What Are the Best Ways to Exercise My Dog During the Winter Months?

As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it’s easy for both us and our pups to fall victim to the “winter slump.” The temptation to curl up on the couch under a warm blanket is hard to resist. Pair that with the struggle of bundling up for a cold walk, and it’s no surprise that many dogs aren’t getting the same level of exercise and enrichment that they enjoy the rest of the year.

However, while we may be tempted to hibernate until spring, the reality is that consistent physical and mental activity is not just a fun bonus for our dogs; it’s a “must” for their overall quality of life. Without proper exercise, even the most well-behaved and well-trained dog can quickly develop problem behaviors due to boredom, anxiety, and pent-up energy. More importantly, a lack of activity leads directly to weight gain, muscle atrophy, and other health challenges.

To ensure your dog enjoys a long, happy, and healthy life, it is your responsibility to find practical solutions for your dog's needs (both physical and mental) even on the coldest days. Luckily, there are options! Let’s look at a few…

Explore the Outdoors Safely  

Before you head outside to play in the ice and snow, there are a few key safety considerations we need to prioritize with our best friends in mind. Winter introduces some unique risks, and understanding your dog’s specific needs is the first step towards a safe, enjoyable season for all involved.

Know Your Dog’s Limits

Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to cold tolerance. What one dog may consider a casual brisk walk could introduce dangerous levels of exposure to the elements for another. Looking at our two pups as an example, our Anatolian Shepherd mix, Willow, loves rolling and burying herself in the snow, refusing to come inside for hours on end. Meanwhile, our little guy Lucifer ( German Shepherd/ Australian Cattle Dog) shivers after he’s been out for too long unless he’s properly geared up. Knowing how this applies specifically to YOUR dog is essential.

Dogs with shorter coats, little body fat, or small frames (like Greyhounds, Beagles, or Chihuahuas) lose heat more quickly and need more protection. On the other hand, dogs with dense, double coats (like Huskies or Malamutes) are built for the cold. That said, even cold-weather dogs still need to be monitored!

Age also influences your dog’s cold tolerance. Both puppies and senior dogs are less efficient at regulating their body temperature. Seniors, in particular, may also have underlying conditions like arthritis that are made worse by cold and dampness, meaning their outdoor play and exercise sessions must be shorter and lower-impact.  

While what is considered to be “ too cold” will vary by breed, a general guideline is that temperatures below 32°F (0°C) should be met with caution and limited time outside. Once the temperature dips below 20°F (-7°C), being outdoors can be genuinely dangerous for most dogs and should be limited to quick potty breaks only.

Winter Gear Checklist

Whether you have a dog who is particularly sensitive to the colder temperatures or you’re worried about other winter-related hazards like chemical de-icers and antifreeze, your cold-weather gear can make all the difference. Here are a few items I highly recommend to keep your pup safe and comfortable:

• Coats and Sweaters: Look for coats that cover the body from neck to tail and provide coverage over the chest and belly, such as the Hurtta Expedition Parka. There are even overall-style coats, like the Ruffwear Vert Coverall, that offer more protection. Choose materials that are waterproof and windproof to prevent conductive heat loss, especially if you live in a wet or windy climate.

• Booties: The pads of your dog’s paws are highly susceptible to damage from ice, sharp ice chunks, and, most critically, chemical de-icers (salt). Booties are the gold standard for full protection against chemicals and ice balls forming between their toes. You could use traditional boots, like the Canada Pooch Dog Winter Boots, or if you struggle to keep them on, try a suspender style like the Walkee Paws Dog Boot Leggings. Be sure to introduce them slowly and find a pair that fits securely.

• Paw Balms/Waxes: If you have a dog who simply won’t tolerate boots, paw balms and waxes like Musher’s Secret are a great alternative. They create a protective, moisturizing barrier on your dog’s paw pads. However, they offer no protection against caustic sidewalk salt and require an immediate paw wash when you get home to remove everything safely.

• Visibility: With the sun going down earlier during the winter months, visibility is a huge concern. Always use reflective gear or incorporate LED lights, using products like the Nite Ize NiteHowl Rechargeable LED Dog Necklace, RC Pets Nova LED Light Harness, or Nite Ize SpotLit Rechargeable Collar Light.

Strategic Outdoor Exercise

When cold weather limits your time outside, you have to think outside the box to ensure your pup will get the maximum physical and mental benefit from their time while keeping them safe. Here are a few small shifts you can make to your normal outdoor routine during the winter months:

• Frequency Over Duration: Instead of trying to force one long, uncomfortable walk, plan for two or three brisk, 15–20 minute power walks throughout the day. This will help you ensure your dog is getting the physical activity they need to stay healthy without risking prolonged exposure to the dangerous cold.

• Optimal Timing: Always aim to walk during the warmest part of the day, which is typically late morning or midday. Even a few extra degrees of warmth when the sun is out can make a significant difference in your dog’s comfort and safety when playing outdoors.

• Consider the Intensity: To get more out of a short walk, try to incorporate short bursts of activity. Integrate short periods of power walking or quick trotting (if your dog is fit enough) followed by a normal pace. To boost the enrichment opportunities, stop frequently to allow intense sniffing. Sniffing is a huge mental workout that helps satisfy their needs even if their physical activity is limited.

• Safe Snow Fun: If your dog loves the snow, you can definitely give them the opportunity to enjoy that! Allow for 10-minute bursts of fetch or zoomies, providing high-energy, short-duration activity followed by coming inside to warm up. You can also turn the snow into a fun “find it” style game. Scatter high-value treats in the snow and cue your dog to “Find it!” This engages their sense of smell, making it a great way to burn energy quickly through mental enrichment.

