Keeping Dogs Happy!
Winter in Minnesota can be brutal, with temperatures often plummeting to -35°F wind chills. For pet owners, keeping dogs happy and entertained during such extreme weather is no small task—especially if your furry friends are as energetic as my two Aussiedoodles, Waffles and Tacoma (Taco). They love nothing more than running, wrestling, and chasing each other in our fenced-in backyard.
But when temperatures drop below 20°F, even the best paw balm (I swear by a homemade one I’ve perfected) can’t fully protect their paws, and doggy booties? Let’s just say they’re not fans. On frigid days like these, we skip walks and outdoor playtime, which leaves them full of energy indoors.
If you’ve ever dealt with cooped-up dogs during winter, you know it can drive you a little crazy. Tacoma especially doesn’t seem to grasp the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia, even when he’s all groomed and bundled in his puffer dog coat! Over the years, I’ve discovered creative indoor activities that not only keep them entertained but also preserve my sanity. These ideas are lifesavers during freezing winters, summer heat advisories, thunderstorms, or even when I’m under the weather.
Here’s how I keep my dogs happy, healthy, and engaged when outdoor play isn’t an option.
1. Puzzle Toys: Mental Stimulation at Its Best
Puzzle toys are a staple in our house. Waffles and Tacoma are incredibly smart, so they breeze through even the most challenging ones, but it’s always fun to watch them figure things out. Some of our favorites include:
- Outward Hound’s interactive puzzles
- The OurPets waffle treat dispenser (a gotcha day gift for Waffles!)
- Trixie dog activity puzzles
These toys keep their minds sharp and provide a much-needed mental workout.
2. Sniff-inger Hunts: Let Their Noses Do the Work
Dogs love sniffing, and I’ve turned this natural instinct into a fun game to keep my dogs happy! Here’s how it works:
- First, I hide their favorite treats around the living room or kitchen while they wait in another room.
- Treats go in creative spots like their food dishes, under blankets, in their toy bin, or even on the couch.
The boys love searching for the hidden snacks, and the activity tires them out!
3. DIY Treat Dispenser: Fun with Everyday Items
One of their favorite DIY games involves a hexagonal ball and some old sweatpants. I cut the sweatpants into strips, wrap treats in each piece, and stuff them inside the ball. Waffles and Tacoma enjoy pulling the pieces out to find the goodies. It’s simple, but effective!
4. Frozen Toys: Long-Lasting Fun
Frozen toys are a game-changer. Here are a few tricks I use:
- Wrap small treats in a dish towel, wet it, and freeze it. The boys have to lick, chew, and thaw it to get their rewards.
- Freeze a ball or small toy inside a bowl of water to create an ice puck. Watching them “rescue” the toy is hilarious.
- Use a waffle lick mat (another gotcha day gift!) to spread peanut butter or cheese, then freeze it. It keeps the dogs happy and entertained for ages.
5. Snuffle Mats: Meal Time Becomes Playtime
We have a Green Bay Packers-themed snuffle mat that’s a hit during meals. First, I scatter their kibble into the sections, and they enjoy “foraging” for their food. It’s great for slowing down fast eaters and keeping them busy.
6. DogTV: A Screen Time Treat
On especially cold days, I’ll put on YouTube and search for “DogTV.” Waffles and Tacoma love watching videos of dogs swimming in lakes or running through woods, often set to calming music. It’s entertaining for them and often lulls them to sleep afterward.
7. Tug of War: Solo and Interactive Options
Tug of war is always a favorite, but sometimes only one of them is in the mood to play. I found a toy that suctions to hard surfaces, allowing them to play tug-of-war solo when I’m not available to join in.
8. Training Sessions: Bonding and Stimulation
While not exactly a “hack,” a quick 15-minute training session works wonders for calming them down. I use their favorite treats to review basic commands or teach them new tricks. It’s a great way to bond while keeping them mentally stimulated.
9. Agility Training
This is a great option for indoor play, but easily can be taken outside on nice days too! We have a foam agility set that has an agility ring to practice jumping through a hoop! It comes apart easily for flat storage and travel!
Keeping Dogs Happy Indoors When It’s Cold
Finding ways to keep your dogs entertained indoors doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether it’s engaging their minds with puzzles, indulging their love of sniffing, or creating DIY games, there are plenty of ways to help them burn off energy and stay happy—even when it’s freezing outside.
Waffles and Tacoma are proof that a little creativity goes a long way. These activities have saved us during countless cold snaps, and I hope they help your furry friends thrive during the winter months, too! Comment below how you keep your dogs happy when it is not ideal to be outside!
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