If you’re reading this, you probably own a dog – not a bear. That means winter is no time to hibernate. You can keep your pup entertained and energized throughout the colder months with the following fun ideas and pro tips.
Enroll Your Dog in a Quality Daycare Program
According to Lindsay Smith, activities coordinator with Holiday House Pet Resort and Training Center, the right dog daycare program can be a phenomenal way to provide creative canine activities, at any time of year.
“Not all dog daycare programs are the same, however,” she says. “So, it’s important to find a program that will be the most beneficial for your pet and your family.”
At Holiday House, for example, spacious play yards, eager playmates, and expert supervision pave the way for regular exercise, mentally stimulating activities, and the social connections that dogs thrive on, day after day.
Holiday House also offers different options tailored to what your dog enjoys the most. Its Explorer program includes a variety of enrichment activities—like an obstacle course, extended nature walks for discovery, and time in the Canine Sensory Garden—in addition to the fun and friendship of group play.
“For dogs that prefer to be in a smaller group, our program offers group play sessions with fewer carefully chosen canine friends, walks, and activities with an activity specialist,” Lindsay adds. “Our professional staff is also highly trained in pet behaviors, pet care, and enrichment activities.”
Leverage Indoor AND Outdoor Play
Thanks to more than 50 acres of land to explore, as well as an amazing indoor playroom – Holiday House Pet Resort provides ample opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation, regardless of the weather – something that Smith says is important year-round, especially during the colder months when periods of exercise may need to be shorter.
Regular exercise helps maintain your dog’s weight and heart health, Lindsay notes. A bored dog, too, can occasionally turn to unwanted and destructive behaviors to keep themselves occupied, so keeping your dog physically and mentally active is incredibly beneficial.
Activity is still important on those non-daycare days, of course. And with just a little bit of ingenuity, you’ll find there are plenty of stay-and-play options within reach in your own home.
“Any activity that engages your dog in movement or mental stimulation with you is a good activity,” Lindsay says. “Many dogs may not receive the same amount of physical activity in the winter months as during the warmer months, so variety is important.”
Walking, she notes, is always a great activity—regardless of the time of year. Take advantage of a sunny day or milder temperatures (forego those bone-chilling days) to get outside for fresh air and a long walk.
“If your dog loves snow, and most do, then go outside and throw some snowballs to chase,” she adds.
On the days when the barometer suggests you bar the door and brew some tea, indoor activities can also provide a wealth of benefits. After all, mental stimulation is every bit as critical as the physical, Lindsay says, so aim to incorporate games that engage the mind as well as the body.
Rope toys, food puzzles, snuffle mats, and throwing a soft toy for an indoor version of playing fetch are ideal options, says Lindsay.
“You can also make up a scavenger hunt or a game of sniff-n-find by placing treats around the house for your dog to sniff out. Or create an indoor agility course with a pet tunnel and household items like boxes, a broomstick, and a hula hoop or plastic cups.”
“Nose work for any dog is their way of understanding the world around them,” she continues. “Whether it’s a short walk or indoor game like a snuffle mat, a dog’s amazing sense of smell is at work communicating all sorts of information for the dog to process. When a dog completes a task—like sniffing out all the treats or moving through a tunnel or obstacle course, there is a sense of accomplishment. This not only boosts their confidence, but the dog also shares happiness with its human for a job well done.”
Again, she notes, days spent at Holiday House have been designed with a dog’s natural curiosity and cognitive enrichment in mind – and knowledgeable team members ensure safe and fun activities are always on hand to engage your dog’s brain and enhance their mental fitness.
Prioritize Winter Safety
“If you’re headed outside during the winter months, it’s important to be aware of the conditions,” Lindsay says.
Extreme cold means limiting time outside, but a quick walk or game of fetch is fine when conditions are relatively favorable.
If conditions are icy, she suggests a short walk in a grassy area rather than on a hard surface.
Depending on the type of breed—especially those with a short coat like a Chihuahua or Greyhound—having a variety of sweaters or coats is also a good idea. Boots may be appropriate for snowy or icy conditions—if your pet isn’t bothered by wearing them.
“If your dog is comfortable wearing them, a coat or sweater for your pup, as well as booties, are always a smart choice when headed outside in colder conditions.”
As always, it’s best to consult your veterinarian about the best gear and fit for your pet.
And while all dogs—regardless of breed or age—can benefit from creative canine activities such as regular exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction, it’s important to keep breed-specific limitations in mind. Some breeds, says Lindsay—such as pugs or bulldogs—are sensitive to extreme temperature due to their short muzzles, so indoor activities are recommended for them, especially during wintry extremes in weather conditions. Other breeds like huskies, Golden Retrievers, or German Shepherds, need more exercise to burn off their extra energy. Outdoor time is likely a given for these breeds, as temperatures allow.
Like people, says Lindsay, shivering is a key indication your pet is too cold.
“An uncomfortable dog might be less likely to engage in an activity—so if a dog that usually enjoys a long walk is hesitant to keep going, you may want to start heading back home. If your dog starts limping or is hesitant to put a paw on the ground, that is also an indication of being uncomfortable.”
Any dog with a health issue, she adds, as well as puppies and senior dogs in general—should be watched carefully when enjoying winter activities.
For its part, Holiday House Pet Resort makes every boarding and daycare guest’s safety and good health their number one priority all year long. Exemplary health standards and strict cleaning protocols provide pet parents with peace of mind, and because the resort is owned by veterinarians – expert medical care is readily available if ever needed.
And while there are always periods of rest for guests at Bucks County, PA’s favorite pet care facility, your dog most certainly won’t be hibernating this winter.
