Calgary cold snap has dogs trying indoor puzzles: ‘Better than chewing the leather furniture’

John Canniff usually enjoys taking his Doberman Fin for regular romps at the dog park near their Calgary home. But the city’s current cold snap has put that on hold.

“He doesn’t go out when it’s this cold,” Canniff said.

But Canniff discovered a new way to have fun with Fin when he stopped in to pick up dog treats at Paws Pet Food.

Store clerk Shaina Fraser was demonstrating how various indoor dog puzzles work, trying them out with her Border Collie Frankie.

After hiding several beef liver treats in movable slots in the puzzle, Fraser explained how it works.

“She’s got to sniff it all out and she’s got to work to push off those white (plastic covers),” Fraser said. “It’s good to keep them busy when it’s cold so they can stay active.”

“It’s better than chewing the leather furniture,” Canniff said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's better than chewing the leather furniture," Canniff said.

When customer Lisa Matthews stopped in for dog food, she brought her Labradoodle Daisy into the store with her, both of them content to pass on their usual stop at a dog park.

“Only the hearty dogs are out there,” Matthews said.

But Daisy was eager to try her paw at a puzzle.

“She can definitely smell the beef liver,” Fraser said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "She can definitely smell the beef liver," Fraser said.

“That’s great,” Matthews said. “That would keep her occupied for a while.”

After moving the pieces around, Daisy got her treat.

“Are you ever smart,” Canniff said. “You’re ready for a PhD!”