19 Great Ways to Get Your Dog Indoor Exercise in the Winter
Now that we’re clear on the importance of exercise in the winter, here are some unique and inspired ways to get your pooch moving around indoors:
Exercising the body and the mind is a great way to keep your pooch both fit and mentally stimulated during the winter months.
Treat dispensing balls and similar puzzle toys make your pooch work for his snacks, which will keep him thinking, scheming, and moving all the while.
We’ve written about treat-dispensing balls before, but two of our favorites are the Classic KONG for dogs who need a chewable option, and the StarMark Bob-A-Lot for particularly clever canines.
Additionally, treat dispensing devices mean your pooch can’t eat quite as quickly. It’s the perfect way to improve digestion and help avoid bloat, especially if you’re using it for dry food mealtime.
A flirt pole isn’t as dirty as it sounds. In fact, it’s not dirty at all!
A flirt pole has the basic shape of a fishing pole, with a solid rod, a rope, and a toy attached. The human participant controls the speed, range and direction of movement, while the canine participant tries to catch the toy.
There are a bunch of great dog flirt poles on the market, but the Outward Hound Tail Teaser is likely our favorite.
While the thrill of the chase makes it fun for your pooch, it’s important that you let him win and catch the toy from time to time. Otherwise, he may lose interest and give up. For your pooch, it’s a great outlet for mitigating the natural prey drive in a controlled and risk-free environment.
Don’t quite understand how a flirt pole works? Just check out our video below!
A simple laser pointer can be very helpful for getting your dog some indoor exercise during the cold winter months. Laser pointers often trigger your dog’s prey-chasing instincts, making it easy to get Fido running around.
Best of all, you’ll hardly have to move while doing so! You can simply sit in on the couch and allow your pooch to chase the enticing red dot around the living room.
Just be sure to let your dog “catch” the moving dot from time to time. This will help prevent frustration and keep his tail wagging. Doing so is pretty easy:
For the most part, you can use any old laser pointer for pupper playtime. However, we really like the TMMDH Laser Pointer Three-Pack. It comes with three different laser pointers (which is awesome in case you lose one), and they each produce a different colored dot.
Yes, it is technically marketed for cats, but that doesn’t matter — it’ll work just fine for Fido.
We hope this goes without saying, but be careful to avoid shining your laser pointer directly into your doggo’s eyes.
Making a mess is fun for everyone – dogs included! Treat scatters are a fun way to keep your dog’s attention diverted and a unique way to keep feeding time interesting.
Treat scattering involves spreading some of your dog’s favorite treats or dry food on the floor, which effectively forces your pooch to pick up each piece individually. They’ll eat slower and have to think things through. It’s sort of like a puzzle feeder, minus the puzzling part!
Treat scatters are also a great training tool, which can help distract your dog from upsetting stimuli (such as that cat who won’t stop walking by your window).
One way to make treat-scattering time even more interesting for your pup is by picking up a snuffle mat. Made to mimic tall grass or vegetation, these indoor management aids will help make it harder for your pooch to find the treats, and it’ll keep his brain and nose busy.
We’ve identified some of the best snuffle mats (as well as some DIY plans for building your own) before, but Paw5’s version is probably our favorite.
It’s sometimes hard not to be overly competitive when playing tug-of-war with your dog — but that’s part of the reason the game is fun for humans and canines.
Playing tug-of-war with your pooch is a great way to bond, plus it’s fun for all involved! This traditional canine game is known for activating your dog’s prey drive – it harkens some deep-seated instincts that can be lived out in a safe and harmless environment.
Plus, if you use a rope tug toy, it’ll help keep your dog’s pearly whites a bit cleaner.
There are approximately five gazillion tug toys on the market, but we’ve identified a handful of the best dog tug toys in another article.
Go give it a read, or just order the Zogoflex Bumi — it’s almost certainly the best one on the market.
