Stay Cozy & Active: Fun Indoor Activities for Dogs in Winter

Winter weather is beautiful, but it sure can make outdoor play with our pets tough. When cold temperatures, ice, and rain keep you and your pup inside, it’s easy for energy to build up and boredom to set in. But just because you can’t head outdoors doesn’t mean your dog’s enrichment and exercise have to suffer. With a little creativity, your home can become a playground of fun that keeps your dog engaged, mentally stimulated, and physically active throughout the winter months.

Here’s a guide to indoor activities for dogs, plus ideas for using Farm to Pet treats and enrichment toys to make winter days paw-sitively awesome.

Dogs need more than just occasional walks. They thrive on activities that challenge their minds and bodies. When outside time is limited, indoor enrichment helps:

• Prevent boredom and destructive behaviors
• Burn off excess energy
• Provide mental stimulation
• Strengthen your bond
• Make winter more enjoyable for everyone

The best activities combine play, learning, and tasty rewards – which is smart dog toy choices and Farm to Pet dog treats come in!

Delicious dog treats can be far more than just snacks for furry friends – they can also fuel brain games!

Farm to Pet’s simple, wholesome dog treats are perfect high-value rewards to provide motivation and engagement in a variety of scenarios. Here’s are a few ways you can use them for indoor activities for dogs:

🐶 High-Value Rewards for Learning

When it’s too cold outside, schedule an indoor training session! When teaching new tricks or commands, use your dog’s favorite dog treat flavor as positive reinforcement. The anticipation of a delicious bite keeps your pup focused and motivated. Plus Farm to Pet Chips can be broken into mess-free pieces to make them go even farther during trainings.

🧩 Puzzle Toy Fillers

Stuff enrichment toys and treat dispensers with Farm to Pet crunchy treats. Their delicious umami aroma and flavor provide powerful clues and cues! As your dog works to extract the goodies, he practices problem-solving and patience – and gets a tasty reward for his efforts.

🦴 Chew Time That Counts

Gnawing on a long-lasting Farm to Pet antler chew is an excellent indoor activity any time of year. These dog-safe chews satisfy natural chewing instincts and promote calm focus as well as providing essential nutrients and dental benefits with every chomp.

Maybe you’re as stir crazy as your pup when you can’t get outside! These engaging activities are perfect to do inside the house, apartment, or basement when the weather outside is frightful!

1. Hide & Seek Treat Games

How it works: Hide Farm to Pet dog treats around the house and let your dog sniff them out!

• Start with easy spots, such visible on the floor or couch.
• Gradually increase difficulty by hiding treats under towels or in boxes.
• Use “find it!” or another cue each time so your dog learns the game.

Benefits: Encourages natural scenting behaviors, engages the brain, and makes treats last longer.

2. Interactive Puzzle Toys

Fill interactive puzzle toys or slow feeders with Farm to Pet crunchy dog treats.

Tips for success:

• Sprinkle dry treats in different compartments.
• Cover with fabric flaps to slow your dog down.
• Rotate puzzles to keep things fresh.

Benefits: Slow feeding, mental stimulation, problem-solving skills.

3. Teach New Tricks or Commands

Winter is a perfect time to brush up on training or introduce new skills! Here are a few to try:

• Shake or high five
• Spin or twirl
• Targeting (touching a hand or object)
• Put toys away

Use Farm to Pet dog treats as a reward for success. The rich natural flavors make learning extra exciting for furry friends, and the low-fat nutrition gives humans peace of mind when treating!

4. Indoor Obstacle Course

If you have the room and can do it safely, why not turn your living room into an agility course using household items like these - and dog treats as a reward at the finish line!

• Pillows for low jumps
• Chairs with blankets for tunnels
• Towels for weaving through

Benefits: Physical exercise, coordination, confidence building.

5. Tug-of-War With a Twist

Tug games are great when played safely and using these tips.

• Use a sturdy rope toy or tug toy.
• Train your dog to release on cue - “drop it” is a useful command, and a healthy dog treat is a useful training reward!

Benefits: Bonding, energy release, strength engagement.

6. Shell Game Nose Work

Take three cups and place one Farm to Pet treat under a cup while your dog watches.

• Shuffle them around.
• Let your dog choose by pawing or nosing the right cup.
• Increase challenge by using more cups or moving them faster.

Benefits: Nose work, memory, focus.

7. Frozen Lickmat Treats 

Even indoors, “frozen” enrichment is delicious to furry friends:

• Layer plain natural yogurt or peanut butter and Farm to Pet dog food topper on a licking mat.
• Press down into grooves with a spoon.
• Freeze until firm.
• Let your dog work to get every last bit.

Benefits: Long-lasting engagement, oral benefits, and delicious rewards.

8. Quiet Chew Time with Antlers

For dogs that love to chew, Farm to Pet antler chews are great for indoor distraction and chewing satisfaction because:

• Naturally long-lasting
• Splinter-resistant
• Great for power chewers
• Satisfies instinctual chewing urges

Add a game like twist by hiding an antler in your dog’s favorite spot, then let them enjoy calm chewing time. Chewing provides both mental and physical exercise to pups. This simple activity can be incredibly soothing and enriching, especially on windy or snowy days when outdoor play isn’t an option.

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your indoor play sessions:

🕒 Keep Sessions Short & Frequent

Instead of one long play time, aim for multiple short bursts of 10–15 minutes each. It’s easier to fit into your day and keeps your dog’s interest high.

🔁 Rotate Toys & Games

Just like people, dogs can get bored with the same thing. Rotate puzzle toys and enrichment games weekly or when your dog loses interest.

🎵 Set the Mood

Some dogs love music or background sound. Soft tunes can make indoor activity time even more enjoyable for both of you.

📅 Stick to a Schedule

Keeping a predictable daily routine gives structure and anticipation while reducing restlessness.

When you make indoor activity a priority during the winter, you’ll notice big improvements in your dog’s behavior and well-being:

• Less boredom-related chewing
• Better focus and calmness
• Stronger skills and training retention
• Enhanced confidence
• Deeper bond between you and your dog

Using dog treats during indoor activities for dogs, whether in training or puzzles, boosts the fun and reinforces positive habits.

Winter doesn’t have to mean couch-bound pups and pent-up energy. With creativity, structure, and the right tools, like Farm to Pet treats and enrichment toys, these indoor activities for dogs turn cold days into warm, rewarding adventures right at home.

Whether you’re hiding treats, building obstacle courses, teaching tricks, or encouraging quiet chew time with an antler, your dog’s body and brain will stay active, happy, and healthy all winter long! 🐾☃️