I feel like a bad dog owner?

In my experience dogs that get plenty of seasonal exercise (when weather permits) have a lengthy "off-switch" throughout the winter.

Will your dog swim? If you live near a metro area there's probably a canine swimming "center" somewhere around you. You may have to drive an hour or so but on a weekend it might be something for you to do with your dogs.

My current dog is ultra active during the spring, parts of summer, and fall but we do next to nothing in the winter outdoors. Indoor swimming is about it and that's not all that often.

If you have a big area in your house dogs will be happy with fetching indoors and doing some other activities indoors. I'm not really big on "dog tricks" but you could teach your dogs some new tricks just to keep them engaged if you think they're bored

You're not a bad dog owner for restricting their activities because it is so cold. Personally, I would do the same thing.

If it bothers you that you cannot bring them for a walk, I'm sure there are pet stores that sell booties for your dogs in order for them to go outside. They might feel a little uncomfortable with them on, but putting them on for short periods of time and praising them after they get used to them over time will help.

Good luck and stay warm!

If it's too cold for the dogs to go outside and you don't want to risk the animals freezing, then don't go out.

You're not a bad owner for restricting activities because it may place your animals health in jeopardy.

Stop worrying so much. The dogs will be fine in the warmth and comfort of their home. I'm sure they'd much rather be inside, warm, then outside, braving the weather for a walk, while their paws are freezing solid.

Do Booties work for your dogs. I put them on my pups feet and she loves playing out in the snow with them. (But it is ~20 degrees where I am at). Shes a golden retriever.

If outside is out of the option, perhaps empty out a room or make more runnning room somewhere in your house so you can play with them. My pit mix hates going outside (actually all the time, no matter the weather. I am unsure why, but she only goes outside for a quick moment to go the bathroom. It is a struggle to get her to the vet b/c she just hates going outdoors, odd dog!). So I get her energy needs by playing tug-o-war with her or throwing a ball around. Also I encourage her to run up and down the stairs to get her exercise needs done)....so those are some ideas!

It doesn't mean you are bad dog owner, it means the weather is bad.

I solved it by taking my dog to a doggy daycare. They have indoor play rooms where dogs play together and therefore exercise each other.

Raven, I have the same problem with my dogs. To complicate things, people are covering their sidewalks with 'ice melt'...which is great so we humans don't fall, but burns dog's feet. My little Shih Tzu cries when she gets it on her little feet, so I have to pick her up and carry her home. I get them out as much as I can. That's all I can do. I also try to find a path that has no ice melt on it.

You may want to invest in some dog booties. With a pair of dog booties they should be able to have their normal walks. Here is an example: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productI... I think we paid 15 a set for ours. We also found some at the dollar store for $2.

Same thing here, bull terrier cannot stay out long at all.Now my first one I had a jacket and booties for her so she played with her ball for a short period of time. This boy will not wear anything.So he gets very limited time outside. We do what is best for them. Don't worry.

You're definately not a bad owner,just a caring one.