Playing hide and seek with your hound is a great way to get the whole family involved. It’s not only a fun way to get your pooch moving, it doesn’t require any equipment, and it rarely takes long to teach your dog how to play.
You’ll hide in a room, treats in hand, and your pooch gets to do the seeking. The more humans involved, the merrier! Hide and seek is a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between Fido and the family.
Additionally, your pup’s nose, mind, and body will be working in unison to find those treats!
If your dog likes the treat dispensing toys, then he’ll love the full room version!
Scavenger hunts give your pup a chance to seriously exercise his nose while indoors, which he’ll no doubt miss when snow covers his favorite sniffing spots.
You’ll keep him busy for hours searching for the treats you’ve skillfully hidden around the house. It’s like a fun Easter Egg hunt for your pooch!
Just be sure to start off hiding the treats in relatively easy-to-find places. This will help your dog feel confident before you start ramping up the difficulty level.
Sort of the canine version of a pillow fort, an indoor obstacle course is fun for both human and dog!
Utilize chairs, pillows, blankets, and other household items to create a few jumps and maybe a tunnel. Feel free to use your creativity when designing different doggo obstacles, but just be sure to keep safety in mind and try to use soft items when constructing interesting impediments.
Guiding your dog through your homemade course will get the blood flowing and break up the boring winter days. Indoor obstacle courses can easily be changed up, so you’ll never lose your dog’s interest!
Need some help building a few obstacles? Check out our article on making your own DIY agility course.
Agility courses and obstacle courses aren’t exactly the same thing, but there’s a lot of crossover, and with a little creativity, you should have no trouble adapting some of these plans.
Hi-tech and loads of fun, the Ricochet Dog Toy from PetSafe is an excellent way to stimulate (and possibly confuse) your dog’s brain.
This game is made up of two separate ball toys, both of which are capable of making a loud squeaking sound.
The noise “ricochets” from one to the other – once your dog checks out the noisy one, the sound switches to the other, and so on. Your dog will love spending hours trying to get to the bottom of this noisy mystery!
Once your dog gets the hang of it, you can even add a little variation and hide one of the toys, adding a little extra challenge. These toys are battery powered and made from tough material, so they can stand up to slobber and continuous use!
Want to hear more? Check out our full review of the Ricochet Dog Toy!
If your dog spends long hours at home without you, a Petcube Bites 2 might be the answer to keep him connected and mentally stimulated while you’re away.
The Petcube is essentially a video monitor that allows you to communicate with your pet during the day, no matter where you are. This device gives you the comfort of watching your furbaby on your phone all day long, plus, with the touch of a button, you can dispense a treat to make things a little more interesting.
For winter months when using a dog walker is off the table, the Petcube Bites 2 might make your mutt a little less lonely.
Clear the room and find some fresh batteries — the tennis ball launcher isn’t just for the outdoors anymore!
The many varieties of this time-honored toy make for excellent indoor playtime. You can adjust both the pitch and the distance to suit your space.
Just be sure all the breakable items are out of the way! Your dog will enjoy the same satisfying chase indoors with one of these fun devices.
Unlike some other launchers, this model uses specially made balls, which feature non-abrasive fabric. This is important because tennis balls can wear down your doggo’s teeth over time.
Simple, classic and effective, spontaneously chasing your dog around the house strengthens your bond with him and wears him out at the same time!
There are a few rules you’ll want to set down before engaging in a raucous chasing game:
A well-controlled game of chase will no doubt get the blood pumping and bring your and your pup closer together!
The Babble Ball does just what the name suggests – it babbles to your dog!
Rolling the traditional squeaky toy into the 21st century, the Babble Ball expresses a variety of different fun phrases to your pooch when he plays with it. Depending on how rough your pup plays, the Babble Ball should last for quite a while — it’s battery powered and only active when he plays with it.
The Babble Ball is a great alternative to a video monitor to keep your dog stimulated – the vocal reassurance will be music to his ears!
