Easy game to play with your dog on cold days

It's hard to stay outside for long on cold winter days. So pet owners need to entertain the dogs inside. A dog that gets bored will find trouble. Here is a fast and easy game to put together for your dog and you to play.

Get an old pillowcase (that you will never use on a pillow again) and the dog's favorite toy.

Take the dog to the area where you want to play.

Get the dog's attention by showing it the toy and squeaking (any small toy will work, but squeakers keep them interested).

Show the dog the pillow case and place the toy inside. Let it drop to the bottom of the pillow case and show the dog where it is from the outside (squeak it!)

Wrap and twist the pillow case around the toy for more fun.

Toss the pillow case with toy inside on the floor and give the "find" command (whatever you use: get it, find it, where is it... all work well, just be excited about it).

Help the dog get started by staying excited and repeating the command. Reach down and squeak the toy inside the pillow case if the puppy loses interest.

Set some rules to the game to help your pet learn commands. The dog is not allowed to destroy the pillow case to get to the toy. They have to learn to pick up the end and shake the toy out.

Teach the puppy to not bite hard (there is a huge difference in using their mouth as a tool and trying to destroy something). Correct the puppy when it tries to bite and pull. Say things like, "Don't bite", in short even tones right when the puppy bites hard.

There is only one solution to this game. The person must stay involved for corrections and excitement. Get on the floor if you can, dogs of all sizes love that. This game will exercise a dog's brain as well as it's body. They will realize that by taking one end and shaking vigorously with their head (which they love to do) the toy comes rolling out!

Some dogs love to string out the process once they understand. Let them! This is fun play time for you and your pet. Add variations (more toys, use a sheet instead, etc) if your puppy gets bored quickly after 'solving' the game.

Most of all, have fun and play with your dog!

I'll keep posting more games I play with my dog. Do you have any fun games you play with your dog? Leave a comment!