5 Fun ways to exercise with your dog this winter

When the cold sets in, it’s tempting to hibernate indoors, but your dog still needs their daily exercise and mental stimulation—even in winter! With a little creativity, you can keep your dog active, healthy, and happy while strengthening your bond. Here are five fun and practical ways to exercise with your dog this winter.

1. Take Short, Frequent Walks

Cold weather doesn’t mean you have to skip walks altogether. Instead, opt for shorter, more frequent strolls to prevent your dog from getting too cold.

• Pro Tip: Invest in a dog coat or sweater for added warmth, especially for short-haired or smaller breeds.
• Why It’s Great: Walking keeps your dog’s muscles strong, joints limber, and their mind engaged as they explore the environment. Winter walks can also prevent weight gain, which is common when pets are less active.

Safety Tip: Avoid icy areas that could lead to slips and injuries, and be cautious about road grit or salt, which can irritate paw pads.

‍2. Indoor Obstacle Courses

‍Transform your living room into a doggy gym! Use cushions, chairs, and household items to create an indoor obstacle course for your pup to navigate.

• Ideas to Try:
  • Jump over pillows.
  • Weave through chairs.
  • Crawl under a table.
• Why It’s Great: Obstacle courses provide physical exercise and mental stimulation. They’re particularly useful for high-energy breeds that need to burn off excess energy, even on snowy or rainy days.

Interactive Add-On: Add in treat rewards at different stations to keep your dog motivated.

‍3. Play Hide and Seek

‍This classic game isn’t just for humans—your dog will love it too! Hide somewhere in your home and call your dog’s name to see how quickly they can find you.

• Pro Tip: Start with easy hiding spots to build your dog’s confidence, then gradually make it more challenging.
• Why It’s Great: This game provides mental stimulation, encourages your dog to use their natural scent-tracking abilities, and strengthens your bond.

Variation: Hide treats or a favourite toy instead of yourself for a fun twist! Check out this article for more information on how important interactive games are for your dog and your bond.

‍4. Practice Trick Training

‍Winter is the perfect time to teach your dog a new trick—or refine old ones! Training sessions are mentally stimulating and a great way to bond with your pet.

• Trick Ideas to Try:
  • Shake paws.
  • Spin in a circle.
  • Play dead.
  • Learn names for toys or objects.
• Why It’s Great: Trick training keeps your dog’s brain sharp and helps build their confidence. Plus, it’s an excellent way to tire them out mentally if physical exercise is limited due to poor weather.

Start Small: Use treats and positive reinforcement to make the training fun and rewarding for your dog.

‍5. Try Interactive Toys and Puzzles

‍Interactive toys and puzzles are excellent for rainy or snowy days when outdoor play isn’t possible. These toys challenge your dog to problem-solve, providing both entertainment and mental stimulation.

• Popular Options:
  • Puzzle feeders that hide treats.
  • Snuffle mats for foraging fun.
  • Treat-dispensing balls or toys.
• Why It’s Great: Toys like these are especially helpful for dogs prone to boredom-related behaviours like excessive barking, chewing, or digging. Keeping their minds engaged can prevent these issues while also rewarding them with treats.

DIY Option: Hide treats around the house and let your dog "hunt" for them.

‍Winter Safety Tips for Dogs

‍While it’s important to keep your dog active during winter, don’t forget to prioritise their safety.

• Protect Their Paws: Snow, ice, and grit can irritate paw pads. Wipe your dog’s paws after outdoor walks to remove debris.
• Stay Visible: Use reflective gear and a light-up collar for walks during dark mornings or evenings.
• Keep Them Warm: Short-haired dogs and seniors may need extra layers to stay cosy.

Don’t let the colder months slow you down! With these creative ideas, you and your dog can stay active, healthy, and entertained all winter long.Need personalised advice for your pup? Book a £39 video consultation with Vetsy today and get expert tips tailored to your dog’s needs.