Daily Paws Winter 2023 Bucket List: 10 Things To Do With Your Dog This Season

adequate parting hibernation and outdoor geographic expedition .

Winter has a elbow room of making that feeling of boredom and blah creep in , and I recently found myself world-weary with my usual after - study walk with my dogs . I can onlywalk in the darkso many times before it start out to feel like a trudge . I realized that if I ’m bored , then my dogs in all likelihood are , too , and it ’s metre to add some mixed bag to our days .

To not fall into the tedium trap this winter and deal some new experiences with my pups , I put together a wintertime bucket list with 10 activeness you and your whelp can do together this winter to beat the wintertime blues , quell alive , and strengthen your relationship ( while counting down the days until Daylight Saving Time starts again ) .

woman and her husky playing in the snow; winter bucket list

Photo: Westend61 / Getty

1. Bake Homemade Treats

A cold winter daytime spent bake in the kitchen is one of my preferred fashion to make it through winter . Unfortunately , our dogs ca n’t lick the hob batter spoonful , so making them their own , weenie - safe treats is a much better pick . If you ’re new to baking , try these easypeanut butter coconut oil dog treats , and for all the next Great British Baking Show contestants , thisdog natal day cakeis certain to impress .

2. Try a New Outdoor Activity

Trying not to knuckle under to the couch potato life for the next few month ? Good ! Thehealth benefits of movementfor both you and your detent are deserving bundling up . Make it a full stop this year to essay a new outside activity together . Ever get wind ofskijoring ? If you ca n’t make it to a mountain this season , skijoring with your pup might be the next best thing . You get to strap on a distich of skis while your dog wears a harness and pull you across the snow . If that does n’t vocalise viable for you and your hot dog ( a shih tzu will not be take part in this activity ! ) here are ten otherwinter outdoor activitiesyou can sample .

3. Introduce Your Dog to Nose Work

Put your bow-wow ' amazing sniffer to work withscent preparation . These activeness are more approachable than other sports that require exceptional equipment , so nearly anyone can givenose worka try . Plus , engaging a heel ’s sense of olfaction is incredibly enrich and mentally stimulating . commence modest and place some treat or kibble under a towel or blanket , then let your andiron sniff them out ( or you could test a snuffle mat ) . Once they master the blankets , slowly make it harder by placing kickshaw in open boxes and placing them around the house . The key is to jump well-heeled , slowly influence your way up , and have merriment rent with your hotdog !

4. Romp, Run, Dig, and Play in the Snow

Something about play in the snow makes me finger like a tike again . rap into your inner tiddler and go crazy in the snow with your pup ! They ’re already running around and activated to feel this magical whitened material , and they would have even more playfulness with you by their side . Just be sure it ’s nottoo cold outside , and limit snow play to unforesightful sessions so your dog wo n’t get too chilly .

5. Do a Puzzle

If your kinsperson is anything like mine , we become puzzle fiends during the cold Midwest winter months . It ’s more mentally engaging than a Netflix bust , and the signified of accomplishment when you come in that last piece ? Nothing compares . rent your puppy bring together in on the fun with their own puzzle . Just remember to get with easy unity and work your way up so they do n’t get disappointed .

6. Throw a Super Bowl Paw-ty

Do n’t forget thedog jerseyswith your favorite squad , pup - friendly snacks , andtoysto keep everyone harbour . Here are some of our bestpaw - ty - fox tipsto throw a memorable Super Bowl bash .

7. Get Crafty

For those frigid days when the last thing you need to do is bundle up and go outside , do a craft instead . ThisDIY dog toyis easy to make in only three steps and items you probably already have around the house . Warning : If your dog is atough chewer , you might desire to skip this one so your hard employment does n’t get destroy in 10 moment .

8. Train Your Dog To Be Comfortable With Boots

Our dogs might hate them , butdog bootsare actually practical and necessary for both red-hot and cold climates . In winter , they can aid preventfrostbiteand protect your dog from hazardousice melt . Now is the pure time to get your dog comfortable in them before the conditions turn and you ’re in a pinch . crack outour best training tipsto help your pup get used to the weird sense impression of have on shoes ( while those first few steps are hilarious , laugh at your dog while they fight is not recommended ) .

9. Build an Indoor Agility Course

If your backyard is covered in snow , try building an indoor agility course . Not only isagility traininga tingle to view , but it gives your pawl some much - needed mental stimulation and forcible exercise , and it can even strengthen your alliance . Clear some quad in your home base so you do n’t accidentally break anything , and do up a course with items around your household , such as an ottoman , broomstick , empty boxes , and stacked pillow or blanket . Lead your blackguard through the course while walk to assist them get the hang of it , then advance them to bunk through . Once you ’ve mastered your indoor agility line , here are twelve otherindoor game to play with your puppy .

10. Cuddle up and Watch a Feel-good Movie Together

After all that outdoor excitement and indoor training , you both deserve a decent couch nestle sesh while your favourite show play in the background . expect for something newfangled to watch ? Here areseven new movies and showsto stream in January , and do n’t forget thesemovie - night essentials .

peanut butter coconut oil treats