We’re in the thick of winter, and, depending on where you’re located, you might be dealing with a lot of cold weather. The festive season is over, we’re getting back to work and school, and the world can feel pretty chilly, dark, and grey – the last thing you want to do is spend hours outside!
But no matter the weather and the time of year, it’s important that we meet our dogs’ needs by getting one of the best dog leashes on them and giving them the chance to exercise. There are ways we can do so without spending lots of time outside in the cold, fortunately, as Juliana DeWillems, the owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, has explained in a new Instagram post.
In her video, DeWillems explains that her dog, Lola, has been restless due to the snow and ice, so she’s been taking her to their local pet stores in the evening, when it’s quieter, for a sniffari.
As she explains in the caption, “Cold weather doesn’t eliminate her need to stretch her legs & sniff,” so a trip somewhere indoors can be a great way to keep both dog and human happy! Large pet stores are ideal, because wide aisles and non-dog sections mean your pup will be less likely to come face-to-face with another dog.
“I let Lola lead the way and sniff wherever she wants,” DeWillems continues, explaining that after 15 minutes she’ll be tired out for the rest of the evening.
If you’re not sure what a sniffari is, you’re certainly not alone. Essentially, it’s just another term for a trip on which your dog can sniff where they want and lead you where their nose takes them. It can help them relieve stress and get some of that all-important physical and mental exercise, so it’s ideal for these colder months when it might be too cold to walk a dog.
To find out more about the sniffari, this article from a fellow dog parent could be insightful: I tried a 45-minute ‘sniffari', and it tired out my border collie more than a two-hour hike!
Meanwhile, if you want to know how to look after your dog while you’re outside with them, these tips to keep dogs warm in cold temperatures could certainly come in useful – after all, safety should always come first. Dogs get cold just like we do, and some dogs may benefit from a sweater or coat like Lola to help keep them warm.
Read next: Our guide to the best dog coats for winter walking