Snow Much Fun: The Best Winter Activities for Dogs and Their Humans

This list blend the best ideas for indoor and outside playfulness .

Winter has a way of form that feeling of boredom and blah creep in , and I recently found myself bored with my usual after - work pass with my dogs . I can onlywalk in the darkso many times before it starts to feel like a trudge . If I ’m bored , my dogs in all likelihood are , too , which think of it ’s time to add some sort to our sidereal day .

To not descend into the tedium trap this winter and share some newfangled experiences with my pups , we put together a winter pail list complete with ten activity you and your pup can do together this winter to beat the winter blues , persist participating , and strengthen your relationship ( while look down the day until Daylight Saving Time start again ) .

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

Photo: Westend61 / Getty

Bake Homemade Treats

A cold-blooded winter day spent baking in the kitchen is one of my preferred way to make it through winter . Unfortunately , our hot dog ca n’t bat the brownie batsman spoon , so making them their own , dog - safe treats is a much better option . If you ’re newfangled to bake , adjudicate these easypeanut butter Cocos nucifera crude oil dog goody , and for all the future Great British Baking Show contestants , thisdog natal day cakeis sure to strike .

Try a New Outdoor Activity

Trying not to succumb to the sofa Irish potato life for the next few months ? Good ! Thehealth benefits of movementfor both you and your dog are worth bundling up . Make it a dot this year to try a new out-of-door bodily function together . Ever heard ofskijoring ? If you ca n’t make it to a flock this time of year , skijoring with your pup might be the next best matter . You get to shoulder strap on a pair of skis while your weenie wears a harness and pulls you across the snow . If that does n’t sound executable for you and your dog ( a shih tzu will not be participating in this activity ! ) here are ten otherwinter outdoor activitiesyou can try .

Introduce Your Dog to Nose Work

Put your doggie ' awing sniffer to work withscent training . These natural action are more approachable than other sports that require particular equipment , so near anyone can givenose worka attempt . Plus , engaging a dog ’s sense of smell is incredibly enrich and mentally stimulant . Start small and place some treats or kibble under a towel or blanket , then countenance your dog sniffle them out ( or you could try a snuffle mat ) . Once they dominate the blankets , tardily make it harder by point kickshaw in loose boxes and site them around the home . The key is to bug out easy , slowly work your style up , and have playfulness operate with your dog !

Romp Around in the Snow

Something about play in the snow makes me feel like a tike again . Tap into your inner child and go crazy in the blow with your pup ! They ’re already running around and excited to know this magical white hooey , and they would have even more fun with you by their side . Just be indisputable it ’s nottoo dusty outside , and throttle snow play to short school term so your firedog wo n’t get too chilly .

Do a Puzzle

If your family is anything like mine , we become puzzle fiend during the inhuman Midwest wintertime months . It ’s more mentally engaging than a Netflix binge , and the common sense of skill when you place that last piece ? Nothing compares . Let your puppy join in on the merriment with their own teaser . Just remember to start with easy ones and work your way up so they do n’t get disappointed .

Throw a Super Bowl Paw-ty

Do n’t forget thedog jerseyswith your favorite team , pup - favorable bite , andtoysto keep everyone entertained . Here are some of our bestpaw - ty - throwing tipsto throw a memorable Super Bowl bash .

Get Crafty

For those frigid days when the last thing you want to do is bunch up and go outside , do a craft instead . ThisDIY dog toyis tardily to make in only three step and items you probably already have around the house . Warning : If your dog is atough chewer , you might require to decamp this one so your hard employment does n’t get destroyed in 10 minute .

Train Your Dog To Be Comfortable With Boots

Our Canis familiaris might hate them , butdog bootsare actually practical and necessary for both hot and cold mood . In winter , they can help preventfrostbiteand protect your dog from hazardousice melting . Now is the arrant time to get your hotdog easy in them before the conditions turns and you ’re in a jot . Check outour best training tipsto help your pup get used to the eldritch sensation of wear shoes ( while those first few steps are screaming , express joy at your cad while they shin is not recommended ) .

Build an Indoor Agility Course

If your backyard is covered in snow , try build an indoor legerity form . Not only isagility traininga thrill to watch , but it gives your dog some much - involve mental foreplay and strong-arm employment , and it can even fortify your bail . unmortgaged some space in your menage so you do n’t unintentionally fracture anything , and correct up a grade with items around your dwelling house , such as an ottoman , broomstick , empty box , and heap pillows or blanket . take your dog through the course while walk to help them get the bent of it , then further them to run through . Once you ’ve master your indoor legerity course , here are twelve otherindoor games to spiel with your pup .

Cuddle Up and Watch a Movie Together

After all that out-of-door fervour and indoor training , you both merit a nice couch nestle sesh while your favorite show plays in the ground . Looking for something new to ascertain ? Here are our favoritemovie - night requirement .

peanut butter coconut oil treats