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Winter has a way of letting that feeling of boredom and blah creep in, and I recently found myself bored with my usual after-work walk with my dogs. I can only walking in the dark so many times before it starts to feel like an arduous journey. If I’m bored, my dogs probably are too, which means it’s time to add some variety to our days.
To not fall into the boredom trap this winter and share some new experiences with my pups, we’ve put together a complete winter bucket list of ten activities you and your pup can do together this winter to beat the winter blues, stay active and strengthen your energy. report (while counting the days until daylight saving time is restored).
Bake homemade treats
A cold winter day spent cooking in the kitchen is one of my favorite ways to get through the winter. Unfortunately, our dogs can’t lick the spoonful of brownie batter, so making your own, dog-safe brownie batter is a much better option. If you are new to baking, easily try them Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil Dog Treatsand for all future contestants on the Great British Baking Show, this dog birthday cake will definitely impress.
Try a new outdoor activity
Trying not to succumb to life as a couch potato for the next few months? Well! THE health benefits of movement why it’s worth bundling both you and your dog. Make a commitment this year to try a new outdoor activity together. Never heard of it skijoring? If you can’t make it to the mountains this season, skijoring with your pup might be the next best thing. You can strap on a pair of skis while your dog puts on a harness and drags you across the snow. If that doesn’t sound doable for you and your dog (a shih tzu won’t participate in this activity!) here are ten more outdoor winter activities you can try.
Introduce your dog to nose work
Put your doggies’ amazing sniffer to work olfactory training. These activities are more accessible than other sports that require special equipment, so virtually anyone can donate nose job a test. Additionally, engaging a dog’s sense of smell is incredibly enriching and mentally stimulating. Start small and place some treats or kibble under a towel or blanket, then let your dog sniff them (or you could try a snuffle mat). Once they’ve mastered the blankets, slowly make them harder by placing treats in open boxes and placing them around the house. The key is to start easy, work your way up slowly, and have fun interacting with your dog!
Go wild in the snow
Something about playing in the snow makes me feel like a kid again. Tap into your inner child and go crazy in the snow with your pup! They’re already running around and excited to experience this magical white stuff, and they’d have even more fun with you by their side. Just make sure it isn’t too cold outsideand limit snow play to short sessions so your dog doesn’t get too cold.
Do a puzzle
If your family is anything like mine, we become puzzle maniacs during the cold Midwestern winter months. It’s more mentally engaging than a Netflix binge, and the sense of accomplishment when you put in the last bit? Nothing compares. Let your pup join in the fun with his own puzzle. Just remember to start with the easy ones and work your way up gradually so they don’t get frustrated.
Get smart
For those frigid days when the last thing you want to do is bundle up and head out, make a trade instead. This DIY dog toy It’s easy to make in just three steps and you probably already have it at home. Warning: If your dog is a hard cheweryou may want to skip this so that your hard work isn’t destroyed in 10 minutes.
Train your dog to be comfortable in boots
Our dogs might hate them, but dog boots they are actually practical and necessary for both hot and cold climates. In winter, they can help prevent freezing and protect your dog from dangers melting of ice. Now is the perfect time to make your dog comfortable before the weather changes and you are in trouble. Watch our best training tips to help your puppy get used to the strange sensation of wearing shoes (although those first steps are hilarious, laughing at your dog while he struggles is not recommended).
Build an indoor agility course
If your yard is covered in snow, try building an indoor agility course. Not only is it agility training It’s a thrill to watch, but it gives your dog some much-needed mental stimulation and exercise and can even strengthen your bond. Clear some space in your home so you don’t accidentally break anything, and organize a path with items around the house, such as an ottoman, a broomstick, empty boxes, and stacked pillows or blankets. Guide your dog across the path as he walks to help him get the hang of it, then encourage him to run. Once you’ve mastered your indoor agility course, here are twelve more indoor games to play with your puppy.
Cuddle up and watch a movie together
After all that outdoor excitement and indoor training, you both deserve a nice cuddle session on the couch while your favorite show plays in the background. Looking for something new to watch? Here are our favourites essentials for a night at the movies.