Winter doesn’t have to mean slowing down. For many dogs, colder months bring new scents, fresh textures, fluffy snow, and exciting opportunities to move their bodies in fun, seasonal ways. With the right winter activities, it can become a season filled with enrichment, joy, and healthy routines — indoors and out.
Whether your pup loves bounding through snowbanks or prefers cozy indoor play, here are winter-friendly ways to keep them active, mentally engaged, and feeling their best all season long.
1. Snow Sniffing Adventures (Scent Walks)
Snow is nature’s enrichment blanket. It holds scents differently than grass or soil, making even familiar routes feel new.
Try this:
- Take a slow “sniff walk” instead of a fast-paced one.
- Let your dog lead with their nose.
- Encourage them to explore snowbanks, tree bases, and buried scents.
Why it helps:
Sniffing lowers stress, provides mental exercise, and offers the same satisfaction as physical play. A small, high-value treat from our training treats collection can be a great way to reward calm, focused sniffing behavior during winter walks.
2. Backyard Snow Maze
If you have a driveway or backyard, carve simple pathways in the snow to create a maze.
How to do it:
- Shovel pathways in different shapes (loops, turns, dead ends).
- Hide a few treats at safe, shallow points along the maze.
- Let your dog use their nose to navigate and explore.
Benefits:
- A fun physical workout
- Scent-based engagement
- Builds confidence and problem-solving
3. Indoor Fetch With a Twist
On extremely cold days, indoor play becomes essential.
Ideas to elevate simple indoor fetch:
- Use soft toys that are safe for hardwood or tile.
- Add short commands (sit, wait, stay) for mental stimulation.
- Roll the toy instead of tossing to reduce impact in small spaces.
Tip:
Short bursts of indoor fetch can burn as much energy as a longer walk.
4. DIY Snowball Chase
This one is simple but always a hit.
Try:
- Toss soft, fluffy snowballs for your dog to chase.
- Let them catch or “pounce” on the snow.
- Avoid packing them tightly — keep them light and safe.
Good for:
- High-energy dogs
- Pups who love chasing or herding
- Dogs who need extra stimulation outdoors
5. Winter Hikes or Trail Walks
For dogs who enjoy nature, winter trails offer new sights, scents, and textures.
Before heading out:
- Ensure paws are protected from ice and salt
- Dress your dog in a warm jacket if needed
- Bring fresh water — winter exercise can be dehydrating
Choose:
- Trails with light snow
- Avoid icy terrain
- Keep walks shorter to prevent overexertion
6. Hide-and-Seek Indoors
A perfect rainy-snow-day game that requires zero setup.
How to play:
- Ask your dog to sit and stay
- Hide behind a door, couch, or corner
- Call them once
- Reward with praise (or a tiny piece from our single-ingredient treats collection for an extra-special moment)
Why it works:
- Builds confidence
- Strengthens recall
- Encourages problem-solving and emotional connection
7. Treat-Based Puzzle Play
Interactive toys keep your dog mentally active when outdoor time is limited.
Try:
- Snuffle mats
- Puzzle feeders
- Slow feeders with hide-and-seek features
- DIY muffin-tin puzzles
Benefits:
Mental exercise can tire dogs faster than physical play — perfect on extremely cold days.
8. Short, Purposeful Outdoor Breaks
Not every winter session needs to be long.
Try:
- 10-minute outdoor sniff breaks
- Quick backyard playtime
- A fast trot around the block
These small bursts keep your dog active without exposing them to harsh temperatures for too long.
9. Indoor Strength & Mobility Exercises
Winter is a great time to support your dog’s joints and muscle tone.
Simple exercises:
- Sit-to-stand reps
- Slow walking figure-eights
- Low obstacle steps using cushions
- Rear-leg lifts (supported and gentle)
Benefits:
- Supports mobility
- Builds core strength
- Helps senior dogs maintain stability
10. Post-Play Wind-Down Ritual
Activity is great — but helping your dog unwind is just as important.
Try:
- A warm blanket cuddle
- A gentle brushing session
- A calming enrichment activity indoors
- A nutritious treat from your dog’s favourite collection
These small rituals help signal safety, comfort, and connection after winter adventures.
Activity Should Feel Good — Naturally
Winter offers endless opportunities for enrichment — from snowy play to cozy indoor games. With a mix of outdoor adventures and at-home winter activities, you can keep your pup active, confident, and healthy all season long.
At Crumps’ Naturals, we believe movement should feel good inside and out. Simple, natural activities paired with purposeful nutrition help make winter a season full of tail wags and joyful moments.
