By: The ABC Staff
Winter can be a challenging season for pets and their owners. Shorter days, colder temperatures, and fewer outdoor activities often lead to what many trainers refer to as “cabin fever.” Dogs who are used to daily walks, park visits, and social interaction may suddenly find themselves with excess energy and limited outlets. The result? Increased barking, destructive chewing, restlessness, attention-seeking behaviors, and even regression in training.
For ABC alumni, this seasonal shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By proactively educating clients on mental enrichment and structured engagement, you reinforce your role as a trusted professional and help prevent small issues from becoming larger behavioral concerns.
Mental Stimulation: The Winter Exercise Alternative
One of the most important reminders to share with clients is this: mental exercise can be just as tiring as physical exercise, and in many cases, more effective.
Encourage owners to replace one long walk with multiple short, structured training sessions throughout the day. Five to ten minutes of focused learning builds engagement, reinforces foundational cues, and channels energy productively. Suggest revisiting:
- Loose-leash walking indoors
- Place training with duration
- Recall games between family members
- Impulse control exercises
Consistency matters more than length. Several brief sessions spread throughout the day often outperform one long workout.
Food as Enrichment, Not Just Nutrition
Winter is the perfect time to encourage clients to rethink mealtime. Feeding from a bowl is efficient, but it eliminates an opportunity for mental stimulation.
Encourage clients to rotate enrichment tools such as:
- Snuffle mats
- Frozen stuffed toys
- Slow feeders
- DIY scent boxes
- Scatter feeding in safe indoor areas
Teach them how to increase difficulty gradually to prevent frustration. Rotating tools weekly maintains novelty and keeps pets engaged.
The Power of the Nose
Scent-based activities are particularly effective during colder months. Nose work taps into a dog’s natural instincts and provides meaningful mental engagement with minimal physical strain.
Beginner exercises can include:
- “Find it” treat games
- Hiding favorite toys
- Introducing target odors
- Creating simple scent trails
For many dogs, especially reactive or high-energy breeds, scent work can significantly reduce anxiety and restlessness.
Indoor Confidence Building
Winter is also a strategic time to focus on cooperative care and handling exercises. Nail trims, brushing tolerance, ear checks, and body handling often get overlooked during busy seasons. Structured desensitization work now can prevent stressful veterinary or grooming experiences later.
Encourage clients to think of winter not as a setback, but as a skill-building season.
When owners feel equipped and proactive, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed. And when pets remain mentally fulfilled, behavior stability improves dramatically.
For ABC alumni, providing seasonal guidance strengthens long-term client trust and positions you as a year-round partner in their pet’s well-being.
