We love hiking but our options are limited in the winter. Even though we switch to snowshoeing, many of our winter hiking trails aren’t accessible or are too hard for us – hard for someone not in the best shape (that would be me) or short, little dogs (that would be Chester and Gretel). We still get out when we can, but our trips are fewer and shorter than they are in the summer.
Every winter I resolve to find inside activities to keep Chester and Gretel in shape so they are ready to hit the mountains as soon as the snow melts. Every winter I feel like I fell short.
This winter has been different. We have been consistently visiting an indoor play facility once or twice a month where they have some agility equipment. We have a DogTread small dog treadmill that I won earlier this summer (however, it STILL has not been set up…but it will be soon. I promise). The nice folks at DogTread also sent me a K9 FITBone for Chester and Gretel.
The K9FITbone is a balance “ball” for dogs. It’s shaped like a bone and has a flat-ish top and base. I imagine it is easier for dogs to use than the round FITPaws equipment. That is fine with me tough because this is my first time using this kind of equipment. to strengthen Chester and Gretel’s core. Although it is good for beginners, the balancing can be made more difficult by putting more air into it until the top and bottom start to round and having them stand on the bone sideways (only possible for small dogs).
Doing core strengthening exercises with your dog has many benefits including; increased trunk and core strength, increased range of motion in the joints, improved balance and awareness of the body’s position in space, and stabilization of weak areas. All of these things are very important to improving your dog’s hiking abilities and keeping them safer while doing it.
I’ve been training Chester and Gretel to get up onto the bone and jump back off on command. I admit that I have been bribing them with Zuke’s low-calorie, vegan, Skinny Bakes treats but I am ok with that because they are only 9 calories each. They are scored in the center so I actually break them in half so I get more “action per treat”. They don’t always break perfectly but that is ok with me. If I can get 3 treats out of one that is even better.
Chester and Gretel not only love the flavors but love the crunch (the majority of the treats I usually give them are soft). Using these treats, I managed to teach them the up and off exercise routine in the video below in only three days.
I admit that their mount and dismount is not perfect yet but I have no doubt they are getting a good core workout and we will continue to work on it. I know that between the new Zuke’s Skinny Bakes, and our old standby Zuke’s Mini Naturals, I won’t have to worry about expanding Chester and Gretel’s waistline with our short training sessions.
We’ve had a love affair with Zuke’s since before they had any idea who we were and we are proud to have them as one of our long-term sponsors. Their continued support helps to make sure we have the treats we need to fuel our adventures and that I can continue to share our stories and tips. Zuke’s provided us with Skinny Bakes to try in exchange for featuring them on our blog. To me, free doesn’t mean good though. Everything I say about Zuke’s treats is my honest opinion.
Roxy the traveling dog says
December 17, 2013 at 7:35 AMGretel looks a little unsure in that pic. Do you think they will like the treadmill? I’m curious to hear about that.
Jessica @YouDidWhatWithYourWiener says
December 17, 2013 at 8:48 AMShe pretty much ALWAYS looks unsure. We call her out little emo girl 🙂
I finally cleared a spot for the treadmill but we had to put our Christmas tree there. It will get assembled after Christmas and we’ll give it a go.
jan says
December 17, 2013 at 8:54 AMWe’re always looking for strengthening ideas during the dark dayd.
Pamela | Something Wagging This Way Comes says
December 17, 2013 at 1:22 PMThe hiking trails in our gorges are closed until May when the last ice and snow melts. But we have plenty of hills that give us a good winter workout–especially when you have to keep your balance in the snow.
But we have a foster dog who is recovering from hip surgery and I haven’t been able to take Honey for long walks lately. Maybe I’ll get the wobble board out of the basement for a core workout. Thanks for the good idea.
Jessica Rhae says
December 17, 2013 at 6:35 PMThe hiking trails are CLOSED? Ours are “open”…if you can actually get up there. They don’t tell you can’t go up there though. We, generally, have to stick to urban hills too in the winter. Chester and Gretel can’t walk for miles in the snow like they can on dry trails.
Pamela | Something Wagging This Way Comes says
December 17, 2013 at 6:38 PMNo only are they closed, but they post permanent signs telling about people who were killed there after disobeying the closures.
Who’d have thought the little old Finger Lakes would be so dangerous? 🙂
Jessica Rhae says
December 17, 2013 at 7:33 PMWow, that’s intense. I had no idea that hiking in New York could be so dangerous. There are a few people that die on our mountains every year from avalanches or hypothermia (a result of getting lost usually).
Heather B. says
December 18, 2013 at 7:06 AMI can relate to hiking less now that winter has set in and it’s hard to find new and fun things to do indoors – especially for a high-energy dog like Charlie! I’ve been checking out the FITPaws equipment for a couple months now and am really interested in getting something. Charlie and I share a house with my mom and her *overweight* Chihuahua, Peanut. I feel terrible watching her gain weight year after year, but she’s just such a couch potato! I’d be interested to see if a FITBone would help get her motivated! Thanks for the post.
Jessica Rhae says
December 18, 2013 at 10:06 AMIt’s hard for me to tell if the FITBone has any impact on Chester and Gretel’s energy level because, besides getting on and off, they just stand there. I know they get a mental workout though! It’s fun for me too so it is something I am more likely to continue with for them. If Peanut doesn’t like to go outside, this is something that might be a good way to get her started being active. I love that you are concerned about your Mom’s pup but it must be hard to watch.
Freida Hawking says
December 19, 2013 at 6:34 AMThat is so cute for Zukes! Way to go, babies…
Kathryn Durno says
December 21, 2013 at 4:15 AMBiddy and Tristan have a FitPaws Peanut that they love! I know it has made a huge difference in their core strength…the both compete and I can see the difference, plus they can’t get enough of it! I think the fitBone works pretty much the same way. We do ours about 3 days a week for just a few minutes…check out Biddy I the peanut she is having fun!
Jessica Rhae says
December 22, 2013 at 10:07 PMI think we will try the peanut in the not too distant future. Chester still needs practice on the FITBone but it doesn’t seem like much of a challenge for Gretel already. I think she would do great on the peanut and it would give her an excellent workout. I’ll check out your post.