Winter Training Games

Winter Reality Check: Why we need indoor and smart outdoor exercise

Alaska winters are legendary, and so are the challenges they pose for keeping our dogs healthy, happy, and well exercised. With deep snow, slick ice, sub-zero temperatures, and limited daylight, even the most dedicated dog owner can feel stuck inside. Not to worry! Winter doesn’t have to mean cabin fever for you or your dog. Here’s how to keep them moving, thinking, and thriving all season long.

Living in Alaska means your typical summer routines consist of long trail hikes, outdoor adventures, and long days of sunshine. This gets sidelined by the snow and freezing temperatures. Even if your dog thrives outdoors, alternating fresh air with indoor engagement will keep them balanced and mentally stimulated.

Mind Over Matter Games

1. Scent Work Games

Dogs explore the world through their noses; give them something worthwhile to sniff! Indoor scent games are perfect for snowy days and tight spaces. Try these out:

• Muffin Tin Puzzle: Hide treats in some muffin tin cups and cover them with balls. Let your dog hunt for the goodies and work through taking the ball out to get the reward with minimal guidance from you.
• Shell Game: Hide a smelly treat under one of several plastic cups and let your dog sniff it out. Add more cups and more treat spots as they get better.
• Box Search: Scatter empty boxes of varying sizes and hide treats and toys in some, then let your dog find them all.

These games can strengthen focus, scent discrimination, and problem-solving. This tires your dog out mentally faster than fetch.

Indoor Fun for Body and Brain

You don’t have to have a large space to get creative:

• Find-It Game: Teach your dog to find hidden treats or toys on command. Start easy, then make it harder.
• Hide and Seek: Hide around the house and call your dog. This is great recall practice. Be very excited and playful every time they find you.
• Obstacle Course: Pillows, boxes, and broom hurdles can help you create a mini agility course to jump, weave, and balance.
• Bubble Chase: Yup! Blowing bubbles around can spark your dog’s interest and get them moving and having fun.

These activities keep your dog enriched without relying on the outdoors.

Smart Outdoor Time

When winter is willing to cooperate, quick outdoor bursts still matter.

• Short and Purposeful: Potty breaks plus a brisk walk are better than nothing.
• Safety for paws: Rinse salty feet and ice debris off indoors right away.
• Properly outfitted: Layer up with boots and coats if your dog can’t tolerate the cold; this will protect their feet and keep them warmer longer.

Even brisk, controlled outdoor time helps reset energy levels, and then let the scent games begin.

Training Inside:

Winter is a perfect time to build obedience and new skills:

• Recall Games: Practice reliable “come” inside where it’s safe and distraction controlled.
• Impulse control drills: Teach calm waits at doorways or before meals, for treats, and for toys.
• Handlers’ drills: Work on leash walking mechanics and your hand signals.

These drills not only exercise the mind but also often translate to better behavior when you do head outside again.

The deep freeze doesn’t have to freeze your dog’s exercise routine. With a mix of indoor enrichment, creative games, short outdoor bursts, and engagement drills, you can keep your dog fit, happy, and balanced even when the sun barely peeks above the horizon.

Check out our winter training episodes on Dog Works Radio. They are packed with expert tips, seasonal strategies, and real-world advice to keep Alaskan dog owners and their pups thriving all year long.