During winter the days are shorter and the temperatures are colder. That combination makes curling up on the couch with a blanket tempting. And while you should definitely spend some cozy time with your pup, there are also plenty of ways to keep your dog active in the winter. Read on for recommendations to get you both through to the spring.
Get outside: Dog-friendly outdoor activities for cold weather
Summer may seem like the best season to get outside with your dog. But winter offers opportunities for adventures, too. And staying active year-round is important for your dog’s health. Plus, it provides a positive outlet for pent-up energy that might otherwise manifest as destructive behaviors.
So, what can you do outdoors? Here are a few ideas.
Give skijoring a shot.
If you’ve got a dog with Husky, Malamute, or other cold weather breeds in their ancestry—or if they simply love to pull when on-leash—this snowy activity could be a blast for you both.
Skijoring is a form of mushing, or dog-powered transportation. During this activity, your dog pulls you while you’re on skis. Sounds awesome, right? And if your dog turns out to be a natural at this new sport, you can even go pro, as there are competitive skijoring races around the world.
To get started, you’ll need some special equipment, such as a skijoring harness for your pup and a quick-release bungee tether. Your dog should also respond well to verbal commands (e.g., “whoa,” “gee,” “haw”)—a stop command, in particular. Otherwise, you may find yourself skiing into a tree as your dog bounds off after a squirrel.
Remember to bring some water along for your pup and incorporate mandatory breaks. Some breeds won’t stop unless you tell them it’s time for a rest.
Go for a hike.
Is your dog part Australian Shepherd, Lab, or another active breed? Winter weather likely won’t slow them down. In fact, they’ll probably want to continue their favorite activities—such as hitting the trail—despite colder temperatures.
Depending on your location, this could mean regular hiking or snowshoeing. If you spend any time on de-iced roads, however, be sure to clean off your pup’s paws when you get back home. De-icing chemicals irritate your dog’s paws or even be toxic. Alternatively, outfit your dog with booties, which will also protect their feet from cold and sharp hazards, such as ice. They may need a little time to get used to wearing them, so plan for a few short practice sessions inside before you head out into the snow.
Note: It’s a good habit to check paw pads after coming inside for irritation, injury, and even mats between toes (especially for Northern breeds like Huskies and Malamutes). And keep in mind that dry, cold weather or frequent changes in humidity can irritate your pup’s skin. Running a humidifier in your house may help. And you can reduce bathing frequency to preserve their coat’s natural oils. Finally, watch for cracked or chapped noses.
Stay inside: Ways to keep your pup entertained at home
If either you or your dog prefers to stay inside when temperatures drop, there are still plenty of indoor enrichment ideas that will build your bond and keep yourselves entertained.
Touch up on training.
Training is a journey, not a destination. It’s always a good idea to brush up on basic cues, including “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it.” But why not take things to the next level this winter and teach your pup something new, such as “left” (turn counterclockwise) or “give paw”?
If you want training time to double as a workout, have your dog do several “doggy pushups” by asking them to move between standing, sitting, and down positions. Or, toss treats to one end of the room and call your dog back to you. This will get your pup moving and strengthen their recall at the same time.
Learning new cues keeps your dog’s mind engaged and builds their confidence as they start to master different skills.
Get breed-based training tips →Try games and puzzles.
When it comes to playing with your pup at home, you’re limited only by your imagination. But here are a few suggestions to get your creative juices flowing:
- Treasure hunts / nose work. Hounds are naturals at this sport, but any dog can learn to play scent games. One easy way to start is to hide your pup’s kibble around the house—or even inside shoeboxes—to make mealtime an engaging (and, let’s be honest, fun-to-watch) activity.
- Brain toys. Have a pup with a high IQ? See how long it takes them to solve a treat puzzle. As we wrote about in our dog gift guide, we recommend Outward Hound’s puzzle products.
- Obstacle course. Herding breeds such as Border Collies and other active dogs will love this one. Set up cardboard boxes, footstools, and other household items in your living room, and lure your dog through the challenges for an activity that exercises their body and mind.
Want more ideas?
Try these at-home, dog-friendly activities →
