Winter Fun for Your Pup: Ideas to Keep Them Happy and Engaged!

Winter Fun for Your Pup: Ideas to Keep Them Happy and Engaged! 

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean the fun with your dog has to stop! Here are some ideas to keep your pup entertained and active during the winter months. 

Snowy Snuffles
Got a pup who loves both treats and the snow? This game is perfect for them! Start by grabbing some of their favorite treats—something that’s not too crumbly, as they’ll be scattered in the snow. I recommend soft training bites or even your dog’s kibble. Then, spread the treats across the snow, making sure they’re far enough apart that your dog will need to use their nose to track them down. Once the treats are scattered, let your pup loose to find their goodies! This game will engage their brain and nose, helping to tire them out in no time. 

Find-A-Treat
If your dog isn’t a fan of the cold, try this fun indoor game! Grab a stinky treat (the smellier, the better) and show it to your dog. Then, put them in another room while you hide the treat somewhere in the house. TIP: If it’s your pup’s first time playing, keep it simple by placing the treat in plain sight. As they get the hang of the game, you can make it more challenging. Once you’re done hiding it, bring your pup in the room you hid the treat and say, “Find It!” They’ll start searching for the treat, and once they understand the game, they’ll be on a mission to sniff it out every time! 

Walkies in a Winter Wonderland
Winter hikes can be magical! With fewer people on the trails and no pesky bugs, it’s the perfect time for an adventure. Plus, if you have a reactive dog, winter hikes are great for avoiding crowded trails. The cold air and snow create a whole new “sniffari” for your pup to explore. What's a “sniffari,” you ask? It’s simply letting your dog sniff and explore to their heart’s content. Pro Tip: Use a long leash to give them more room to roam. Fun fact: dogs love cool, moist environments because they hold scents longer, so your winter hike will provide plenty of sniff-worthy opportunities! 

Game Night
Don’t forget to include your dog in family game night! Puzzle toys are a great way to engage your pup mentally and physically. Fill their favorite puzzle toys with treats or kibble, then let them solve them! If your dog breezes through their puzzles too quickly, try hiding them in different parts of the house or putting the toy inside a cardboard box for added challenge. For an extra tough challenge, wrap the puzzle toy in packing paper or something similar, and let your dog work through the layers before getting to the treat. It’s a great way to keep them busy and satisfied! 

Tricks for Treats
Training is a fun way to bond with your dog while burning off some of that extra energy! Indoors, you can teach your pup all sorts of tricks. The key is to make it enjoyable—be generous with treats, laugh at the mistakes, and keep it lighthearted. You can teach tricks like roll over, spin, or even teaching them grab you a cold drink from the fridge! Here are a few other fun trick ideas: 

• Crawl
• Peekaboo
• Agility
• Blow Bubbles
• Jump Through a Hoop

For more inspiration on new tricks to teach, check out this amazing resource: Do More With Your Dog. 

No matter what activities you choose, your pup will be thrilled to spend time with you. Stay warm, have fun, and enjoy your winter adventures together!