Winter can be long, dark, and boring. But it doesn’t have to be. There are many things you can do indoors when it’s too cold to play outside. So, when going outdoors for recreation isn’t an option, bring the fun inside! Here are some great ways to keep your dog active and entertained during the winter months.
Play. Play. Play.
Playing indoors can be just as fun as outdoors – you just have to be a little creative. You can exercise your dog’s brain and body is with a simple game of hide-and-seek where your dog has to work to find you. Burrow and puzzle toys are also a great way to provide them with mental and physical stimulation while they are stuck indoors. You can even hide some of their favorite toys around the house for a fun scavenger hunt. Or maybe even play a mini game of fetch, if you have the space for it.
By using items around your home, you can also build an exciting obstacle course for your pup. Look around you. Things like cushions, cardboard boxes, poufs, chairs, blankets, foot stools, coffee tables, shoes and stairs can be used to turn your house into a fun winter play space. Tunnels, hurdles, low crawls, zig zags, and ramps can be created easily with existing household items, but you may also purchase agility equipment on Amazon.
And if you don’t mind making a minor mess, blowing bubbles is a super fun way to incorporate chasing-and-chomping fun. There are even pet-friendly bubbles on the market that come scented like bacon, peanut butter, and more!
Cook Up Some Fun
Winter is hands down the best time of year for baking, so why not let your dog join in on the fun? With a quick Google search, you can find a plethora of dog treat recipes, but if you want to keep it simple and delicious, try this one for soft-baked, peanut butter and bacon glazed dog treats from Pinch of Yum.
Ingredients
Dog biscuits:
- 1 cup pumpkin
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking
Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
Steps
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine pumpkin, peanut butter, eggs, and oil in a bowl. Add in baking soda and whole wheat flour. Stir until a stiff dough forms. Knead dough or mix just until flour is incorporated.
- Roll out dough with rolling pin and use a bone-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Whisk bacon grease and peanut butter until very smooth. Drizzle over the treats and cool until glaze hardens.
- Nom nom nom.
Go To The Dog Park
Is that even an option when the weather outside is frightful? It is if you are lucky enough to live in close proximity to an indoor dog park. These indoor climate-controlled facilities are popping up everywhere, so it’s very possible that there is one in your neck of the woods. Indoor dog parks provide an outlet for dogs to release pent-up energy and socialize without having to brave the elements. Some indoor parks even have swimming pools. And many of these facilities also offer amenities like bars, lounges, workspaces for the humans too!
To give you an idea of just how awesome time spent at an indoor dog park can be, check out Seattle’s Dogwood Play Park, where your dog can play off-leash while you enjoy an adult beverage and socialize with other pet owners.
Practice Doga
Really? Yes, really. But unless you live in a metropolitan area, finding Doga classes in your area might prove challenging. You may be able to find a dog-loving yoga instructor in your area who would be willing to teach Doga classes to a small group of your friends. But if not, you and your pup can always learn and practice Doga poses from the comfort of your home. While Doga isn’t exactly traditional Yoga, it does adapt classic Yoga poses so that your dog can take part. And, it’s a great way to relax, have fun, and strengthen the bond you share with your dog.
If you are interested in learning more about Doga, you can read Doga: Yoga for You and Your Dog by Mahny Djahanguiri, or Doga: Yoga for Dogs by Jennifer Brilliant and William Berloni.
