How to Exercise Your Dog During the Winter

Introduction

As dog owners or pet parents know the winter can be a difficult time to keep your dog active and fit. The cold weather and snow can make it difficult to get outside and exercise. However, with a little bit of creativity, you can exercise with your dog during the winter! In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for keeping your dog active during the winter months. We will also provide a list of supplies that you will need to help keep your dogs healthy and happy. Below are 5 ways to keep you dog active during the winter months.

1. Mental Exercise For Dogs

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your dog can’t get exercise. Most dogs love an opportunity to get outside even if it's for short periods of time. One way to exercise your dog during the winter is to provide them with mental stimulation. This can be done by teaching them new tricks, playing hide and seek, or providing them with puzzle toys. Physical exercise is very important, but mental stimulation is every bit as important as a bored dog is more likely to find trouble. Many dogs love the challenge that mental games and activities present.

2. Train Your Dogs Indoors

Winter is a great time to focus on brushing up on training being stuck indoors and all. With a few dog supplies like Treats, a new leash, and a collar you can make great progress on dog obedience. Leash your dog up inside and work on basic commands like sit, stay, down, come and leave it. 

3. Go For a Walk With Your Dogs

This is probably the most difficult activity to do with your dog in the winter, but it is still possible and can be a lot of fun and important for your dog's exercise routine. Most dogs love an opportunity to get outside even if it's for short periods of time. A lot of bigger dogs that are bred for colder weather enjoy exploring in the snow and burying their noses in it and rolling around. You'll want to be mindful of how long you are outside with them in these conditions and make sure to get the right dog supplies such as dog booties, and a jacket if they do not have an adequate coat type for winter. As long as you have the right dog supplies and right supplies for yourself winter walks with your dogs can be some of the most beautiful and peaceful ones of the year. Always be on the lookout for ice patches.

4.Quality Time With Your Dogs

Petting a dog has been shown to help lower cortisol in humans as well as release the feel-good hormone oxytocin. So, in a way, this is a two-for-one exercise. Simply spending time with your dog can help relieve stress and lower blood pressure while also making you both feel good. This exercise is great to do after a long day at work, on a cold winter’s day when you don’t feel like going outside. Winter months are a great time to grow your bond with your dog when life seems to slow down a little bit.

How Much Exercise Should Your Dog Get In the Winter?

How much exercise your dog needs depends a lot on the breed and energy levels of the breed. Some high energy breeds require more exercise than other dogs. However, a good rule of thumb is to still try and get around 30 mins to 60 mins for your furry friend. Hopefully some of these tips will help to keep you both maintain an active lifestyle and prevent health risks.

Conclusion

The winter months can be a great time to strengthen your bond with your dog. It is important to exercise your dog during the winter to keep them healthy and happy. With a little bit of creativity, you can exercise with your dog indoors and outdoors. Be sure to invest in some quality dog supplies to help make exercise time more enjoyable, safe, and comfortable for both you and your dog. The important things is to find ways to keep your dog moving during the winter months. Thanks for reading!