Indoor Fun: Creative Ways to Keep Your Dog Active During Winter

When the snow piles high, it can be hard for you and your furry soldier to conduct operations outside. It can also be hard to stay active and fit, especially with all the calories consumed during the holidays. At Scoop Soldiers, we want every pet to stay physically and mentally stimulated to ensure their overall well-being, no matter the season. In this blog post, our pet waste removal team discusses the tactics you can employ to keep your small army active during the colder months. Keep reading to learn more about winter dog care.

Why Indoor Activities Are Essential During Winter

Dogs actually need more calories during winter — 70 to 100 more calories than in other seasons. However, the lack of movement and tendency to eat more during holidays makes dogs more prone to weight gain and the associated risks.

Indoor activities are essential to counteract these effects. When your furry friend stays active, they can burn off the excess calories and keep muscles working. Nobody wants a lethargic soldier in battle!

Apart from physical health, physical activity helps combat boredom. We all know how bored dogs can wreak havoc on your sofa or shoes! When the animals have other missions in mind, they are less prone to destructive behavior.

Best of all, doing indoor activities with your furry friend can strengthen your relationship. These close bonds create the loyalty that wins any battle.

Fun and Engaging Indoor Games

Here are some of our most recommended indoor activities during winter.

  • Hide and Seek: Can the sharpshooters find the hiding hostiles? Hide-and-seek is a simple way to play and get your dog engaged.
  • Tug-of-War: Show your might! Tug-of-war is a great way to burn energy and build strength. Use toy ropes, and be careful of aggression.
  • Fetch Variations: You can use soft toys or small spaces to adapt fetch indoors.
  • Obstacle Courses: If you have the gear, you can set creative courses to create physical and mental challenges. Household items are ideal for DIY obstacle courses! You can even combine indoor fetch with these courses for some extra fun.

Mental Stimulation Through Training and Puzzles

Dogs relieve boredom through destructive behavior and clingy attitudes. Winter is a particularly notorious time because your pet can’t socialize with other dogs, cooped up inside due to the weather. Here are some things you can try to keep your pet entertained in the barracks.

Basic Commands and Tricks

Winter is the best time to reinforce obedience or teach fun new tricks. Your interactions should be positive and rewarding, focusing on building trust and encouraging good behavior.

Puzzle Toys and Treat Dispensers

On the internet, you can find many innovative toys and feeders that work like puzzles, working only when certain conditions are met, like when your dog pushes a specific lever or button. These items keep your dog entertained and mentally sharp.

Scent Games

Hiding treats around the house keeps your dog on alert. Watch them as they let their noses lead the way, stimulating their sense of smell and making them reconnect to their true nature.

Indoor Workouts for High-energy Dogs

Let’s face it: some dogs get the zoomies more than others. If your furry companion is high-energy and can’t sit still, here are a few things you can try.

  • Treadmill Training: Introduce your dog to indoor walking or running with a treadmill. Veterinarians recommend intervals of five minutes each when starting out, and a maximum of 20 minutes per session.
  • Stair Exercises: If you don’t have a treadmill, using the stairs for a quick cardio session is a great idea. Make sure there are no obstructions, and don’t let your dog run too quickly downstairs to avoid injuries.
  • Playdates: Take the fun to the next level by inviting another dog over for supervised indoor play. After weeks of having no social interaction, your dog will be glad for the company.

Safety Tips for Indoor Play

Don’t let harm get in the way of fun! Here are some things to make the battleground less hazardous for your soldiers.

Tip 1: Clear the Area

Remove breakable items and other hazards on the floor. These include delicate electronics, sharp objects, and wires that may snag your dog while they’re running.

Tip 2: Use Non-Slip Mats

These items prevent accidents on slippery floors. Make sure to add these mats on stairs, tiles, and outdoor areas that may get wet when snow melts.

Tip 3: Supervise Play

Soldiers need their commanders to look after them. Make sure to always monitor your dog during active games to avoid injury. If something does happen, you can immediately come to the rescue and treat minor issues.

Wrapping Up: Active Dog Care During Winter

Keeping your dog active during winter helps stimulate their mind and body during the colder months. With the indoor activities we outlined above, you can keep your furry companions active. You can also experiment with other games and activities to find out what your dog prefers.

It’s important to keep your home clean while enjoying indoor play, too! Let Scoop Soldiers help with professional pet waste removal services so you can focus on quality time with your pup.