It’s getting darker earlier which means the hours of outdoor fun are cut shorter. Some dogs find the chill of the night not very fun and yet they still want to play and wear off some of their energy. So how do you find a way to help them fulfill their urge to play? Many pet owners are at a loss because their dog destroys every toy and the game of “de-stuff the fluff” only last minutes. Here are some helpful hints to making the fun last longer:

Soft and Fluffy toys: If your dog plays well with soft, squeaky, stuffed toys, then you are ahead of the game. Playing nice with a soft, squeaky toy means wrestling with it, pouncing on it and fetching it when you throw it – not going straight for the seams. If your dog does not play nice, you have three options: Buy toy after toy and allow the carnage; Buy one toy and train them not to destroy the toy by putting rules on the games and taking the toy away when they begin to be destructive; Or don’t buy the soft squeaky toys for your dog. A hint for owners of destructive dogs: A really tired dog will play nicer and be easier to teach, so make sure you have done your evening walk before training them to play nice.

Let’s play together: For some dogs a game of fetch or tug is the perfect way to blow off some steam in the house. Fetch in the house is best in a hall or in the basement recreation room. A soft ball, rope toy or stuffed animal can make an appropriate toy for indoor fetch. Tug is best with a rope toy or a bungee toy to save your shoulders. There are rules to any game including tug. Your dog must release the toy when asked and can only tug when invited.

Smart games: Puzzle games work with any dog who will work for food. They are a great way to spend some time with your dog and make them think. It’s basically training your dog while you sit in front of the fireplace with them. I’ve taught many dogs from Toy Poodles to Mastiffs to play puzzle games, so any dog can learn.

Be Creative: All breeds make great little hunters. Some do not love the cold, but they do love to play. Use their natural instincts to have fun with them. Teach them to find hidden treats by putting them in one room while you hide treats under the coffee table, in their bed or at the foot of the stairs. The first time you let them out help them by walking to the various spots and tell them “find it”. Repeat the process and soon they will be bolting out of the room and zooming around the house looking for treats.

Starting to teach these games now will make winter a far more enjoyable season. So once your puppy is done wrecking your pile of leaves in the yard, take them inside for more fun!