Winter brings crisp air and shorter days, but that doesn’t mean your dog must be stuck indoors. The winter months are perfect for exploring cold-weather dog activities that encourage physical exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding. Whether you're looking for outdoor winter fun like cross-country skiing or want to set up an indoor agility course in your own house, winter activities can keep your furry friend entertained, healthy, and happy. From snow hikes and playing hide and seek with their favorite toy in the backyard to indoor games with treats and teaching new tricks, you’ll find options that avoid boredom and fit any dog’s energy level.
Here’s how to make the most of these colder days with fun, dog-friendly activities.
14 things to do with your dog in the winter
Enjoy a Snowy Walk or Hike
There’s nothing like winter dog activities to get both you and your furry friend moving! A snowy walk or hike in cold weather can be refreshing and provide much-needed physical exercise for both of you. Winter months bring the opportunity to explore new trails, and many dogs will love the stimulating sights and scents. Remember, dog booties are a great way to protect your puppy's paws from salt, ice, and frigid temperatures while you’re outdoors.
Try Skijoring for Active Dogs
For a thrilling experience that will get you and your pooch moving, try skijoring, a fantastic winter activity combining the thrill of cross-country skiing with the excitement of your dog pulling you along snowy trails. This sport is perfect for larger dogs who love running and outdoor fun, especially if your dog likes a good challenge and needs an outlet for their boundless energy. While skijoring requires colder weather and snow, the bonding experience you’ll create with your pup will make the winter weather more enjoyable for both of you.
Play Fetch with a Snow Twist
Add a wintery twist to your dog’s favorite toy by playing fetch in the snow with brightly colored balls or durable toys that stand out in a white landscape. This simple but effective game provides exercise, mental stimulation, and a healthy outlet for dogs of all sizes, allowing them to burn off energy with a short, fun burst of activity. Even a quick fetch session can be enough to keep paws warm and give them that happy, satisfied glow as they drop their toy at your feet, ready to go again. Play fetch regularly to keep your pup’s body and mind sharp, no matter the season!
Set Up a Backyard Obstacle Course
In the cold winter months, you can keep your dog engaged and active by creating a backyard obstacle course tailored to your pup’s energy level. Use household items or agility toys to build jumps, tunnels, or even a hula hoop to jump through. This winter activity is perfect for physical activity, helping your dog avoid boredom and stay mentally sharp. Add a favorite toy or small treat to encourage your dog through each obstacle, keeping them happy and fit in your own backyard.
Visit a Dog-Friendly Café or Restaurant
Find a cozy, dog-friendly café with heated patios where your pup can join you, even in cold weather. Some spots even offer special dog menu items, making it a warm bonding experience and a delightful winter activity. Enjoy a relaxing outing while your dog gets social time in a pet-friendly setting, a great way to boost their mental health and keep them happy during chilly months.
Plan a Puppy Playdate
Invite friends with dogs for a puppy playdate to give your pooch some socialization and fun! Choose a safe indoor or sheltered outdoor spot with toys and interactive activities like hide and seek. Adding a hula hoop for jumping makes it more engaging, providing essential exercise and mental stimulation. Regular playdates keep dogs healthy, active, and entertained through winter.
Do ‘Doga’ (Dog Yoga) Together
Dog yoga, or doga, offers a peaceful way to bond with your pup indoors during the cold months. Even if they simply sit nearby, dogs enjoy the warm energy and time spent close to you. Practicing doga regularly can reduce stress and benefit their health, providing a calm contrast to more energetic winter activities.
Teach New Tricks Indoors
Winter’s extra indoor time is perfect for teaching new tricks and providing your dog with mental exercise and a healthy challenge. Engage your pup with fun tasks like “hide and seek” using a favorite toy or treat, or teach them to jump through a hula hoop. These indoor activities are great for most dogs, stimulating their minds while keeping them entertained and healthy. Embrace the cozy season to keep them sharp, so they're ready for outdoor fun when warmer weather returns.
Set Up a Treat Puzzle
Puzzle toys with hidden treats offer a great indoor activity that engages your dog mentally. This good game lets them “work” for food, combining hide and seek with a satisfying reward. Most dogs enjoy the challenge, using their paws and noses to uncover treats, keeping them entertained and healthy during cold days.
Have a Cozy Movie Night
Turn a chilly night into a warm, relaxing winter activity by having a cozy movie night with your pooch. Pick up a blanket and some treats safe for dogs, then let your pup snuggle up next to you. Most dogs love these moments spent close to you, making it a wonderful way to unwind and recharge together.
Sledding with Your Dog
For an outdoor winter activity that adds a bit of excitement, take your dog sledding! Most dogs love the thrill of chasing a sled, and larger dogs may even enjoy riding alongside you on gentle snow-covered slopes. This winter sport gives your dog plenty of exercise and mental stimulation in the fresh air. Bring a small treat along to keep your dog engaged and active while you both enjoy the snowy adventure.
Visit an Indoor Dog Park
When it’s too chilly outside, an indoor dog park is perfect for letting your pup run, play, and socialize. These parks offer indoor activities like jumping, chasing toys, and games that provide the exercise and mental stimulation your dog needs. It’s a great way for dogs to burn off energy and stay healthy without enduring the winter chill. Plus, you can watch them enjoy new challenges in a warm, safe space.
Go on a City Walking Tour
When it’s not too cold, winter offers the perfect chance for an outdoor walking tour through your city. Many tours are dog-friendly, encouraging exploration of fascinating history, architecture, and local sights, which most dogs enjoy sniffing out. Bundle up in warm layers, leash up your pooch, and embark on a healthy, mentally stimulating outing. City tours are great for exercise and bonding, offering your dog fresh air and variety in their regular walk routine.
Create Paw Print Art Together
Make lasting memories this winter by creating adorable paw-print art with your dog! You can easily capture your pup's paw prints on canvas, cards, or even small ornaments using pet-safe paints. This indoor activity is ideal for days when you’re stuck indoors and looking for creative indoor fun. Not only is this an interesting project, but it’s a beautiful keepsake you can cherish, adding a bit of color and creativity to the colder months.
