Sometimes, winter brings days too cold for even the hardiest pup. But when your dog gives you the “walk” look, what do you do? Here are some ideas for keeping them entertained indoors.

Winter can bring behavioural challenges for dog owners whose furry family members aren’t getting enough time outside. With less entertainment and stimulation, dogs can turn to barking, chewing, restlessness, and even destructiveness. When it’s too cold to spend significant time outside, indoor activity can provide the necessary mental and physical engagement to keep your pup happy.

Adapting to Winter Weather

When it’s too cold for a long walk, try instead to orient your days around short and frequent bursts of activity. For example, following up a quick potty break with 10-15 minutes of activity can help keep restlessness at bay. As you’re going to be playing more indoors, pay attention to the setup of your space. For example, move delicate objects out of the way and consider setting rugs or soft mats down in slippery areas.

Indoor Games and Activities for Dogs

The good news is that you really don’t need a huge living space or fancy gear to keep a dog entertained. Just try out these activities that are perfect for dogs of all sizes and energy levels.

Food Toys

Interactive food toys and puzzle feeders can be a great distraction for a dog staring longingly at the door. As your dog works fastidiously to get every last morsel out, they’ll stay occupied and mentally engaged. These toys are also great for slowing down fast eaters and making mealtimes more stimulating.

Finding Games

An easy way to entertain a dog is to engage their sense of smell. All you have to do is hide small treats or even just kibble around the house and encourage your dog to sniff them out. Keep it interesting by varying your hiding spots.

Tug-of-War

Few games get a dog as excited as a good tug-of-war session, and it’s an excellent outlet for pent-up energy. Use a sturdy rope toy and encourage gentle, playful tugs. This is especially a good option if you don’t have much available play space.

Hallway or Stair Fetch

If you have a long hallway or a safe set of carpeted stairs, you’ve got the perfect mini play area. Toss a soft toy or ball down the hall for your dog to chase and retrieve. On stairs, gently roll or toss the toy up or down to add a bit of exercise. Just be mindful of slippery flooring!

Hide and Seek

This classic indoor game isn’t just for kids. To play, have your dog sit or stay while you hide somewhere in the house, then call their name and wait to be found! It’s a fun, interactive way to practice recall and keep their mind sharp.

Obedience Training

Indoor days are a great opportunity to work on skills and commands. Short training sessions of even just five to 10 minutes will help keep your dog mentally stimulated and improve their manners. Practice basic cues like sit, down, stay, and come, or even use it as a chance to teach something new, like spinning or rolling over.

Cold days don’t have to mean dull days for your dog. A mix of short outdoor time, brain-teasing toys, and other creative games can keep them happy indoors as well. Just grab some treats, move some chairs, and get ready for playtime!