‘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. 

 

From toys that will keep their nose in tip-top sniffing shape, to dog treat puzzles and energy-burning exercises, the winter activity possibilities are nearly endless! 

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

Physical activity is of utmost importance for a dog’s health, but the truth is: they need mental stimulation too!  

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 treats! 

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!

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. Try some of our go-to winter activities to keep your pup physically fit and happy during the cold season:

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! 

Stairs

One of the best activities for you and your pup – run those stairs and get both of your heart rates up! 

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!

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!

 

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

Puzzle Treat Dispensers

At the end of the day, your love is the best reward and entertainment you can give your pup – but for the cold months ahead, we hope that this list of activities and games has you feeling inspired to take winter by storm with your fur baby!,