By Cathy M. Rosenthal

When winter settles in, it can bring more than just chilly temperatures and snow-covered landscapes—it often means more time spent indoors. While cozying up inside might sound appealing to you, your dog might feel differently. With fewer opportunities to run, play, and explore outside, many dogs can become restless, anxious, or even destructive if they don’t get enough exercise.

No matter where you live—whether you’re snowed in up north or dealing with cold rain in the south—keeping your pet active during the winter months is essential for their physical and mental health. The good news? There are plenty of creative ways to burn off their energy and keep them entertained without stepping foot outdoors.

Here are some indoor activities that will keep your dog moving, engaged, and happy until the weather improves.

Play Fetch Indoors

Playing fetch isn’t just for the backyard or park—you can adapt this classic game to your indoor space. Long hallways are ideal if you have them, but lay down a rug or carpet if the floors are slippery to prevent accidents. Toss the ball or toy to the end of the hallway, and watch your dog sprint back to you.

If you have stairs, you can add a new level of excitement (literally!) by throwing the ball a few steps upward. This gets your dog moving and burns extra energy as they climb. Just remember to never throw the ball down the stairs—running down the stairs too quickly can lead to injury. Stairplay is best suited for healthy adult dogs. Avoid it for puppies, small dogs, senior dogs, overweight dogs, or dogs with joint issues.

For those with a large room, fetch works just as well. Small dogs, in particular, can have a great time running short distances from one end to the other.

Chase Around the Furniture

If your furniture is arranged in the middle of the room, use it to your advantage. Toss a toy to get your dog’s attention, then chase them in circles around the furniture. Dogs love the thrill of being pursued, and it doesn’t take much effort on your part—just a few steps will have them running laps.

To mix things up, switch directions mid-chase. Move toward your dog as they round the corner, and they’ll pivot and run the opposite way. This back-and-forth game will leave them happily exhausted. My dogs enjoy this game so much that we play it year-round, even on sunny days.

Hide and Seek

For a mentally stimulating activity, try a game of hide and seek. When your dog isn’t looking, sneak into another room and hide. Then, call their name. They’ll immediately start searching for you. When they find you, pop out of your hiding spot and say, “Here I am!” The delight on their face will be priceless.

To keep the game going, ask your dog to sit and stay while you find a new hiding spot. Repeat the process and reward them with a treat each time they successfully “find” you. Many dogs will happily play this game as long as you’re willing to hide.

Toys for Independent Play

After a long day, you may need a few moments to settle in before playing with your dog. To keep them entertained, set aside a special basket of toys that only comes out when you’re home. Dump the toys on the floor as a fun “welcome home” ritual and let your dog dive into the excitement.

For a longer-lasting engagement, offer your dog a Kong toy stuffed with a treat or peanut butter. These interactive toys provide mental stimulation and can keep them busy while you relax or handle household tasks.

A Few Final Tips

Remember, keeping your dog active indoors doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. A few short bursts of play throughout the day can make a big difference in burning off excess energy and keeping your dog happy during the winter.

And while the weather might make it harder to get outside, these activities ensure your dog still gets the exercise and attention they need. With a bit of creativity, you can turn even the dreariest winter day into an opportunity for fun and bonding.

Your dog will thank you with wagging tails, happy barks, and, most importantly, a peaceful night’s sleep!

Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, and pet columnist with more than 35 years in the field of animal welfare. If you are interested in her children’s books, please visit https://cathyrosenthal.com/petpunditpublishing/. Send your pet questions to cathy@petpundit.com.