With the colder weather in full swing, it’s not always ideal to exercise outdoors. Some of the temperatures can be downright dangerous, leaving many confined to staying indoors, pets and all. Murphy the Golden Retriever won’t let a little cold keep her from her daily walk with Mom, so she decided to join her on the treadmill.
In the most adorable display of “walks with dogs,” Murphy’s genius discovery means she won’t have to miss out on her favorite activity. Watch this little one go!
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This sweet Golden may have just found her new hobby! According to Mom via @iammurphythegoldenretriever, it was well below freezing outside, so the treadmill was the only option. The smart girl joined in at the 5-minute-mark and enjoyed a little stroll as if the two were outside. When Murphy’s not getting her walk on, she’s a big fan of playing in the snow, practicing agility, and navigating life as a cutie pie.
It’s amazing how such a simple video can bring people together, all in the name of giving Ms. Murphy all the compliments.
“Definitely not crying at how adorable that is. She just wants to walk with her human,” one person wrote. “She’s like, ‘why didn’t you tell me it was time to go for a walk???'” another mused, while another deemed Murphy the “cutest workout buddy,” and that’s the truth!
Ways to keep your pup active during winter
You can’t help what the weather decides to do, and throughout the winter months, it’s hard to anticipate how often you’re able to get your pup out for a walk. Not getting enough exercise is a cause for seasonal depression, but there are ways to ward off any potential sadness before it begins. Point Vincente Animal Hospital in Rancho Palos Verdes, California suggests getting a little creative when it comes to keeping your pet active no matter what’s going on outside.
A popular option among pet parents is to check out a doggy daycare in your area. There, they not only get lots of exercise, but it’s great for socialization. If you don’t have access to this, set up an agility course in your house and dedicate a chunk of time to wearing them out. You don’t need much, just some boxes, hampers, blankets, or anything else oyu can put together to practice jumping over or under.
You could also hide treats around different rooms for a little treasure hunt. This is great for mental stimulation as well. Put the treats in easy places that gradually get harder to find. Snuffle mats work wonders in engaging your dog’s curiosity, and it’ll keep them busy for awhile, too.
If weather permits, there’s always the option to layer up and go outside for a walk, game of fetch, or snow day as long as you keep an eye on the temperature and protect their skin and paws to keep them safe. Though, if you have a smartypants like Murphy, crank on the treadmill and see what happens!
