What do you do with your doodle in the winter?

[Azure & Muppet]

We live in an area of the country (northern Utah) where the winter months are very cold and snow covered. During the warmer seasons of the year, going outside to play and exercise a dog is easier. But in the winter, it becomes more difficult due to freezing cold temperatures, deep snow, and limited daylight hours (gets dark very early). To make matters worse, our city does not have a dog park, and the nearest one is closed from November to March. I'm wondering what other people do with their dogs to get play and exercise during winter (especially those who experience similar weather conditions)?

[Linda Karell]

I live in Montana, so I have much the same situation. I took two freestyle classes with Chervil, and that has made all the difference (freestyle is sometimes called dog-dancing, sometimes tricks, but it is fabulous for developing focus and the relationship between dog and person, and it is mentally exhausting for the dog). So when it's cold, I turn on the ipod to some great dancing music, get the treats (chicken for Chervil, wine for me), and away we go. We both get good physical exercise, she gets a mental workout, and she's wiped out, absolutely wiped out, at the end of 30-45 minutes.

[Missi]

I've never heard of this! My LIzzie would LOVE something like this, what a great idea! How do we find out more about these classes?

[Tamara & Giada]

LOVE this good for you!!!

[Amy Saxon]

What a cool idea! Bella already thinks she's a dancer. Tell me more about how this works!!! You just turn on music and dance around together?? :)

[Linda Karell]

My trainer told me about it after Chervil finished puppy 2 and we needed something to keep both of us working. I've listed some YouTube sites where you can see the "stars" of the sport do their thing. I'd check with trainers in your area to see if any teach a freestyle class or if they can refer you. You can get a lot off the web, but (like obedience) it helps tremendously to have someone working directly with you and your dog.

Attila & Fly - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5TW_uKSCUA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0RjKJfuPbE

Richard Curtis and Disco http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Dm22gcLP4&feature=related

Sandra Davis & Pepper http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e01RFf9Tr5w&feature=related

Mary Ray http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d-og0lKeso

Tina Humphreys (my personal favorite) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it97B7tbhzg&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sknEaZHHbhc

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You absolutely must include my all time favorite, Carolyn Scott and Rookie...I still think this is the best free-style performance in the history of the world. It still makes me smile ear-to-ear!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqbVbPvlDoM

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is totally awesome. How fun...thanks for sharing this!

[Linda Karell]

You're totally right--I LOVE this one! Thanks!!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Wow :) Hey we have one step down! I don't know ..... I am going to fall on my butt with this dog running between my legs but gawd it is fun

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We want a video!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Soon, I think we found our niche. I'm thrilled. :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If you look at Rookie's face, you can just see how much fun he's having...he looks sooooo happy!