How to Keep Your Pup Warm & Active in Cold Weather
When we first moved to Vermont, I did not know anything about the cold let alone how to best manage dogs in winter! Everyone kept saying “Think Snow” (as in wish for more snow!) but all I thought was “Are you nuts? I just want to get back in bed with my heated mattress!” Let’s just say, I had a thing or two to learn about embracing winter and all the magical beauty it brings.
I did figure out that winter passes faster if I get out there (with the right gear!) and don’t hibernate. Our dogs also need us to keep busy!
Just because the weather’s turned frosty doesn’t mean the fun (or the training!) has to stop. In fact, it’s a great time to bundle up and get out! Winter can be a ✨wonderful time of year ✨to bond with your pup and teach them some new skills. I’m here to help you feel motivated to get out there and stay active. Your dog will thank you by sleeping better and being more relaxed too.
In case we’re meeting for the first time, I’m Dre Nolon, founder of My Loyal Hound and creator of The Puppy System. With 15+ years of experience, I help new pup parents navigate early training and prevent behavior issues – even when winter weather keeps you indoors! I have a ton of winter weather tips and tricks up my sleeve. I’ve outlined some below.
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Dre Nolon, Puppy Trainer, Founder of My Loyal Hound & The Puppy System
Take Shorter/Frequent Walks (when it’s really cold)
When the temperature drops into the low teens (or even lower!), it’s time to shorten your walks. If it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pup! It might mean more frequent trips in and out, but your dog will still get quick bursts of exercise and plenty of potty breaks.
Schedule Mental and Physical Exercise for You and Your Pup
Like us, dogs need both mental and physical exercise to stay happy and balanced. Long walks might be replaced with shorter/more frequent walks when temps drop, but your dog still has energy to spare! It’s helpful to find innovative ways to keep their mind engaged. Balancing physical exercise with mental stimulation will bust away those winter blues! A bored pup is often a mischievous pup!
Keep your pup happy, healthy, and stimulated when it’s cold outside
Socialization, not hibernation
Don’t let the cold keep you cooped up! There are plenty of warm places you can explore with your dog, even in winter. Think dog-friendly stores or cafes. We want to raise dogs that can go anywhere with us so socializing your pup in public indoor places makes this possible.
Pro tip: Google “dog friendly locations near me” to discover hidden local gems in your area. You’ll be surprised by how many places welcome pets!
Dog friendly chain stores: Petco, Petsmart, Tractor Supply Co. Nordstroms, Bass Pro Shop, Everlane, JOANNs Fabrics
Call ahead to confirm if they are dog friendly: Home Depot, Lowes, Pottery Barn, The Gap, Old Navy, Michaels, LL. Bean, Subaru, The Container Store, Apple, Macy’s, Marriott, and Hilton hotels.
Creative indoor training games to do with dogs in winter
When the weather is truly frightful, bring the training indoors! Your living room, kitchen, or even a hallway can become a training playground. Work on recall in your home, practice “stay” while you make a warm drink, invite friends over for cookies (and practice polite greetings), teach your dog to identify a toy by name, or introduce some fun new tricks like this energetic agility training activity.
Enjoy Your Time Outside!
Bundle up and have an adventure. Even short bursts of outdoor activity can make a big difference. Even when it is frigid, I force myself to get outside, and I never regret it! Exercise keeps my blood pumping and makes the winter go by faster! Yup, I’ve been in Vermont for a long time now! The key is dressing for the weather so I don’t feel cold.
Need some ideas?
Try these fun activities with your dog in winter
Create a snow maze. When the snow is incredibly deep you can keep your pup’s belly dry by shoveling a path (like a maze) to make playing in the yard easier and really fun!
Have a quick doggy snowball fight (gentle!) Let your dog chase and “catch” snowballs BUT keep it short as eating too much snow can cause internal issues.
Try snowshoeing or skijoring! Do know about this sport? If you’re adventurous, skijoring involves skiing while being pulled by your dog. It looks like fun!
Go sledding (with a dog-safe sled). Pull your dog (if they enjoy it) or let them run alongside.
Play hide-and-seek with toys in the snow. Create a “find the toy” challenge: Bury toys in the snow and see how quickly your pup can find them.
Practice scent work. Challenge your dog’s sniffing skills. Sprinkle treats in the snow and let your dog sniff for them.
Go for a winter walk in the woods. Explore the quiet and peaceful winter forest.
Take a scenic drive. Enjoy the winter views from your car while your dog enjoys the ride.
Practice obedience training in the snow. Challenge your dog to focus and recall with new distractions.
Try winter agility training in the snow! Set up a small agility course in your yard using snow and obstacles. It’s SO fun.
Remember to always prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being during winter activities. Dress them appropriately, monitor them for signs of discomfort, and be aware of potential hazards like ice and salt. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the winter season with your beloved companion!
Paw Care for Dogs During Winter
Take care of those paws! The cold, ice, salt, and snow can be hard on our dog’s paws. Here are some tips to help you avoid dry, itchy, flaky, or painful paws.
Coconut Oil: It’s a Paw’s Best Friend.
There is an assortment of products out there for the pads on dogs’ feet but, honestly, I like coconut oil best. It’s a game-changer in the winter! Dabbing a little coconut oil on your dog’s paws before walks or at bedtime can work wonders. It acts as a moisturizer and creates a barrier against the drying effects of cold weather and that pesky salt. Watch this IG reel to see how I apply it.
If you want something easier to apply and made for dogs, this paw balm is the bomb!
Booties: To Boot or Not To Boot?
Dog booties can be helpful, but let’s be real: sometimes the battle of getting them on is more stressful than the benefit. If your dog hates them, don’t sweat it! They’ll be okay without them. Make sure to wipe their paws after walks to remove any salt or ice.
Snowballs Under Paw: Get Rid of Them.
Those annoying snowballs that clump between paw pads? They can be super uncomfortable for your pup. Here’s a three-pronged attack:
- Use coconut oil before walks to help prevent snow from sticking.
- Trim the hair between paw pads because it makes it even harder for snow to clump. Think of it as a mini paw-pedicure!
- Whisk hack: Grab a kitchen whisk and whisk the snowballs off!
Dogs remind us to get out and play!
Having a dog brings so much joy and love into our lives, and while winter might require a little extra planning and effort to keep them happy and healthy, the rewards are immeasurable. From snowy adventures to cozy cuddles by the fire, sharing special moments with our dogs in winter helps us make the most of this burrrrrrrry season!
May your winter be filled with snowy adventures, cozy cuddles, and an endless supply of treats (for both of you!).
Tell me, how do you keep the winter blues at bay?
Your dog training bestie,
Dre
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