Exercising Your Dog During the Winter

With the winter months arriving and the temperatures dipping to below freezing, it can be harder to get your dog their exercise. Exercise is extremely important for your furry friend. It keeps their mental and physical state at their best, getting out any pent up energy and keeping their behavior in check. While it may be easy to skip a workout or cut it short when its cold out, its key to your dog’s health to always get them the proper amount of exercise. But don’t worry – there are still ways to keep your dog fit in the coldest months. Here are some tips for this time of year.

Winter Walks

While there are many other ways to get your dogs exercise, walks are still an important part of the routine. To make this more bearable in the winter, there are a few tips you can follow. The first step is to avoid walking at the coldest parts of the day, like the morning and night. Try going in the day time when the sun has warmed up. You should also be sure to get a jacket or sweater for your dog especially if they’re shorthaired. Booties or protective balm is also key for keeping their paws safe from the snow and ice.

Be aware of your dog’s body language and if they seem non-responsive, weak, or they’re shivering, bring them inside quickly. Keep in mind that if your very cold, your pup probably is too. If your dog has a health issue, be sure to take them to the vet for a check up before winter walks. Make sure to check out our tips for safety in winter. 

Make Meals Fun

Another way to fit in exercise to your pup’s everyday is by making mealtime a larger activity. You can find your dog’s meal or put treats in challenging toys, such as a Kong or a puzzle toy. These will cause your dog to spend more time exercising and working to get their food. Not only does it burn calories, but it also strengthens the mind and problem-solving skills.

Indoor Training and Agility 

When the temps are too cold to even go outside, indoor training and agility is a great way to use your time and get exercise for your dog. Teach your dog new obedience skills or tricks. Whatever your dog struggles with, whether it’s begging or jumping on people, you can work on correcting these behaviors. If your dog has these skills down, work on some other more fun tricks and skills. This will keep your dog’s mind sharp and keep them fit in the process. If you have a large enough space, try setting up some tunnels or obstacles for them to try experimenting with.

Set Up Playdates or Different Activities

Another way to switch up your dog’s day to day exercise is to introduce something new. If you have any friends with furry friends of their own, invite them over for a puppy playdate. They’ll be getting some secret exercise in while they’re horsing around. They’ll get to socialize with other pups, but also get out any pent up energy. You can also take them to a doggie daycare with larger facilities where they can play and exercise with other pups, which will be a change of pace.

Hopefully you feel more prepared for a winter with your pup. Remember exercise will keep them happy and healthy.