Next to avocado toast, the indoor dog parks may be the best idea that millennials have thrust into the spotlight.
Just as the name implies, indoor dog parks offer all the benefits outdoor versions do, but in a safe and warm environment to protect you from the elements.
Indoor dog parks fulfill an important role in the winter months – they help your dog get the socialization he’ll miss when he’s cooped up indoors
Don’t have an indoor dog park in your area? Consider inviting some canine friends over for a fun play date! Any social activity will help your pup keep his sanity during the cold months.
Nobody loves the treadmill, but with a little bit of treat motivation, your dog just might learn like it. Specifically designed and built with canines in mind, dog treadmills will get the muscles working in the wintertime.
The benefits of treadmills for dogs are pretty much in line with the benefits that they offer for humans. They provide an opportunity for a healthy cardio workout in a safe and convenient setting to burn those calories. The canine versions of treadmills are tailored specifically for our four-legged friends.
With a little motivation from treats, your pup might event enjoy his workout!
Because dog exercise equipment tends to involve a pretty hefty investment, and they vary in a number of ways, we’d encourage interested readers to check out our in-depth review of dog treadmills, before making a choice.
That said, if you just want a quick recommendation so you can get your canine’s treadmill on the way, it is hard to go wrong with the dogPACER LF 3.1 Dog Pacer Treadmill. It comes with a ton of great features and is durable enough for dogs weighing up to 180 pounds.
For highly social pups and those who’re used to daily dog walker visits, doggie daycare may be a warm and cozy alternative in the winter.
A regular visit from the friendly neighborhood dog walker may not be practical or safe in colder environments. Utilizing a reputable doggie daycare is an excellent alternative for some working folks because it provides both human and canine interaction.
Your pup will get loads of playtime during the day, so when you pick him up he’ll be all ready for cuddles, crashing, and some serious bonding time!
Just remember, not all dogs will be good candidates for doggie daycare, and that’s OK!
Making the most of your home’s layout is a must when you’re stuck inside, so put those stairs to good use! Using treats to motivate your pooch to go up and down the steps will burn up energy fast.
Stair routines are also a great way to work on some treat-motivated obedience training as well.
Just keep your canine’s safety in mind and make sure your pooch doesn’t tire too quickly. Be sure to give him a chance to catch his breath periodically – it’s easy to overdo it when treats are involved! You’ll also need to use caution if your dog has a history of joint problems or arthritis.
If you’re looking to burn a few calories yourself, you and your pooch might consider taking a few trips up and down the stairs together!
You and your dog need not be Sara and Hero from America’s Got Talent to reap the benefits of canine dancing — so, bust a move and get your canine off the couch! Don’t worry if you can’t even pull off “The Robot.” Your dog won’t judge you.
Doggie dancing involves human and canine choreography, combining artistry and difficult moves — think of it as agility competitions or obedience trials set to music.
Canine dancing is a growing trend in the United States and beyond. Organized competitions and clubs have promoted this new sport and made it a global movement.
Not only is it a great means for exercise and engagement, it’s an excellent practice in obedience as well!
Downward dog has gone to the dogs – it’s not just for yogis anymore!
“Doga,” or yoga for dogs, is a relatively new trend in dog exercise and wellness. When done properly, doga can really strengthen the bond between you and your pooch, offering a relaxing wake up or wind down to the day.
Doga won’t check the cardio box, but your pup will definitely benefit from the mental and muscular stimulation it provides. Additionally, older dogs with joint problems may particularly benefit from the stretching that comes with it!
Play a game with your dog.
Hide-and-seek is a wonderful way to get your dog up and moving and mentally engaged. You can hide a treat or her favorite toy, but it’s better to make her come find you. Start by throwing a treat to get her to go away from you, and then hide in another part of the house. This game can really tire your pup out as she rushes around searching, and it’s good for reinforcing the “come” command.
