Some dogs simply cannot handle the cold and snow. Just like us, they prefer staying warm and cozy inside during the chilly winter months. While winter can be beautiful with doggy-shaped snow angels outside, not every pup enjoys it.
It is very important to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated indoors when it’s too cold to go out. Lack of exercise and fun activities can make dogs bored, stressed, and even a little destructive. Indoor activities for dogs help them stay healthy and happy.
Today, we’ll explore 5 fun indoor activities that will keep your furry friend active, excited, and full of energy even during the coldest days!
Learn a New Trick
Learning a new trick is a great way to keep your dog’s mind sharp and their body active. Training your dog indoors during winter not only gives them mental stimulation but also helps build your overall bond.
You can start by teaching simple tricks like shaking hands or paw. Another easy trick is making your dog spin in circles. If you want something a little more advanced, you can teach your dog to ring a bell for treats. These activities are great for keeping your dog engaged.
Here are a few tips to make trick training fun:
- Keep each session short and positive, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Always use lots of treats and praise to reward your dog.
- Be patient. Some dogs learn faster than others, and that’s okay.
Training basic commands and fun tricks during the chilly winter months is a perfect way to spend quality time indoors with your dog.
Play Mini-Fetch
Mini-fetch is an excellent way to help your dog burn off energy, even if you have limited space. It’s especially good for small dogs who may not need as much running room.
Setting up mini-fetch is simple:
- Use soft balls or toys that are safe for indoor use to avoid breaking anything.
- Clear a hallway, living room, or any carpeted area or rug where your dog can run safely without slipping.
- Designate a play area where you can freely throw the ball without worrying about breakable items.
Bonus tip: You can teach your dog to bring the ball back and drop it in your hand. This extra step will add a little mental challenge and make the game even more fun for both of you.
Mini-fetch is one of the best indoor activities for dogs because it keeps them moving without needing a large yard or park.
Hide-and-Seek
Hide-and-seek is a very fun and challenging game for dogs. They love it because it combines mental stimulation and scent work. It keeps them active and sharp during the cold and snow when going outside is not an option.
Here’s how you can play:
- Start by hiding in easy-to-find spots like behind a door or in a corner.
- Call your dog’s name excitedly and wait for them to find you.
- Once your dog gets better, make the game harder. Hide under a blanket, behind furniture, or even inside a closet.
You can also make a variation of the game:
- Instead of yourself, hide treats or your dog’s favorite toy around the house.
- Let your dog sniff around to find them.
- Always give a reward when they find the hidden item. This keeps them happy and eager to play more.
Hide-and-seek is one of the best indoor activities for dogs, especially during the chilly winter months when outdoor exercise is limited.
Indoor Parkour
Indoor Parkour is a fun and exciting way for your dog to stay active inside. Parkour is a physical discipline and movement art that includes running, jumping, climbing, and swinging. For dogs, it simply means creating a small obstacle course using items around the house.
Here’s how you can create one:
- Use chairs, broomsticks, cushions, and boxes to set up a homemade course.
- Teach your dog to jump over broomsticks, crawl under chairs, and weave through cushion tunnels.
- Encourage your dog to practice their parkour skills by making the course a little more challenging each time.
Benefits of Indoor Parkour:
- It gives your dog plenty of physical exercise, which helps to burn off energy.
- It improves your dog’s agility and coordination.
- It helps keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated during the cold and snow.
Safety Tip:
- Always supervise your dog during parkour.
- Make sure the surfaces are not slippery to avoid accidents.
- Choose a carpeted area or rug for better grip.
Indoor Parkour can turn your home into an exciting playground for your dog during the chilly winter months.
Follow-the-Leader
Follow-the-leader is a fun group activity that the whole family can enjoy with your dog. It is very similar to the old follow-the-leader game we used to play at recess, but now your dog is part of it!
Here’s how to play:
- Walk around the house and have your dog mimic simple actions like sit, spin, or jump.
- Use treats or toys to guide your dog and keep them interested.
This game encourages:
- Focus, as your dog has to pay attention to your actions.
- Obedience, by following basic commands during play.
- Playful bonding, strengthening the overall bond between you and your furry friend.
Follow-the-leader is not just a workout for your dog but also for you! It brings creativity into your playtime and keeps everyone moving, especially during the chilly winter months when outdoor activities are limited.
You may also read: How Daylight Saving Time Affects Dogs and What You Can Do About It
