Winter can be a challenging time for dog owners. With shorter days and colder temperatures, physically and mentally stimulating your dog takes a bit more creativity. Enrichment, which means adding activities or experiences that improve your dog’s quality of life, is essential year-round but especially important during winter. Here are five ways to keep your dog physically and mentally active this winter.

1. Food-Based Enrichment

Food-based enrichment is one of the easiest and most effective ways to engage your dog’s mind and body. It taps into their natural instinct to scavenge and forage, providing both mental stimulation and physical activity. There are different ways to do food-based enrichment. One way is to scatter meals. This method lets you toss kibble or treats onto the floor or in the yard (if it’s not too cold) and let your dog sniff around to find them. This activity promotes natural scavenging behavior and slows down fast eaters. You can also use tools like food dispensing toys for food-based enrichment. You can use tools like the Kong Wobbler, puzzle feeders, or snuffle mats to make mealtime more interactive and challenging. Lastly, long-lasting chews are a great treat and promote great mental stimulation. Bully sticks, frozen stuffed Kongs, or homemade pupsicles (freezing peanut butter or wet food in a Kong) can keep your dog happily occupied while satisfying their chewing instincts. Be sure to experiment with different options to see what your dog enjoys most—it’s all about making their mealtime fun and engaging.

2. Trick Training

Winter is the perfect time to start teaching your dog some fun tricks. Trick training is low-pressure, enjoyable, and a great way to strengthen your bond while challenging your dog’s brain. By learning new tricks, you promote mental stimulation. Learning new tricks keeps your dog’s mind sharp and focused. It also encourages physical activity, like jumping through hoops or spinning in circles. If you’re determined, you can work toward an AKC Trick Dog Title, a fun achievement for you and your pup. Contact us at Where Sit Happens if you want to teach your dog tricks. We’re certified AKC Trick Dog Evaluators, so we can guide you through the process and help you earn those titles. Whether it’s “paw,” “roll over,” or “jump through a hoop,” the possibilities are endless, and the time spent together is invaluable.

3. Join a Group Class

Winter is an excellent time to enroll in group classes. Not only do these classes provide a structured outlet for physical and mental activity, but they also take the guesswork out of planning. Some classes we offer at Where Sit Happens are Basic Obedience for reinforcing essential skills and manners, Agility to build your dog’s confidence and keep them physically fit, and AKC Fit Dog classes that combine fitness and fun while teaching your dog new skills that improve their overall health. Remember, group classes are a fantastic way for your dog to socialize, stay active, and learn new things—all while you enjoy the support of professional instructors.

4. Visit Pet-Friendly Spaces

Pet-friendly spaces offer an excellent opportunity to get out of the house and expose your dog to new environments. These outings are excellent for socialization and confidence-building and perfect for keeping your pups mentally stimulated while providing a chance to practice good manners in public settings. Some local pet-friendly places here in Oxford, Connecticut, are Better Beagle Co., a fun little local pet store where you and your dog can shop together, and many ACE Hardware locations allow dogs in their stores, including the one in Quarry Walk. Lastly, SoNo Collection Mall in Norwalk is the ideal pet-friendly mall, perfect for indoor walking on colder days. Always check the rules for pet-friendly spaces, and bring treats to reward your dog for polite behavior. 

5. Keep Outdoor Walks Safe

While outdoor walks are a great way to stay active in winter, safety is key. Dogs have different cold tolerances, so pay close attention to your pup’s comfort. If you do go for a walk outside, be sure to gear up accordingly. Consider jackets or sweaters for dogs with short coats or small breeds. Boots can be a great addition to protect their paws from cold, ice, and salt, but make sure you condition your dog to wear them before heading out. Always be sure to monitor the weather. Avoid going for walks in extreme cold or icy conditions that can be dangerous for you and your dog. If your dog needs to go out, keep their time outdoors short and sweet, especially on cold days. Even in mild winters, the dampness and wind can chill your dog, so always observe their behavior and adjust your outings as needed.

Why Enrichment Matters

Contrary to popular belief, enrichment isn’t just about keeping your dog busy—it’s about giving them opportunities to engage in natural behaviors in a positive and appropriate way. Enrichment improves your dog’s mental and physical well-being, whether scavenging for food, learning tricks, or exploring new places. Every dog is unique, so it may take some experimentation to find what activities they enjoy most. Once you do, you’ll see the benefits in their behavior, health, and overall happiness.

Let Us Help You This Winter

These are just five ways to keep your dog physically and mentally active this winter. Remember, with some creativity and effort, winter can be a fun and enriching season for you and your dog!

At Where Sit Happens, we offer various services, from group classes to AKC Trick Dog evaluations, to keep your dog active and engaged all winter. Whether you’re working on obedience, agility, or just trying to beat the winter blues, we’re here to help!