Dogs have incredibly powerful scenting abilities, so exercises that require your pal to use her nose are especially stimulating. Make her work for her dinner by creating an obstacle course she has to get through to find her food. Hide her meal in a box, or, better yet, put it in a Kong Wobbler or a Buster Ball.
If you and your dog is up for a snowy adventure, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure your pup has the best time possible.
Hiking is a great way to exercise with your dog. Snowfall doesn’t mean hiking season is over. Grab a pair of snowshoes and some cold weather gear and get out there! It’s always an enjoyable experience navigating a winter wonderland together with your dog. Keep your dog’s size and age in mind before enjoying this exercise. Small and older dogs may get cold easier than others and may not appreciate being out in the snow and ice. When in doubt, always ask your vet for advice. For more information on hiking with your dog in the winter, check out this great article from Zuke’s.
Is your dog a fetch-a-holic? Another great exercise to do with your dog is doggie suicides. Suicides are a sprinting drill, where an athlete runs to a series of targets and back to a starting line. In the doggie version, our target will be a toy. Get your dog, his favorite toy and head to a hallway or open area in your home.
While holding your dog’s collar, throw his toy down the hallway. When the toy has stopped moving, allow him to run to get the toy. Call him back for a game of tug—coming back to you should always be fun! You may be tempted to just play fetch in the hallway, but be careful! Some dogs will get so excited for their favorite toy that they won’t look where they’re going. By throwing the toy first and then letting go of your dog’s collar, your dog will get more out of this activity.
If you are a seasoned yogi with a well-trained pup, you can take things a step further. Small dogs can be incorporated into yoga by holding them while you strike a pose, much like Mom-&-Baby yoga. Alternatively, you can balance your small dog on your body. Larger dogs can continue to rock those stays in new and exciting positions. A particular favorite of mine is having your dog stay in a bow next to you, while you practice your downward dog pose. Who knows, maybe your dog will make into the famous Yoga Dogs calendar!
WINTER | Dog exercise
Chances are you’ve made a new year’s resolution or two…or more if you’re ambitious. One of the most common is to get more in shape. Have you ever thought that your pup might want in on the action? Dogs love to run and play, so why not take on a challenge together this year?
Exercising with your dog can be a fun way to bond and to help them burn some energy. Here is a handy calculator for to you to find out how much exercise your dog needs and a few fun ideas to get your pup in shape. Just remember—not every activity is for every dog, or every person. It’s best to consult with your vet and doctor before beginning.
If you need a new exercise to do with your dog, push-ups are one of my standbys. With the added bonus of being a fun party trick, puppy push-ups are great for beating the winter blues as they can be done indoors and work out your dog’s body and mind. This exercise works best if your dog already knows sit and lie down. If, he doesn’t, start with learning sit and lie down first before moving on the pushups.
Break some treats or a favorite toy and ask your dog to lie down. When he is lying down, reward him and ask him to sit. When he sits, reward him again. If you’re having a little trouble getting your dog to sit from lying down, try taking a treat in one hand and holding it a foot or so above his head. That usually does the trick. The goal is to get him alternating between sit and down freely—that’s your pup push-up! Watch the video here.
Is your dog a fetch-a-holic? Another great exercise to do with your dog is doggie suicides. Suicides are a sprinting drill, where an athlete runs to a series of targets and back to a starting line. In the doggie version, our target will be a toy. Get your dog, his favorite toy and head to a hallway or open area in your home.
While holding your dog’s collar, throw his toy down the hallway. When the toy has stopped moving, allow him to run to get the toy. Call him back for a game of tug—coming back to you should always be fun! You may be tempted to just play fetch in the hallway, but be careful! Some dogs will get so excited for their favorite toy that they won’t look where they’re going. By throwing the toy first and then letting go of your dog’s collar, your dog will get more out of this activity.
Believe it or not, a treadmill is a great tool for exercising with your dog—especially for dogs who get cold easily or those who get rambunctious when cooped up in the house. Walking is the most basic type of exercise and second nature to your pup. If you have a treadmill at home, you can teach your pup how to use it safely. Like anything, the key is to use positive reinforcement, start slowly, and build up your dog’s confidence and ability before progressing. See our video below to get started.