Always ensure you prioritize winter safety during your outings. Never allow access to frozen ponds or lakes unless you’re positive the ice is safe, as thin ice poses an immediate, life-threatening risk. Slips on cleared ice can also cause severe injuries. Be sure to use reflective or LED gear if you must walk near dusk or dawn, as low light conditions are far more dangerous for your pup.

Always pay attention to your dog’s body language. Immediately head back inside if you notice any of the following warning signs: shivering, repeatedly lifting paws, or an obvious reluctance to keep moving. These red flags mean your dog is too cold or in pain.

Post-Outdoor Care

Preparing before heading outdoors is only the first step. There are also steps you should take when you head back indoors to keep your pup safe.

Every time you come in from a walk, take a moment to thoroughly wipe down your dog’s paws, legs, and belly. This removes all traces of rock salt, antifreeze, or other chemicals that they could otherwise lick off and ingest. If your pup is sporting their outdoor gear, consider the areas where these hazards could still get to their fur, like on their legs (above their boots) or lower belly below their coat.

If your dog got wet or snowy, consider using a towel to dry their fur completely. Cold, damp fur can rapidly drop their body temperature, increasing the risk of experiencing a cold chill, especially for thin-coated breeds who are more sensitive to the cold. If your dog has longer hair, check between the toe pads for packed ice or snowballs, which can be painful and lead to frostbite if left there for too long.

Creative Indoor Exercise Options

There will inevitably be days when the wind chill is too brutal, the sidewalks are too icy, the snow is too deep, or you just can’t bring yourself to brave the brisk winter air. On these days, your home must transform from a resting place into a training and play center. Indoor exercise can focus on one (or both) of two concepts: physical or mental.

High-Energy Movement

These activities make use of open space and intensity to burn physical energy quickly and efficiently. In short, you want to get your pup moving in short bursts to increase their heart rate and exercise their muscles.

If you have a long, clear hallway or an open-plan living space, use it to your advantage with a game of fetch. Switch from heavy rubber toys to soft, lightweight plush toys or tennis balls. This minimizes the risk of damage to walls, baseboards, or furniture when your dog is speeding to retrieve or catch. Keep sessions short and stop before your dog is panting excessively to avoid overheating, especially if you have an overly warm home.  

Tug-of-war is a great full-body, high-intensity indoor workout, engaging muscles in your dog’s neck, shoulders, back, and legs. Rules are important during this game to teach impulse control, making the game mentally engaging and also setting your dog up for success in terms of their behavior long-term. The game should always start and stop on your command (“Take it!” and “Drop it!”).

If you have a healthy, young, or middle-aged dog without any history of joint issues, you can use stair workouts for cardio and muscle building. Toss a toy up or down one flight of stairs for several repetitions. But never use stairs for puppies (whose growth plates are still developing), senior dogs, or any dog diagnosed with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or back problems. Always check with your vet before incorporating this high-impact activity.

The Power of Mental Enrichment

Mental exercise often tires a dog faster and more effectively than simple physical running. Engaging the nose and the brain is your secret weapon against winter boredom.

Scent games are a great way to tire your dog out indoors. Hide and seek is a classic. Have your dog sit and stay (or have a family member hold them), then hide in another room and call their name. The excitement of the search and the reward of finding you is highly stimulating. Alternatively, you can try hiding treats around the house, giving your dog the command to “Find it!” and watching them sniff out their rewards.

“Find it” games are a spin on the same concept, but ideal for smaller spaces. Try hiding scented treats in boxes or containers or under plastic cups, putting them out alongside several empty decoys. Release them to search and identify where their treats are hiding. If you’re concerned about calories, consider switching from using treats to specially designed scented pouches like those made by Race&Herd.

Puzzle and treat dispensing toys are another great option, turning mealtime into a workout. Stuffing a Kong or West Paw Toppl with wet food or yogurt and freezing it can provide 30 minutes of quiet, focused mental work. Snuffle mats are another option, designed to hide kibble deep within fabric folds, forcing the dog to sniff and root around for their food, satisfying their natural foraging instincts.

For highly intelligent dogs, there are challenging puzzle feeders that require your pup to use their problem-solving skills to navigate slides, levers, buttons, drawers, spinning elements, and other features. I love the Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson line of puzzles that are conveniently sorted into 4 skill levels, making it easier to find the right one for your dog.

Training and New Skills  

Training sessions require focus, problem-solving, and coordination, helping to mentally wear your dog out. Dedicate 10-minute bursts throughout the day to teaching a new trick or cue. Try using rapid-fire obedience drills to challenge your pup and test their basic obedience skills. Give a quick-fire succession of known commands. For example, you could try the sequence: Sit, Down, Stand, Touch, Sit Stay, Down. The quick changes in posture and required focus are both great ways to take your training to the next level in terms of mental exercise.

If your dog’s basic obedience is already locked down, or if you’re getting bored with the same basic commands, consider focusing on tricks like “Roll Over,” “Spin,” “Play Dead,” or learning to weave between your legs.

Finally, consider introducing agility at home with a DIY obstacle course made from household items. Get creative when considering what you have available.

• Line up five water bottles or stable boxes for your dog to weave through.
• Drape a blanket over two chairs, or cut both ends off a large box to create a short, low tunnel.
• Use a broom handle placed between two stacks of books to create a very low jump.  

However, if you are creating a jump, be sure to keep it exceptionally low, just a few inches off the ground, to protect your dog’s joints, especially on hard floors. Not only is guiding your dog through the obstacle course a good physical and mental challenge, but it’s also a fun opportunity to work together and strengthen your bond.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.