The Ultimate Winter Activities for Your Dog
Indoor Dog Park
Search for an indoor dog friendly park in your area. These types of parks may offer an indoor agility course that will allow you to do some training with your dog while also exhausting them. Dogs love meeting new friends too so what better place than at an indoor dog park!
At Home Activities
Puzzle Toys
Have you been eyeing a puzzle toy for your dog? Winter is the perfect time to get one of these mentally stimulating toys! Some of our favorites are this one by Outward Hound or how about this cute plush option by Frisco.
Obedience Training
Has your dog been misbehaving? You know he or she just needs a bit more obedience training, but you just haven’t had the time. The cold weather is a great reason to brush up on those behavioral skills! Teach your dog something new such as lay down, roll over, or heel. Remember to start slow and do small increments of training. Make sure you’ve got plenty of treats too!
Hide and Seek
Nothing stimulates your dog more than a good game of playing hide and seek. Dogs are pretty loyal companions so when you leave their side, they will be on the hunt! Try moving from one room to the other while they are searching for you. That tail wag once they find you will leave you both very happy.
Fetch
Play fetch! A simple game of fetch is just what your dog needs to exhaust them when it’s cold outside. Challenge your dog by throwing the ball in different directions or heights. They’ll appreciate this!
Dog Sledding
Certain breeds such as huskies, malamutes, or other eskimo dogs love the snow! Dog sledding could be a fun winter activity. Proper equipment such as a sturdy sled, harness for your dog, and booties are essential for this activity. If you are interested in learning more about dog sledding visit the Turning Heads Kennel website.
Temperature Precautions
Your dog may want to go outside for winter activities, but how cold is too cold to go outside?
- 45º F is still a comfortable temperature for dogs without needing a jacket
- 32º F is when water starts to freeze. Certain dogs may begin to feel too cold at this point, especially short haired dogs.
- 20º F or lower is when your dog can become REALLY cold and could potentially develop frostbite and hypothermia. Be careful when going outside at these low of temperatures.
Keeping your dog’s mental and physical health in check during the winter months doesn’t have to be difficult. Find activities that suit their needs and what makes them happy. With some of the activities mentioned above or even coming up with your own creative tasks, you and your dog can stay healthy and active during the cold months.
