Winter activities offer you and your pet the chance to bond as you share quality time together, strengthening their bond. They also keep both body and mind active, decreasing risk for hyperactivity or depression.
Skijoring, an increasingly popular Scandinavian sport that combines cross-country skiing with dog mushing, requires special harnesses and towlines for your pups, along with cross-country ski gear for both of you.
1. Snowball Fight
Winter brings excitement for some dogs and they may jump right onto your lap whenever the snow begins falling; others, however, may be less enthusiastic about going outside to make doggy-shaped snow angels. Whatever season it may be for your pup, make sure that engaging indoor activities are planned to help him burn off energy while strengthening your relationship.
Snowball fights provide both you and your pet with an engaging winter activity: snowball throw. Similar to dodgeball, players compete to hit each other with snowballs thrown from one team’s bag of snowballs by throwing them. When the facilitator calls out “go,” every player throws one without kicking it – until five minutes have elapsed when all numbers in both sections have been counted; after which side with the lowest total will be declared the victor!
If you want to take your snowball fight a step further, have the participants wear protective gear such as gloves and face masks and add obstacles and prizes for those who win. Use a snowman costume or create a snow maze where participants try to guide their pet without making any wrong turns – creating more exciting snowball fights will ensure!
Scent tracking (also called nose work) can be a rewarding activity for your pet year round; however, snow adds an additional element of difficulty and fascination to this form of exercise. Dogs have 200 million scent receptors to pick up information from their environment even at freezing temperatures.
Make sure to contact your local parks and recreation departments to see if there are winter activities specifically tailored towards dogs. If not, taking your furry companion on a walk remains an option; just ensure it remains leashed and close at all times. As many parks share winter trails with cross-country skiers or snowmobilers, be sure to have solid recall so your pet comes back when called back by you on command.
2. Build a Snowman
Winter activities for pets can be just as entertaining–if not more so–than summer adventures. Bundle up and take your pup on an exhilarating snowy hike on an unfamiliar hiking trail; play fetch in deep drifts; or have an epic snowball fight. For added physical challenge, why not try skijoring together? Skijoring is a rapidly emerging sport that involves your pup pulling a skier while wearing a harness–an effective way to gain strength and endurance simultaneously!
If your pup enjoys playing with other pups, arrange to have some over for a snow play date. Just be sure that everyone gets along without fighting over space, food or toys!
Create a delightful outdoor winter activity with your pet by building a snowman together! Start by gathering a large pile of snow and adding one larger ball for the base and two smaller ones in front as the torso. Feeling creative? Add felt or rubber band faces for added charm or use sticks as arms; don’t forget hat and scarf for finishing touches – even better, add rocks for nose and coal as eyes for something truly original!
Though not suitable in all regions, if you live near a body of frozen water that freezes over during wintertime, consider going for a frozen swim with your pet! Not only is this great exercise but also offers an opportunity for bonding while being out in nature!
Scent tracking with your pup can be both fun and engaging – both indoors and outdoors! Caregivers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary find new ways to engage their pups year-round, but winter offers unique opportunities to let their dogs use their nose. Try hiding treats around the house so your dog can hunt them down, or head out into the snowy trails of a park for practice tracking skills!
3. Snow Maze
The World’s Largest Snow Maze is an immense challenge that requires much energy to complete. Constructing this maze required 300 truckloads of snow, including giant snow carvings and an enjoyable slide for visitors. Open during both daytime and evening visits, its lights illuminate various colors for visitors’ entertainment.
Though it can be tempting to stay inside during harsh and inclement weather, your dog still requires mental and physical stimulation. This is particularly important if she hasn’t seen much play since winter began as boredom can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing or barking. If it is impossible for you to take your pup outside to play in the snow, try activities such as puzzle toys or hiding treats around your yard – scent tracking can even strengthen their sense of smell!
If your town offers large parks or sledding hills, consider bundling up and taking your pup for some snow fun! It will provide him with daily exercise while burning off excess energy – just make sure they wear a harness to ensure no strain or injury to themselves occurs from too much weight pulling!
Fetch can provide both mental and physical exercise for dogs during winter. When playing fetch with your pup in the snow, be sure to use bright-colored balls or discs that make it easier for him to find. However, it’s wise to steer clear of playing near any ice because that could cause him to slip and fall.
Visit one of the many dog-friendly stores near you for an easier, lower-key activity that will allow your pup to meet new people and smells while getting some exercise. Or look into obedience classes, which not only offer daily physical exercise for your pup but will also teach her basic commands and tricks she can practice at home.
4. Snowball Catch
Winter brings many opportunities for dogs to have fun outdoors in the cold and snow. Whether they prefer fetch, or running through it chasing tennis balls, there are lots of activities that will both tire out your pup while providing mental stimulation.
Create a playful game of Snowball Catch by tossing snowballs at your dog. This activity requires attention and focus from both of you – your pup needs to closely monitor where each snowball goes as well as how your hand moves – which in turn improves communication skills while building trust between pet parent and pup!
Create a snow maze for your pet to run through as an enjoyable winter activity! Use your imagination, but ensure it is safe so they can easily navigate without getting stuck or tripping over obstacles. Many northern breed dogs love this challenge and it provides much-needed winter exercise!
Skijoring (cross-country skiing and dog sledding combined), requires special gear (harnesses for your pup, skis for yourself). But this activity can be an ideal way to exercise both of you and have some fun together!
Of course, regular walks are the ideal way to keep your pet active in winter. Walking provides the ideal way to expend excess cabin fever energy while giving both you and your canine something fun to look forward to together.
Staying active over winter with your pet means taking them to obedience or agility classes – even older dogs can learn new tricks to keep their minds sharp while alleviating signs of boredom during this period.