Winter is just a blink away. But even when it’s cold or fretful outside, your dog still needs exercise, even if us humans would rather curl up with a blanket and wait for spring.
My dog, Henry, loves winter and really loves playing in the snow. But there are days I shudder at going out into the cold winter tundra and wish my dog, Henry, and I could hibernate until Spring. Of course, that isn’t practical.
Thankfully, there are activities you may not even mind so much, and your dog is sure to love when the temperature drops. With this in mind, grab a cup of something warm (maybe a pumpkin spice latte), and let’s dig in and discover a few dog winter activities to make tails wag and you not hate the cold months so much.
Budget Tip:
Most of the activities you can do with your dog in winter cost little to no money. The major benefit of keeping your dog active is that your buddy stays healthy. That means lower future vet bills. Even if you need to take your dog to doggie daycare or call a dog walker, it's worth it. Winter activities for your dog is a major win-win for your pup and your wallet!
1. Learn a new trick or take a new class
My dog, Henry loves training and learning new behaviors. You can even take a multitude of classes or learn new behaviors for free. That’s perfect for your budget and perfect for staying home and training. You can take a basic obedience class, work on heeling, or learn a new trick. 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.
Many dogs thrive in a training environment. My dog, Henry, comes alive when he knows we are going to train on anything, whether it’s a trick or a behavioral issue. He loves that engagement. I know his mind is fully engaged, which is great!
Learning a new trick or basic command has additional benefits.
It stimulates the mind along with increasing and strengthening the bond with you. It’s really a win-win winter dog activity.
In this article, I discuss other ways you can bond with your dog.
2. Doggie snow games
This is mostly for those who don’t mind being out in the snow or cold. Henry loves to play in the snow. If I chase him, then it’s even better. Or if I throw snowballs near him that he can eat, it’s the best day ever! If your dog likes to play with toys, you can even play fetch in the snow. Those dogs that are specially built for the snow with thick furs, like Huskies or Newfoundlands, will love to romp around in cold weather.
NOTE: 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.
3. Doggie playdate
Another great way to engage your dog in the winter is with a playdate with one of your pup’s friends. You can meet at a dog park or even in your backyard. If you meet at an off-leash park, let the dogs romp in the snow. (Again, just make sure there’s no snowmelt around for them to ingest.) A doggie playdate is a great winter dog activity for any age dog. After all, who doesn’t like catching up with their friends? It’s a great exercise for your dog and will engage his/her mind. It’s perfect!
4. Scent game
This is a fun one that any dog will love. You can don’t even have to go outside in the cold. Yet your dog will be totally engaged. 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 used for Henry.
- Make sure you have some very smelly treats on hand.
- Hide them in boxes or some other containers. I used plastic eggs.
- Place them in different locations, such as behind a couch or wherever (when your dog isn’t looking)
- Then let your dog enter the room and let him/her begin sniffing.
- Of course, make sure you reward your dog when he/she finds the hidden treasures.
5. Dog walker
Holy doggie is it cold outside! Yet, your dog needs exercise, and you have to clean your house and get through 50 other must-do things. One great option is to call a dog walker. If you have one already, you may be able to fit within the dog walker’s schedule easily enough. Then you can have room to breathe without worrying about taking care of your pup’s exercise needs for the day. It’s good to have a dog walker card in your back pocket, just in case.
6. Doggie daycare
This is always a fun day for Henry. I equate this to taking a kid to Disneyland. It’s amazing the number of activities a great doggie daycare will have for all aged and activity-level dogs. Even special needs dogs are included in great doggie daycare.
Moreover, with a day at doggie daycare, your pup is not only exercised, but also engaged and supervised. Henry always comes home thoroughly exhausted and completely happy. To top all that off, I can even log on and see him enjoying his day, when I’m having “Henry withdrawals”. It’s another win-win winter activity for dogs.
What else do I need to know about dog winter activities?
There are a few things to keep in mind. These include:
- 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.
- Use a paw paste or boots to keep paws healthy
- Clean off paws as your pups come back inside (even boots can get a little snow inside)
- Remove snowballs from your dog’s fur. It can be very cold and trying to eat them off can cause 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.
- Use pet-safe de-icer
- Wet floors can be slick. Mop up the moisture and put down rugs or towels to avoid an injury.
- Cold can be hard on joints and older fur kids. So, don’t stay outside long and try to use indoor activities more.
- Always check behind and under your car before starting to make sure your fur kids and other furry friends aren’t seeking shelter there.
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.
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:
- Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Dog’s Immunity
- 10 Benefits of Daycare for Dogs
- 17 Things to Look for in a Good Dog Walker
- Great Exercises With Dogs
- Cheap Long-Term Dog Boarding Solution
- Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
- 10 Ways To Bond With Your New Dog
Turn a blah winter into a tail wagging pawsome adventure!
Winter can be a difficult time to continue with the daily activities of exercising and stimulating your dog. But it doesn’t need to be so daunting. While you may change your daily routine, you can still easily provide fun exercise for your dog and keep his/her mind stimulated. Winter dog activities can include:
- Learning a new trick online
- Playing with your dog in the snow
- Letting your dog romp with a dog friend
- Setting up a scent game
- Calling a dog walker when you just can’t deal with the cold
- Taking your dog to play for a day at doggie daycare
Without a doubt, doggie daycare is probably Henry’s favorite dog winter activity. For him, it’s like going to grandma’s house and Santa is there waiting to see him. It’s simply the best place. I’m just glad he wants to come home.
