Tips for Keeping Your Dog Active This Winter

The weather outside might not be frightful, but it’s still cold, dark, and soggy enough to keep you and your dog stuck indoors. That can be ho-ho-horrifying. 

But it doesn’t have to be. Winter is actually a great opportunity to bond with your furry friend(s) and keep them mentally and physically stimulated. So here are some helpful tips for maintaining an active and obedient lifestyle while Jack Frost is doing his thing. 

Let Your Dog Join In Any Indoor Reindeer Games

Engage in an exerting match of tug-of-war with them. Get a safe indoor ball and play fetch down your hallway. Play hide-and-seek. These games are not only great exercise, they can reinforce obedience training as you have your pup wait, sit, and return on command. You might even be able to get your dog to expend their playful energy all from the comfort of your cozy couch!

Run, Run Rudolph Up The Stairs And On The Treadmill

 If you have stairs in your home, if your dog is able, encourage them to run up and down them using treats or toys. And if you have a treadmill, you can train them to walk at a safe speed. Not a bad idea for you to join them and burn off the egg nog calories!

Create A Winter Wonderland Obstacle Course

For some breeds, you can set up a course of pillows and blankets for them to navigate. This is a fun way to stimulate their sense of adventure while getting them to move around. (Oh, and kids love this one too!)

Training Time Is Here—Teach Them New Tricks And Commands

Winter can be the perfect time to develop and reinforce basic commands like sit, stay, and come, or teach fun tricks like shaking hands, rolling over, and playing dead.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Playdate

Keeping your dog socially active requires a little more planning than during the summer, but it can still be done. Arrange playdates with compatible dogs so they can stay connected, learn social skills, and bond. You might even build your own friendships through these playdates!

Take A Sleigh Ride To A Training-First Community

Bring them to a local community where they can socialize, build skills, get exercise, and, most importantly, have fun. Training-first communities help your best friend live their best life. And if you’re looking for a more in-depth training program this winter, we have a wonderful special to share with you.