Cold weather has a way of shrinking walks and stretching boredom. One day, your dog is happily tired. The next day, they are staring at you like you owe them a full-time entertainment plan.
What most dog parents do not realize is that staying active does not have to mean long outdoor adventures. A few small changes can keep your dog moving, thinking, and burning energy even when the weather is not on your side.
I figured this out with my dog Henry after one too many restless afternoons. Once I switched up how we played and trained, the season got a lot easier for both of us. Let’s dig in and look at a few simple ways to keep your dog engaged when it is cold outside.
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Budget Tip:
Most of the activities you can do with your dog in winter cost zero dollars or very little money. The major benefit of keeping your dog active in winter is that he/she stays healthy. The key to being good a dog parent is keeping your pup healthy. On a super cold day this could involve a doggie daycare or dog walker. However, you keep your dog moving during the fridge months is a win-win for you, your canine companion, and your wallet.
Indoor Winter Activities for Dogs
1. Teach New Tricks or Commands
Winter is the perfect time to train!
- Teach “spin,” “bow,” or “go to bed” (or some other spot)
- Practice sit, stay, and recall in short sessions
Training helps to strengthen obedience and build confidence. I’ve found training with Henry is great for:
- Spending time together
- Teaching tricks (and it’s fun for both of you)
- Strengthening your relationship and bond
- Mental stimulation for your pup
My dog, Henry, loves training and learning new behaviors. You can take a multitude of classes or learn new behaviors for free. That’s perfect for your budget and perfect for staying home and training. Honestly, there are many great dog trainers available virtually for free or at an economical price. Just make sure you have a great internet connection.
Henry comes alive when we do any training. It’s really a win-win winter dog activity.
TIP: Many winter games also strengthen your relationship, and these activities are a great way to build trust and connection when you’re spending more time indoors together.
2. Hide & Seek Treat Games
This activity uses your dog’s powerful sense of smell and taps into natural instinct play.
- Hide favorite treats or toys around a room
- Let your dog sniff and search
- Increase the difficulty each time
A scent game boosts mental enrichment, and it’s great on cold days when walks are short.
The best part is that you don’t even have to go outside in the cold. There are several ways you can set up a scent game for your dog. Each is easy, and your dog of any age will love it.
This is the overly simplified method of a scent game I use for Henry.
- Treats. Make sure you have some very smelly treats on hand.
- Containers. Place the treats in boxes or some other containers. I often use plastic eggs.
- Hide. Place the boxes or plastic eggs in different locations, such as behind a couch, under their bed, or wherever you think is a good spot. Of course, “hide” the eggs when your dog isn’t looking.
- Sniff. Then let your dog enter the room and let your pup begin sniffing for the treats.
- Praise. Reward your dog when a hidden treasure is found.
3. DIY Indoor Agility or Puzzle Course
This is a fun indoor activity for a cold day. Simply turn your living space into an engaged activity course:
- Use chairs, boxes, and pillows
- Add treat puzzles or “snuffle mats.”
Guide your dog around the course and reward with yummy treats for successful (or partially successful attempts.)
This activity helps to engage both brain and body, especially helpful for high-energy dogs. Even my more chill, Henry, loves an indoor agility course.
If your dog still needs to burn energy during winter, these great exercises with dogs can be adapted for indoor play or short outdoor sessions when the weather allows.
TIP: Mental enrichment like this helps prevent boredom-related behaviors that tend to pop up during long winter days.
Outdoor Winter Activities for Dogs
4. Snow Games & Fetch
If your dog loves snow half as much as my Henry, then make the most of it!
- Toss brightly colored toys into snow
- Play chase or fetch in safe, open areas (Henry’s favorite)
There’s truly nothing like watching your dog with snow zoomies.
Those dogs that are specially built for the snow with thick fur, like Huskies or Newfoundlands, will love to romp around in cold weather.
Tip: Make sure to pay attention to your dog’s needs in winter weather. Ice melt is very dangerous to dogs’ paws. If you can get your dog to wear boots or shoes, that’s best. But if not, then paw paste is a good second choice. Either way, make sure to wipe your dog’s paws with a towel or wipes when he/she comes inside. I like these doggie wipes for Henry.
