Has the family dog been scratching the paint off the back door, chewing up the furniture or messing in the house?

It could be the wintertime blues. This year's harsh winter is triggering lots of "cabin fever" - and that includes our pets.

Shorter days and winter weather mean dogs in many part of the country - especially the Northeast and Midwest this year -- have little opportunity for outdoor exercise and play. Highly energetic dogs and hardy breeds that require lots of activity can become frustrated at being trapped indoors all day -- which can lead to a variety of problem behaviors.

In addition, p ets spend the day sleeping may develop a sudden burst of energy at 3 am , and crave attention from their human parents.

Stimulate him — body and mind
The professional trainers at Best Friends have a variety of suggestions to fight winter boredom.

The best thing for you and your pet is to bundle up and get outside. But when the thermometer is reading in the single digits and it is dark before dinnertime, it's not too appealing to brave the elements for a long walk.

If you must leave your pet at home alone, suggest the trainers, try interactive toys. A Kong stuffed with treats, for example, may keep your pet occupied and content. Hiding the toy compels him to hunt for it, adding to more stimulation.

Send him to camp
A fun alterative to lonely days at home is Doggy Day Camp, a program that allows dogs to socialize and exercise in a safe, supervised environment. Campers spend the day in group play with other dogs, and also enjoy nap breaks and cuddle time. Because camp provides exercise and socialization, it can help diminish negative behaviors at home. Dogs can even benefit from participating only once or twice each week.

Best Friends offers Doggy Day Camp at selected locations in Massachusetts , Connecticut , New York , New Jersey , Maryland , North and South Carolina , Georgia and Illinois . To qualify for Doggy Day Camp at Best Friends, dogs must be at least five months of age, spayed or neutered and non-aggressive.

Where Day Camp is not available, regular day care is an option. Dogs spend the day in a boarding suite, where they can see and hear other dogs and also receive special attention and monitoring from kennel associates. The structured routine, which includes playtime and a treat, coupled with frequent human contact through the day, helps most pets overcome their wintertime blues.

For more information about Doggy Day Camp or Daycare, call the Best Friends location nearest you.