. We’re here to help you know when it’s time to stay inside and what indoor games you can play with your dog.
How cold is too cold?
Not all dogs can tolerate cold the same way. For example, Alaskan malamutes originated in the north and have the coat to thrive at temps as low as minus 10 Celsius. On the other hand, greyhounds originated in Egypt, and their lean bodies are designed for high-speed chases, not enduring the cold. They would appreciate a coat even at plus 10 degrees Celsius.
In general, temperatures at 0 Celsius and below have the potential to be dangerous. If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your dog. But there are other factors to consider. Senior dogs and puppies feel the cold more, as do smaller dogs and those with thinner coats. And don’t forget about wet weather or the wind chill, both of which can make typically tolerable temperatures too cold for your pet.
Sweaters, jackets, and boots can all help make your dog more comfortable outside, but it’s still important to watch them for signs they’ve had enough, such as shivering, whining, or holding their paws off the ground. And before venturing into the cold for prolonged activity, speak to your vet about your individual dog’s tolerance.
Dogs require both physical exercise and mental simulation year-round, even on chilly winter days. If they don’t get enough, they become bored and prone to problem behaviours—not to mention weight gain, stiff joints, and other health issues. Plus, the time you spend exercising or playing with your dog strengthens the dog-owner bond.
But how do you ensure your dog’s brain and body get exercise when you’re stuck indoors? It can be as simple as playing fetch up and down the stairs or ramping up your training sessions. Your dog will benefit from any play or positive attention. However, we have some fun indoor dog games indoor to keep winter exciting.
Build an indoor agility course
The sport of agility is simply an obstacle course for dogs, and you can easily create your own with items around the house. Turn large cardboard boxes into tunnels, balance a broom handle on two piles of books to make a jump, or have your dog walk across cushions to challenge their balance. Never force your dog to tackle an obstacle. Lure them with treats or a toy and reward them for trying.
Teach a new trick
Trick training is just for fun, so you and your dog can enjoy the process and forget about the results. And if your dog does master a new trick, you have something to show off to friends and family. Try teaching behaviours like spin or bow that stretch your dog’s muscles as well as their brain. Or what about working on a freestyle routine? That’s dancing with your dog to music, and it’s a terrific way for you both to exercise.
Play tug-of-war
Tug-of-war is beloved by most dogs because it taps into their predatory instincts. But relax; it won’t create aggression. (Although it’s not an appropriate choice for dogs who already have aggression or resource guarding issues.) Indoor dog games, like tug-of-war with rules, helps dogs learn emotional self-control. Teach your dog to drop things on cue so you can end the game when you want.
Provide your dog with puzzle toys
Puzzle toys require your dog to problem-solve. For example, they might need to lift a flap to expose hidden food. These toys challenge your dog’s brain as they figure out what they’re supposed to do. If puzzle toys are new to your dog, start with easier options until your dog gets the hang of problem-solving.
Play hide-and-seek
Hide-and-seek allows your dog to use their powerful sense of smell. Play together by placing your dog in a sit-stay, then hide from them. Call their name and let them follow their nose. Or you can hide a treat or toy for your dog to find. Either way, start with easy hiding places, then slowly increase the challenge.
Try scent work
Scent work is the search for hidden odours. It’s a great mental workout that taps into your dog’s instincts. This indoor dog game can be as simple as hiding a tea bag or toy for your dog to find, or you can invest in essential oils, like birch, to replicate competition scent work. Your first step is teaching your dog to associate the smell with rewards. Then hide the container holding the odour in increasingly concealed locations.
If you’re planning to take your pet with you on vacation this summer, be aware that high temperatures can make planes a dangerous place for animals, reports NBC.
Many airlines – including United, Continental, Delta and American – will not permit pets to travel in the cargo hold when the temperature on the tarmac goes above 30 degrees Celsius. Be sure to check with your airline about their policies before planning your trip with Fido.
Air Canada, for instance, does not allow pets as checked baggage between June 20 and September 10 except on Air Canada Cargo – and even Air Canada Cargo will not accept pets on flights into Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH) Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO) or Phoenix (PHX).
Once you get the go-ahead from your air carrier, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your pet is comfortable and safe. Make sure the crate is well-ventilated and large enough to allow your pet to stand up, lie down and turn around. The animal should have four to six inches of clearance when standing.
Purchase the crate well in advance of your trip so that your pet has time to get used to it. Place it somewhere he or she can explore and put toys and treats inside to make it a friendly, welcoming space.
