LONG LAKE, Minn. — Cold winter weather can make dog training a challenge.
However, there are some opportunities available to dog owners to continue training when the weather is inclement.
Kathryn Newman and "Higgins the Doberman" from Augusta Dog Training joined KARE 11 Saturday to demonstrate.
Here are tips for your training:
- Practice what you can at home and involve family members.
- Visit area merchants that are dog-friendly.
- Check with your local dog training facility regarding renting their training floor.
- Take advantage of outdoor areas that are typically unavailable such as soccer fields or baseball fields to walk on. These areas are great for recall as they are wide open and you can spot distractions at a distance. This allows you to be proactive in your training.
- Because your training sessions will be short due to the cold weather plan a field trip where you visit three different locations. This allows your dog to warm up in the car and offers several different venues which helps with the generalization of commands.
- Know your dog, some dogs can tolerate cold better than others but keep your session short.
- Have water on hand, dogs can dehydrate quickly in cold weather. So just like in the summer months take a bowl and water along.
- If you have a short-haired breed dress your dog with a coat and boots if necessary.
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