Keeping Your Dog Active and Busy Indoors Over Winter
Winter can be a challenging time for dog owners. Cold temperatures, snow, wet and windy conditions often mean shorter walks and less time outdoors. But just because the weather outside is frightful doesn’t mean your dog’s energy has disappeared. Dogs still need physical and mental stimulation, even when outdoor adventures are limited. Keeping them entertained indoors isn’t just about preventing boredom—it’s key to their overall health and happiness.
Here are some creative ways to keep your dog active and busy indoors over the winter:
1. Indoor Training Sessions
Winter is the perfect time to brush up on your dog’s training or teach them some new tricks. Not only does this burn mental energy, but it also strengthens the bond between you and both. Start with simple tricks like sit or shake, then move on to more challenging ones such as spin, roll over, or going around an object.
Using natural dog treats as rewards can make training more exciting and motivating for your dog. Our gourmet slices are perfect for this. If you aren’t sure how to get started, there are plenty of books and video tutorials available for positive, reward based trick training!
2. Interactive Puzzle Toys
Interactive puzzle toys are a fantastic way to challenge your dog’s mind and keep them entertained. These toys often require your dog to work to uncover a hidden treat or solve a problem to get a reward. They’re especially useful for breeds that thrive on mental stimulation, like Border Collies or Poodles.
You can make it even better by filling these toys with natural, soft treats like peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free) or small chunks of our dried rabbit liver. Alternatively, you can make your own DIY puzzle by hiding treats in a muffin tin and covering the holes with tennis balls.
3. Play Hide-and-Seek
Hide-and-seek is a classic game that dogs love. Start by hiding in an easy-to-find spot and calling your dog’s name. As they get the hang of the game, make it more challenging by hiding behind doors, under blankets, or even in another room. Reward your dog with a natural treat every time they find you.
You can also play a version of this game with treats. Hide small pieces of a healthy, natural treat around the house and let your dog sniff them out. This taps into their natural scavenging instincts and provides both mental stimulation and physical activity.
4. DIY Treat-Making Sessions
Winter days are perfect for spending time in the kitchen, and your dog will appreciate the effort! Try making your own natural dog treats at home. Not only do you have control over the ingredients, but it’s also a fun activity that your dog can "help" with by taste-testing.
Here’s a simple recipe for homemade dog treats:
Ingredients:
110g peanut butter (xylitol-free)
90ml semi-skimmed milk
1 egg
1 large carrot
175g wholewheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
30g rolled oats
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C/ 160°C Fan/ gas 4
- Add greaseproof paper to a large baking tray
- Into a bowl, add the peanut butter, milk, egg and carrot and mix
- Stir in the wholewheat flour, baking powder and oats until the mixture forms a dough
- Put the dough onto a floured surface and knead the dough a little
- Once the dough is ready, it should be thick and heavy
- Flour a rolling pin and roll the dough out until it is about 1/4 inch thick
- Using the any cutters you like, cut out the biscuits
- Add them to the baking tray and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown
- Leave them to cool on a wire cooling rack
5. Tug-of-War and Fetch (Indoor Style)
Tug-of-war is a great way to engage your dog physically while staying warm inside. Use a sturdy tug toy or even an old towel. Just make sure to teach your dog to "drop it" on command to maintain control of the game.
Indoor fetch is another option, especially if you have a long hallway or a big open space and a small dog!. Use a soft toy or a lightweight ball to avoid damaging furniture or walls. To keep it interesting, pair the game with a treat reward system—for example, give your dog a small, natural treat after every successful fetch!
6. Snuggle and Massage Time
Not every winter activity has to be high-energy. Sometimes, the best way to spend a cold day is with quality snuggle time. Dogs enjoy physical touch, and a massage can help relieve tension, improve circulation, and deepen your bond.
Use this quiet time to check your dog’s body for any unusual lumps or bumps and to give them a thorough brushing. You can also pair snuggle time with a calming, natural treat to create a positive and relaxing experience.
7. Set Up a Doggie Playdate
If your dog loves socialising, invite another dog and their owner over for an indoor playdate. Supervised play sessions can be a great way for dogs to burn energy and interact with their friends, even when it’s too cold to go to the park. Provide a variety of toys and some natural treats to share (with the other owner’s permission).
Final Thoughts
Keeping your dog active and engaged indoors during winter doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little creativity and some high-quality, natural treats, you can turn the coldest months of the year into a season full of fun and bonding for both you and your furry friend. From training sessions and puzzle toys to homemade treats and snuggle time, there are countless ways to keep your dog happy and healthy until spring rolls around.
So, grab some natural treats, clear a space in your living room, and let the indoor adventures begin!
