In the Midwest, we’re no strangers to long, cold winters. But sometimes, we can feel like winter will never end, especially in March. Winter weather could be done tomorrow, or it might last through April. If you’re running out of things to keep your pup entertained in the winter, here are some great ideas for 5 amazing winter activities for dogs!
For those of us with active dogs, getting your dog the exercise they need can become quite repetitive during the winter. Some parks are closed, and entire categories of exercise, like swimming, aren’t possible. It’s important to get creative during this time to keep you and your pup from getting bored.
Go through this winter dog walk checklist to make sure your pup is ready for a cold weather outing!
Skijoring is a winter dog activity where the dog pulls you on skis. This is a great fit if you like to ski and your dog likes to run or pull. You just need a long lead, a good harness, a pair of skis, and your furry friend! For many dogs, pulling can come naturally. Certain breeds are more instinctual about this than others, but many breeds can be trained to go skijoring. If you and your dog enjoy working together toward a training goal, skijoring may be a great fit. It is engaging for the dog, and is great for bonding and building communication skills between the two of you. This can be a more challenging winter dog activity, but it is so rewarding.
Go get your skis and get started skijoring with your dog!
Looking for something a little more simple? Many dogs just love doing anything outdoors with their owners. Snow can be fun new toy for your dog to get excited about. Do the things you used to enjoy doing in the snow as a kid. Build a snowman while your pup helps. Form some snowballs and play fetch or catch. Dogs love unstructured play with their humans, and winter can be a great season for this!
Is your dog more of a hiker and explorer? Take them hiking at a park or trail that allows dogs! Some of these trails may require snowshoes if there’s a lot of snow. The addition of snow shoes can be exciting and entertaining for your dog as they wonder what their silly human has on their feet. Snowshoeing may look awkward if you haven’t tried it, but it’s actually really easy and fun! It’s great exercise and opens up a whole new world of trails that you couldn’t easily hike during winter.
If you want an activity that will provide mental and physical stimulation for your dog, nose work is perfect! Nose work can be done all year, but winter is a great time for it! A lot of activities can actually be practiced year round, even in cold conditions! Nose work training involves training your dog to use their nose to locate a specific scent. If you’ve never done nose work before, try it a few times indoors before heading outside. This will help your dog understand the concept without as many distractions. The wind, snow, and outdoor smells can help add a level of challenge to nose work that your dog will love!
Whether you have a sled your dog can pull you on, or you just sled down a hill while your dog chases, sledding is a fun winter activity for you and your dog. All you need is you, your doggo, and a sled! Most dogs fit into one of the two categories of puller or chaser, and many will have a blast doing both! Get out there with your dog and find the type of sledding they like most!
It’s good to try new things, but you know your dog best. Try a few of these 5 winter dog activities, or try them all. Find the one your dog enjoys the most, and make it a regular part of your dog’s routine in the winter. They will be all that much more happy and healthy!
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