‘Tis the season for indoor activities that keep your fur baby moving, entertained and stimulated! And with the holidays knocking on our door, it’s the perfect time to treat your precious pup to some great new toys and activities! 

Stimulating Your Dog's Mind, Body, and Spirit During Winter Months

It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean that your dog’s need for exercise, mental and spiritual stimulation is any different than during summer months. Winter is actually the perfect excuse to mix things up and keep your dog’s mind and body in tip-top shape.

Think about it: toys that turn your living room into a sniffing adventure, treat puzzles that make them think, and all the fun, energy-busting exercises you can do indoors. And hey, let’s not forget about the food – feeding your dog healthy dog food or the best puppy food is like giving them an extra layer of warmth, right? Let’s dive into some of the things you can do to help stimulate your pup in the cold months.

Safety Notes

*All activity suggestions that we make here at I and love and you are merely that - suggestions! When introducing any new physical activity,  always check with your vet to make sure that it’s  safe for your very unique pup! 

Mental Stimulation

Let's not forget, while running around is fantastic for your dog's health, their brains need a good workout as much as their legs do! Sure, physical activity is super important, but mixing in some brain games? That's where the real magic happens. It's all about keeping those tails wagging and those minds buzzing.

Here are a few of our favorite mentally stimulating dog toys for your pup’s brain: 

Snuffle Mats

These adorable soft mats lean into a dog's natural instinct to forage. Often crated with layers, pockets, and puzzle boards perfect for hiding treats in. Snuffle mats trigger a dog's sense of smell which can decrease anxiety, and keep them happily snuffling away for the best treats for dogs! 

Flip Board Strategy Games

These hard-exterior puzzle games utilize slides, hinges, and cones to hide treats - which will stretch your pup’s cognitive abilities and reward them when they crack the endless puzzle codes! And when they finally solve it? Victory has never tasted so sweet. Imagine pairing these brain-busters with the best treats for dogs, healthy dog food, or even some natural dog treats. It's a win-win.

Body Stimulation

Burning off excess physical energy during the winter months is vitally important for your dog’s sanity and  - let’s face it - yours too. But fear not! We've rounded up some of our favorite winter activities designed to keep your furry friend physically fit, mentally sharp, and, let's not forget, incredibly happy.

Fetch

Heading to a cleared out garage, basement, or open room to throw around a ball during a cold winter afternoon is the perfect snowy activity! Throw in some natural dog treats, and your pup has a new favorite play time!

Stairs

One of the best activities for you and your pup - run those stairs and get both of your heart rates up! Easy and simple, throw the ball up and down, or lay some natural dog treats at the top, and watch them run!

Treadmill

Treadmills provide excellent cardio workouts. They don't require specialty machinery, human fitness equipment can be used as long as your dog fits and you train them to use it properly! Make sure to be careful when putting any animal on your fitness equipment.

Rope Toys

Nothing hits the spot for a pup like a good ole’ fashioned game of tug-of-war! Find a safe and durable rope toy to engage your furry friend with, and they’ll feel connected to you while burning off some excess energy!

Flirt Pole

When we think of pole toys, our minds often jump to cats chasing after feathered balls. But did you know there are flirt poles crafted especially for dogs? These sturdy toys will keep your pup entertained and moving - win, win! You can even fill some of them with the best treats for dogs, making for a fun and mentally stimulating challenge for your dog!

Spiritual Stimulation

Dogs need spiritual stimulation too! And we’re not talking about a doggy meditation session (though that seems super cute) we’re talking about stimulating toys that are reward-driven! 

Treat your BFF to some toys that will keep your fur baby entertained and feeling appreciated with a delicious snack:

Kong Toys

These practically indestructible toys have become a go-to in the canine world. Perfect for hours of chewing and entertainment when filled with peanut butter or natural dog treats, these toys are dishwasher-safe, non-toxic and end with a peanut butter for your pup - what could be better?

Puzzle Treat Dispensers

Giving your dog a treat is nice, but keeping them entertained and stimulated while they earn one is even better! Keep your eyes peeled for these treat dispenser balls with maze-like structures on the inside - hours of delicious fun! 

Wrapping up, it's clear that while your love and attention are unparalleled gifts for your pup, having a robust arsenal of activities and games is invaluable, especially as we brace for the colder months. This compilation of winter-friendly exercises, brain teasers, and cozy indoor games is more than just a way to pass the time; it's a strategy to ensure your furry companion remains joyful, engaged, and physically fit despite the chilly weather.

Whether it's navigating puzzle games, diving nose-first into snuffle mats, or savoring healthy dog food and the best treats for dogs as rewards, each activity is an opportunity to strengthen your bond and make enduring memories. So, as winter unfolds, let's look forward to embracing every frosty day with enthusiasm, armed with an array of activities that promise to keep your fur baby's tail wagging and their spirits as bright as a sunny day. Here's to a winter filled with love, play, and endless tail wags!