What to Do with Your Dog When It’s Cold Outside
When the temperatures drop, it can be challenging to keep your dog entertained and active. Cold
weather shouldn’t mean your dog has to miss out on mental and physical stimulation. Here are some
fun, enriching activities to enjoy with your furry friend when outdoor time is limited.
Teach Your Dog to Use Their Nose
Nose work is one of the most beneficial activities you can do with your dog, and it’s perfect for indoor
fun. Dogs naturally love to sniff, and teaching them to search for treats or specific scents taps into their
natural instincts. This activity doesn’t just provide mental stimulation—it also releases calming
hormones that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
How to Get Started with Nose Work
1. Choose a Treat or Scent: Start with a high-value treat or a scent your dog loves.
2. Set Up the Game: Hide the treat in easy-to-find places, like under a blanket or inside a
cardboard box.
3. Encourage Sniffing: Use cues like “Find it!” to encourage your dog to search.
4. Increase the Challenge: As your dog gets better, hide the treats in harder-to-find spots or use
specific scents, like essential oils.
Nose work not only provides mental exercise but also strengthens your bond as you cheer on their
efforts! Our current nose work students love that their dog enjoys this fun sport, and that it was so easy
for both the dog and owner to learn.

Indoor Games for Physical Activity
When outdoor walks aren’t possible, indoor games can help your dog burn off energy:
1. Interactive Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys filled with treats or food can keep your dog busy and mentally engaged. Look for toys that
require problem-solving, such as snuffle mats or treat-dispensing balls.
2. Indoor Fetch
If you have enough space, a game of fetch down a hallway or in a safe area can provide physical
exercise. Use soft toys to avoid damage. Be sure that your hallway is carpeted to protect those joints.
Also be aware of how fast your dog runs, we don’t want them slipping to crashing into anything.
3. Tug-of-War
This classic game is a great way to engage your dog physically and mentally. Use a sturdy rope toy and
let your dog “win” occasionally to keep it fun and rewarding.
Teach New Tricks or Reinforce Old Ones
Cold days are perfect for brushing up on training or teaching new skills. Whether it’s “spin,” “roll over,”
or “high five,” training sessions provide mental stimulation and strengthen your bond. Use positive
reinforcement and keep sessions short and fun to avoid frustration. You can use commercial time to
play with your dog while you are all watching the television in the evening. A few minutes each day will
make a big difference for your relationship with both your dog, family, and the television.
Ideas for New Tricks:
- Target Training: Teach your dog to touch a specific object, like a target stick or your hand.
- Names of Toys: Help your dog learn the names of their favorite toys and retrieve them on
command. - Obstacle Course: Create a mini indoor agility course with household items like cushions, chairs,
and broomsticks. Keep is simple, and safe. Remember what I wrote for fetch?
Schedule Playdates or Attend Indoor Classes
If your dog loves to socialize, consider scheduling indoor playdates with other well-behaved dogs. Better
yet, enroll in an indoor training class or dog sport. Activities like agility, obedience, or nose work classes
not only keep your dog active but also provide structure and expert guidance.
Keep It Cozy with Calming Activities
Sometimes, your dog may just need to relax. Create a cozy corner with a comfortable bed or blanket,
and give them a long-lasting chew or a stuffed Kong to enjoy. Quiet time activities can help reduce stress
and encourage calm behavior.
Be Prepared for Short Outdoor Adventures
Even in cold weather, some outdoor time is beneficial. Ensure your dog stays warm and safe:
- Use a dog coat or sweater for extra warmth.
- Protect their paws with booties or paw balm.
- Be sure to clean those paws when you come inside to eliminate salt from the road.
- Limit outdoor time to short walks or potty breaks, especially in extreme temperatures.
Make the Most of Cold Weather Days
With a little creativity, cold weather can be an opportunity for fun and bonding. Whether you’re
teaching your dog to use their nose, playing indoor games, or enjoying quiet time together, these
activities will keep your dog happy, healthy, and engaged all winter long.
For more ideas or to join a training class, visit Sit, Stay, ‘N Play and let us help you celebrate every
wagging tail milestone—rain, snow, or shine!