Too Cold for a Long Dog Walk?

Too Cold for a Long Dog Walk?
By ANNIE DINEEN Owner of Fetch & Favor
Try This Instead!
Happy New Year! Winter weather can make outdoor play less appealing—even if you have a fenced yard. Cold temperatures, ice, and snow can be tough on both pets and humans, especially if your pup has a thinner coat or doesn’t like any kind of weather, but that doesn’t mean your furry friend has to miss out on exercise! With a little creativity, you can keep them happy and active indoors.
Why Indoor Exercise Matters
Even in winter, pets need regular physical and mental stimulation. Without it, they might gain unhealthy weight, or get bored and turn to unwanted or destructive behaviors. By finding ways to engage them inside, you can help maintain their health and happiness through the colder months (as well as your own!)
Fun Indoor Activities
Here are a few easy ways to help your pet burn off energy indoors:
- Training Sessions
Teaching your pet new tricks or reinforcing basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “spin” is a fantastic way to burn energy and strengthen your bond. Use positive reinforcement with treats or toys to keep it fun and rewarding. Training sessions are most effective when kept short and sweet, so try to go for more frequent, short sessions rather than one long one. - Hide and Seek
Hide treats or favorite toys around your home and let your pet “hunt” for them. Once they get the hang of it, hide and seek can also be very effective in mitigating separation anxiety when you need to leave them home alone – just hide a bunch of treats before you head out the door! - DIY Agility Course
Use cushions, chairs, and boxes to create obstacles for your pet to jump over or crawl under. If you have kids, this can be a great dual use of a pillow fort! - Puzzle Toys Treat-dispensing toys or puzzle feeders challenge your pet mentally and help control calorie intake.

Making the Most of Winter Walks
If you do venture outside, be mindful of your pet’s comfort and safety. Use pet-safe paw balm or booties to protect their feet if there’s salt on the streets, and keep outdoor sessions short and supervised.