Indoor Fun When Winter Woofs Your Dog’s World

Thumbs down to winter blues. While walks might be shorter when the mercury drops, winter opens doors to a pawsome world of indoor enrichment for your furry friend. Bored pups can become barky or destructive, so let’s stimulate their brains, awaken their inner athlete, and strengthen your bond with fun activities right in your cozy home.

Enrichment is important for all dogs, but especially those in shelter environments. Here is adoptable Julio (Friends For Life in Houston) eating a meal through nosework. The staff combined a variety of puzzle feeders, boxes and other items for Julio to investigate to find his food. Note some are decoys and some have kibble.

Brain Games

Houdini working for treats in this commercial snuffle mat.

Sniff-ari Adventure: Hide treats or kibble in boxes, under blankets, or in puzzle toys. This nosework workout will tire your pup’s mind and body!

Scent Detective: Hide safe scents like lavender or cloves (or even prey scents) in different rooms and let your pup sniff their way to victory! This supercharges their powerful sense of smell.

Snuffle Mat Munch: Turn mealtime into a mental marathon by hiding kibble in a snuffle mat. It’s a satisfying brain teaser that extends mealtime and keeps them engaged.

Clicker Challenge: Master new tricks or polish old ones like sit, spin, or shake. Clicker training strengthens your bond and keeps their minds sharp.

Hide and Seek: Have your dog wait while you hide, then call them to find you! This classic game builds your bond and burns some energy.

Burn Off Energy

Juju and bubbles.

Indoor Agility: Use furniture, blankets and empty boxes to create an obstacle course.

Supervised Playdates: Invite vaccinated and well-socialized puppy friends for indoor playtime. Supervised wrestling and chase sessions are great for burning energy and building social skills.

Bubble Bonanza: Blow bubbles and let your pup chase them! This low-impact activity is pure entertainment for your furry friend.

Go Fetch: This classic is fun, but remember to warm up and cool down your pup before and after. Limit playtime and avoid hard floors to prevent injuries. Fetch responsibly and it’ll be a calorie-burning blast.

Tug This: Make tug-of-war fun and safe. You initiate and end the game by letting the dog win or with cues like Drop. Keep it gentle and avoid rough play.

Treadmill Time: Consider a dog-friendly treadmill for controlled exercise. Train your pup properly and supervise them while they use it.

Snuggle and Pamper

Snuggling with the sweet Houdini.

Cuddle and Read: Snuggle up with a good book or movie and enjoy your furry friend’s company. Relaxing together strengthens your bond and soothes their soul.

Spa Day: Brush their fur, clip their nails, or give them a gentle massage. This bonding experience keeps them clean and comfortable. But avoid bathing your pup during winter as it can strip their fur’s natural oils. Opt for a dry shampoo or a quick wipe-down if needed.

Plan Your Fun

Remember to adjust the activities to your doggo’s age, abilities, and preferences. Also, regularly rotating your dog’s toys, activities, and treats prevents boredom and keeps them engaged.

And while spontaneous enrichment is great, planning fun on your calendar will help you ensure this winter is full of bonding and indoor adventures! With a little creativity, you’ll keep your furry friend happy and fulfilled all season long.