With the cold weather quickly approaching it is never a bad time to get prepared with some winter games for dogs to enjoy when the weather turns chilly. Not all dogs (or people for that matter) like spending time outdoors in the snow so this list includes a bit of both indoor and outdoor games for dogs. This way there will be something for everyone to enjoy! Games are a great way to challenge your dog and keep them active during an otherwise dull time of the year. Sidewalks and dog parks are often left untended and messy which can make exercising your dog difficult. Use these games to keep your furry friend in top shape this winter.
Related: 5 Cool Games You Can Teach Your Dog
Outdoor Winter Games For Dogs
Snowball Fetch
If you have a dog that loves to chase tennis balls or Frisbees, there is a good chance they will love this snowball fetch game. When you go outside to play let your pup do their investigating and potty break while you make a stockpile of snowballs. You will need a bunch to keep your dog busy during this game. The next part is simple: use the snowballs like a tennis ball; you can even use them in the throwers! Your dog will have a blast chasing after the balls and digging them out of the snow.
Find It
This is a great game to challenge your dog’s sense of smell and their ability to hunt and retrieve. Take a few treats with you when you go outside. First, let your dog smell them so they know what they are looking for. Next, hide them around the yard, buried under the snow. Let your dog off the leash or out of the house and see if they are able to find all the treats hidden under the snow in the yard! They get a tasty treat and a good lesson without knowing that they’re working on skills!
Hill Roll
If you are lucky enough to live in an area where you have access to a hill that is a safe distance from the road this hill roll game will be so much fun for you and your dog. You start at the top of the hill and make some medium sized snowballs. Next, roll them down the hill and let your dog chase them, pounce on them, etc. They will get a great workout running, jumping, and pouncing their way up and down the hill and you will get some great laughs watching them frolic in the snow!
Indoor Winter Games For Dogs
Which Cup
This is a fun doggy twist on a classic game for humans. Using three cups (either disposable cups or sturdy ones that you don’t mind letting your dog pick up with their teeth) and some treats you can teach your dog to find the correct cup: the one hiding the treats! Simply show them the treat, place it under a cup, and then mix up the cups. Give your dog the “calm” command to help them learn self-control and then allow them to choose a cup! If they choose correctly they get a yummy snack, if not they have to try again!
Clean Up the House
Clean up the house is a super fun game that will give your dog some indoor exercise and help you organize their toys! The first skill you need to work on is having them pick up a toy or object from the floor and place it into a basket. Once they have the hang of putting the items in the basket, place the items around your home and give the “clean up the house” command. Your dog will have to run around the house collecting the items and bringing them back to the basket! This is a great game to build on throughout the winter. By Spring they will be so good at it you won’t have to pick up their toys!
Which of these winter games for dogs will you play with your pooch?