Start by gathering your supplies. I like to teach this one with food, so grab a handful of your dog’s favorite treats. It’s important that these treats are small–and no bigger than your pinkie fingernail–as your dog will be eating them as he walks. Set your treadmill to the lowest possible setting. Show your dog you have treats in your hand and carefully lure him up onto the treadmill. When all four paws are on the treadmill, start feeding him treats. This should be done slowly, with one treat given right after the other. After you’ve given your dog a few treats, ask him to step down from the treadmill. In time, you can increase the time that passes between each treat. Start with a second or two and work your way up. Watch the video to get started.
Exercising with your dog is beneficial to you both! Don’t think you’re limited to slushy walks through town though—Hiking is another way to work those six legs.
Hiking is a great way to exercise with your dog. Snowfall doesn’t mean hiking season is over. Grab a pair of snowshoes and some cold weather gear and get out there! It’s always an enjoyable experience navigating a winter wonderland together with your dog. Keep your dog’s size and age in mind before enjoying this exercise. Small and older dogs may get cold easier than others and may not appreciate being out in the snow and ice. When in doubt, always ask your vet for advice. For more information on hiking with your dog in the winter, check out this great article from Zuke’s.
If you and your dog is up for a snowy adventure, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure your pup has the best time possible.
I could write an entire book about skijoring! Skijoring is a great way to exercise with your dog and is my favorite and dogs’ favorite winter activity, by far. Skijoring is a modified version of dog sledding, where your dog pulls you on cross country skis using a special harness and handsfree leash. To enjoy skijoring, you don’t need a husky or sledding dog, many breeds can enjoy this sport. Your dog should be at least 35 lbs, well-versed in basic obedience, and you should know a thing or two about cross-country skiing (without your dog). Despite being herding dogs, my Border Collies and Malinois can’t get enough of this sport. They’re pretty good at it too—last winter we clocked in at nearly 20 mph! Check it out here.
Proper equipment is key for this one. While you can find many options online, I love this set from Ruffwear.
Once you have your gear, get your dog used to the harness. This can be done at home over the course of a few days. When you think he is comfortable, it’s time to hit the trails. Start somewhere that is relatively flat and straight, so you and your dog can get a feel for things before upping the difficulty. Many ski resorts have dog friendly cross-country trails—that is a great place to start!
Concerned you are going to ruin your dog’s leash manners by encouraging pulling? This is simply not the case. One of the benefits of using a skijoring harness is that your dog learns that pulling is only ok while he is wearing his special harness. It’s a win-win for everyone.
And remember, when heading outdoors to exercise with your dog in the winter, always be sure to check the forecast before heading outdoors and have a backup plan if it’s too cold.
Looking for a more relaxed way to exercise with your dog? Believe it or not, you can do yoga with your pup. Fans call it doga (pronounced doe-ga) and suggest getting started simply by doing yoga with your dog in the room. Your dog will often pick up on your zen vibes and join in, in her own unique way.
If you’ve got a busybody dog who can’t relax (having Border Collies, I know this problem all too well), try asking your dog to stay while you practice. Make sure to reward your dog regularly for a job well done. Not only does this teach your dog the calm of doga, it is a great mental exercise for her as well!
Is your dog still learning how to stay? Check out Nicole’s videos this month for tips and tricks for a solid stay.
If you are a seasoned yogi with a well-trained pup, you can take things a step further. Small dogs can be incorporated into yoga by holding them while you strike a pose, much like Mom-&-Baby yoga. Alternatively, you can balance your small dog on your body. Larger dogs can continue to rock those stays in new and exciting positions. A particular favorite of mine is having your dog stay in a bow next to you, while you practice your downward dog pose. Who knows, maybe your dog will make into the famous Yoga Dogs calendar!