NOTE: Make sure you only use pet safe ice melt products this one, which is also safe for concrete and vegetation.
5. Doggy Playdates in Winter
It’s not just kids who love friends! Henry loves playing with his pup mates! It’s fun to:
- Meet with another vaccinated dog
- Let them romp together in the backyard or snow
Social play helps with your dog’s mental stimulation and burns lots of energy, which can be very much needed when the snow piles up.
6. Short Snow Hikes or Outdoor Adventures
Even when it’s cold and snowy, many dog’s still love to play outside. That includes, my Henry. For these dogs who embrace their artic DNA consider:
- Walk
- Short hike
- Dog walker
- Doggie daycare (Henry’s favorite)
It’s good to have a dog walker and doggie daycare option in your dog care toolkit, just in case you need some backup.
Winter Safety Tips for Dogs
There are a few things to keep in mind. These include:
- Limit outside activity when cold. Don’t let your dog stay out in the cold too long, even if they are a cold breed like a Husky. When you get cold, or your dog is cold, head inside.
- Keep paws healthy. Use a paw paste or boots to keep paws in good shape.
- Wipe off paws. Clean off paws as your pups come back inside (even boots can get a little snow inside). I like these wipe wets.
- Snow removal. Snow can be very cold, and if your dog tries to eat them off they may have stomach issues. I often use a wide-tooth metal comb or a whisk to remove the snowballs.
- Dry thoroughly. A cold, wet dog can catch a cold just like you. Also, wet skin can become itchy and lead to a problem with a pricey vet bill.
- Pet safe ice melt is a must. Even if you think your dog won’t get into some area, never use an ice melt that’s not pet safe. It’s not worth the risk.
- Mop wet floor. Snow can make floors slick for dogs and humans and cause injuries.
- Mindful of joints. Cold can be hard on joints and older fur kids. Here are some tricks to help with your dog’s sore joints.
- Check before you go. Never get in your car and simply go. Furry friends of all sorts tend to cuddle up under and in cars during the cold.
When it comes to your best furry buddy, it’s always a good idea to be safe and take precautions. Additionally, keeping your dog active and stimulated even when it’s cold is good for your pup and you.
Quick FAQ
Q: How long should winter dog play sessions be?
A: That depends on your dog’s breed and tolerance. I always recommend short, frequent play sessions in cold weather. Although I realize you might need a cookie or toy to get a winter dog, like a husky, to come inside from a snow adventure.
Q: What if my dog hates cold weather?
A: Some dogs just hate to be cold or wet. There’s nothing wrong with your dog. Heck, I don’t enjoy being cold. If your dog is averse to cold weather, then focus more on indoor mental games and training sessions. Often, treat puzzles and scent games are winners.
Q: Are indoor activities as effective as outdoor walks?
A: They can be! Mental enrichment and indoor challenges can tire dogs in a different way and help prevent boredom. Think of how tired you get when you’re working on solving a problem. That’s a brain stimulation exhaustion, which is great for any dog (or human).
How do I save by engaging in dog winter activities?
You may not think that you can save any money by keeping your dog active in the winter months. But you can. Consider the following for a moment.
| Possible Issue | Possible Cost |
| Bored dog is a destructive dog | $5-40,000 (depends on the item destroyed) |
| More joint pain | $25 – 7,000+ |
| Overweight health issues | $500 – 3,500 |
| Behavioral issues | $100 – $600 |
| Injury from inactivity | $50 – 7,000+ |
| Healthy and happy pup | PRICELESS!!! |
Related Articles Dog Parents Love:
- Great Exercises With Dogs
- 10 Ways to Bond With Your Dog
- Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
- Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Dog’s Immunity
- 10 Benefits of Daycare for Dogs
Turn a blah winter into a tail wagging pawsome adventure!
Winter doesn’t have to mean boredom for your dog. Simply use a mix of indoor challenges and seasonal outdoor fun. You both will be happy, engaged, and most of all, your wallet will love it! Henry says snow is the best kind of doggie fun! As I watch him with snow zoomies, he could be right.
