9 Winter Activities To Do With Your Dog

The nights are drawing in. The colder weather is upon us. Those distant memories of a summer well spent with our four-legged friends are fading – replaced by the imminent arrival of the holiday season and the inevitable transition into a new year.

Even with the changing of the seasons, our dogs still require physical exercise and mental enrichment at this time of year. That can prove difficult, particularly if you live in an area where the weather dictates that getting out and about with your pup requires significant planning. Nevertheless, as responsible dog owners, we must strive to find a way to spend time with our dogs – even if it means braving the coldest, wettest and darkest aspects of Mother Nature.

In this article, we’ll list nine potential ways to spend time with your dog over the winter months.

1. Hiking

More than just taking your dog for a short walk around your subdivision, get away from the hustle and bustle by taking a hike in your nearest state park. This can be a great way to unwind over the holidays, particularly in areas where snowfall is heavy. You’ll be able to take in some spectacular landscapes while fulfilling your dog’s exercise requirements.

Remember to take care when walking with your dog in icy or snowy conditions. You may consider bringing paw protectors to keep your dog’s feet warm, and think about packing a small rucksack with essential items like a small bowl, small bottles of water, treats, and other items for your pup. You should also ensure that you bring equipment like your dog’s collar (and E-collar if necessary) and leash.

2. Skijoring (dog skiing)

Dog skiing is ideal for dog owners with high-drive breeds who require plenty of exercise. Originating in Scandinavia, skijoring combines cross-country skiing with dog mushing, with your dog pulling you behind them.

You will need cross country skis and poles, a pulling harness for your dog, a skijoring belt, and a towline. Your dog will need to be sufficiently tall to navigate the snow, in addition to being strong enough to pull you along. One final note – while experience of cross country skiing may not be essential for this activity, it is certainly encouraged.

3. Scavenger hunt

If you don’t relish the prospect of trekking through the snow yourself, this activity is something you can do in your backyard. In fact, the deeper the snow, the better!

Simply take a few of your dog’s favorite treats or toys, and hide them within small holes in the snow. If you play this game on a regular basis (indoors or outdoors), doing it in snowy conditions will provide a unique challenge for your pup. This provides great mental stimulation as well as getting your dog to explore out in the snow.

4. Indoor playdate

Do you frequently take your dog for walks with other pups in the neighborhood? Does a friend or family member have a particular dog that your pet gets along with? If so, consider arranging an indoor playdate at your home (or theirs).

The interaction will not only allow your pup to expend some of their pent-up energy, but it will likely tire them out – making them easier to manage in your home after the playdate is complete.

5. Obedience training

There is never a bad time to work on refining your dog’s obedience commands, but if the weather confines you to indoor activities, this could be the perfect occasion to spend 10-15 minute sessions working with them.

You will make the best use of these sessions by ensuring that they all have a dedicated focus. Is there a particular command your dog struggles with? Spend the entire session making incremental gains on that specific obedience cue. You’ll be amazed at the progress your dog can make in just a few short sessions.

6. Dog yoga

If your dog is calm enough to spend time on a yoga mat with you, then dog yoga – or ‘doga’ as it is known – could be an option for bonding with them indoors. Several dedicated doga studios have popped up around the United States in recent years, and there are even free resources on YouTube to get you started.

7. Wrap gifts

At this time of year, it is customary to spend countless hours in our living rooms wrapping up gifts that are unwrapped in a matter of seconds. It doesn’t hurt to involve your dog in this activity, even if their lack of opposable thumbs means they’ll struggle with the tape and scissors – consider bringing their bed into the area you’ll be wrapping gifts, give them a chew toy or something else to relax with, and put on your favorite holiday music. As an added bonus, the recipients of your gifts might just get the odd sprinkle of stray dog fur included for free.

8. Scent work

Similar to the ‘scavenger hunt’ idea, Scent Work encourages your dog to find essential oils that are buried in a variety of objects. This nosework game encourage your dog to use their natural capabilities to sniff out objects, and offers great mental enrichment. You can participate for fun, or if you’re serious, you can even get your dog to a level where they can compete in AKC Scent Work competitions.

If you’re interested in getting started with Scent Work, be sure to check out our calendar! Our trainers across the country sometimes offer group scent work classes to build your dog’s skills.

9. Watch a holiday movie together

Okay, this activity is a bit of a cheat – you’ll be doing this anyway, but what if your dog wants to watch the TV with you? Make sure they’ve got a dedicated area in your living room for their bed, or simply allow them to snuggle up on the couch with you. If you feel inclined, there is (apparently) an abundance of Christmas movies involving dogs – but given the average IMDb rating of the majority of those movies seems to hover around three or four out of 10, a classic like It’s A Wonderful Life, White Christmas or Home Alone may be a better choice.

In summary

We hope this list has given you some inspiration for things to do with your dog over these chilly winter months, ensuring that you and your dog can enjoy this season together.

Whichever activity you decide to do, your dog’s safety is the most important thing. Be sure to check out our guide to keeping your dog safe in snowy and icy conditions for more information.