As the winter chill sets in, it can be tempting to hibernate indoors with your dog. However, colder months don’t mean that your dog’s training and enrichment should take a back seat. At A Dog’s Way Inn, we believe in keeping dogs mentally and physically engaged year-round. Winter is an excellent opportunity to focus on indoor activities and classes that will help your dog thrive.
Here are some winter training tips to keep your dog happy, healthy, and well-behaved during the colder months:
1. Interactive Playtime
Winter weather may keep you from your regular outdoor walks, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun indoors. Interactive toys like puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing balls, and snuffle mats can engage your dog’s brain while rewarding them for their efforts. These toys are perfect for stimulating your dog’s natural problem-solving instincts and giving them something to focus on.
2. Keep Up with Basic Obedience
Indoor training sessions are a great way to maintain your dog’s obedience skills during winter. Use this time to work on reinforcing basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. You can do this in the comfort of your living room, with short, positive training sessions that help your dog stay sharp and responsive. And if you’re looking for professional guidance, our Basic Obedience classes at A Dog’s Way Inn are the perfect way to ensure your dog is consistently well-behaved.
3. Engage with AKC Rally
If you’re looking to take your training to the next level, consider signing up for our AKC Rally classes. Rally obedience combines aspects of traditional obedience with agility, requiring your dog to follow a course of stations with various commands. This is a great way to build focus and communication with your dog, and it can be done indoors in a spacious environment like our training areas at A Dog’s Way Inn.
4. Leash Etiquette Practice
Even in the winter months, you may need to take your dog outside for quick bathroom breaks or a brisk walk. This is the perfect time to focus on leash manners. If your dog pulls on the leash or becomes overly excited, winter can be a great time to address these behaviors in a controlled environment. Our Leash Etiquette classes can help you teach your dog to walk calmly and politely on a leash, making winter outings much more enjoyable for both of you.
5. Create an Indoor Agility Course
If your dog enjoys a good challenge, try setting up an indoor agility course using household items like chairs, blankets, or boxes. This can provide both mental stimulation and physical exercise while keeping your dog entertained. Set up obstacles like tunnels, jumps, and weave poles to create a fun and engaging experience. If you’re looking for more structured agility training, our classes at A Dog’s Way Inn are designed to teach your dog agility in a supportive, fun environment.
6. Mental Enrichment Activities
Just like humans, dogs need mental stimulation to stay sharp. Winter is a great time to focus on training your dog’s brain. Teach them new tricks, work on advanced obedience skills, or engage them in scent work activities. These types of mental challenges can tire out your dog just as much as physical exercise and can be done easily in your living room. Our trainers at A Dog’s Way Inn are here to guide you through these activities to help your dog reach their full potential.
7. Keep Socialization Going
While outdoor socialization might be limited due to the cold, indoor socialization is still possible. Arrange playdates with other dogs in safe indoor environments, or bring your dog to A Dog’s Way Inn for controlled, supervised group classes. Our training programs focus on socialization, helping your dog feel comfortable and confident in various environments, even during the winter months.
8. Consistency is Key
Winter can disrupt your regular routine, but consistency is crucial to maintaining your dog’s behavior and training progress. Set aside time each day for a quick training session, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes. This small investment of time will keep your dog mentally engaged and help prevent unwanted behaviors from developing.
At A Dog’s Way Inn, we’re committed to helping you keep your dog engaged, happy, and healthy no matter the season. Our variety of classes—like Basic Obedience, AKC Rally, and Leash Etiquette—can all be done indoors, making them perfect for winter training. Don’t let the cold stop your dog’s progress; together, we can ensure they’re thriving all year long.
Reach out today to learn more about our winter classes and training programs!
