Winter activities for dogs: 10 ideas indoors and out

The days get shorter, the temperature drops, and long walks become rarer. Yet your dog still needs to move and burn off energy. Good news: there's no shortage of winter activities for dogs, indoors and out. Here are 10 simple ideas to keep your companion active, busy and happy until spring.

Why keep your dog active in winter

A bored dog often finds their own entertainment: chewing boots, barking, pacing. Moving and thinking help them stay calm at home. Activity also helps maintain a healthy weight, especially when walks get shorter but treats don't.

The idea isn't to do more, but to mix things up: some physical exercise, some sniffing and problem-solving.

5 winter activities for dogs to do indoors

1. Treat hunt

Hide small rewards around a room, under cups or in cardboard boxes. Start easy, then make it harder. Your dog uses their nose, and that's very tiring for them, in a good way.

2. Snuffle mat

A snuffle mat (or an old rolled-up towel) with a few kibbles tucked inside. Your dog has to search calmly with their nose. Ideal at the end of the day.

3. New tricks

Use cozy evenings to teach a trick: "touch", "spin", "back up" or the names of their toys. Five minutes, two or three times a day, is plenty.

4. Living room course

A few cushions to step over, chairs for a slow slalom, a box to put their front paws on. Keep movements calm and the floor non-slip to avoid falls.

5. Tug of war

With clear rules: they let go when you ask, and the game stops if teeth touch your hand. It's a great way to burn energy in the living room.

5 ideas to enjoy the snow outside

6. Snow search

Toss a brightly coloured toy into fresh powder, or hide it under a thin layer. Your dog digs and searches: they'll love it.

7. Sniff walk

No need to go far. Let them sniff at their own pace on a new route. Snow holds scents differently, so every street corner becomes a discovery.

8. Snowshoeing or trail hikes

For fit dogs, a trail outing is a real adventure. Start with short distances and build up gradually.

9. Pulling sports

Skijoring, snowshoe canicross or a light sled: some high-energy dogs love to pull. You'll need a proper pulling harness, a slow progression and a healthy adult dog. Check with your veterinarian first.

10. Recall games

In a fenced area, call your dog, reward them, then send them back to play. They move, they learn, and you strengthen a cue that's useful all year round.

Rewarding without weight gain

All these activities run on rewards. To keep winter from adding pounds:

• count treats as part of their daily ration (see how many treats to give per day);
• use some of their kibble for sniffing games;
• choose small, soft treats that are easy to break.

Our duck training treats are about 2.7 kcal each. They're handy for games and tricks repeated several times a day. If you have questions about your dog's weight or portions, your veterinarian is the best person to ask.

Safety: good habits in cold weather

• Listen to your dog: if they shiver, lift their paws or slow down, it's time to go in.
• Protect their paws: boots or balm, and a rinse once home. See our guide to protecting your dog's paws in winter.
• Consider a coat for short-haired or small dogs.
• Stay visible: it gets dark early, so a light-up collar or reflective harness helps a lot.
• Keep fresh water available. Eating snow doesn't replace their water bowl.
• Avoid frozen ponds and rivers: the ice may be thin.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I walk my dog in winter?

It depends on their age, size, coat and the weather. In extreme cold, several short outings are often better than one long one. Add indoor games to fill the gap.

Do sniffing games replace walks?

No, they add to them. Your dog needs to go outside every day, even briefly, to relieve themselves and explore.

In short

In winter, variety is key: a bit of snow, a bit of sniffing, a few new tricks. With these winter activities for dogs, the cold season becomes a time to bond, and your companion reaches spring in great shape.