Too Cold to Walk Your Dog? 5 Safe Indoor Activities to Try Instead

If you live in a cold climate or experience harsh winters, you may find yourself asking: is it too cold to walk your dog?

When temperatures drop below 20°F, longer outdoor walks may not be safe—especially for small dogs, puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with health concerns.

Fortunately, skipping a walk doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out on exercise or mental stimulation. There are plenty of safe, enriching indoor activities that meet your dog’s needs when cold weather makes outdoor walks unrealistic. Below are five effective alternatives for dog exercise in winter.

1. Indoor Games for Dogs

I live in the Midwest, where extreme cold is part of winter life. On days when outdoor walks aren’t an option, indoor dog games become essential. These activities help burn energy and provide mental stimulation.

• Tug of War Use a sturdy toy large enough to hold safely and invite your dog into a game of tug. Always use a release cue and ask your dog to drop the toy in exchange for a treat when the game ends to keep play structured and safe.

• Flirt Pole A flirt pole (a long pole with a toy attached like this one) is a great way to engage your dog’s prey drive indoors. Move the toy along the ground to simulate chasing prey. Avoid lifting the toy high into the air—excited dogs can injure themselves by jumping too high. Be sure to let your dog "catch" the toy occasionally to prevent frustration.

• Scent Games Nose work is one of the best forms of mental stimulation for dogs. Scatter kibble on the floor, hide treats around a room, or ask your dog to search for a hidden toy. For beginner scent games, check here.

• Toy Time Dogs have individual play preferences. Some enjoy fetch, others prefer herding balls, squeaky toys, or independent play. The goal is simply engagement. One of my dogs loves tossing toys into the air and catching them herself. She doesn’t want me to play with her—just an enthusiastic audience cheering her on.

2. Grooming Session (Not a Bath)

Cold days are perfect for a calm grooming session. Regardless of coat type, all dogs benefit from regular brushing, and grooming is a powerful way to build trust and body-handling tolerance.

Use a silicone grooming mitt or soft bristle brush (like this brush) and keep the session relaxing. If your dog has mats or tangles, save de-matting for another time.

Start at the chest and shoulders and work slowly toward the tail using gentle strokes in the direction of coat growth. Many dogs become deeply relaxed—sometimes even sleepy. Grooming provides both bonding and indoor enrichment for dogs on cold days.

3. Training and Mental Exercise Indoors

When it’s too cold to walk your dog, indoor training is an excellent substitute. Practice basic cues like sit, stay, down, and come, or teach a fun new trick.

Training sessions don’t need to be long. Even 5–10 minutes of focused work provides valuable mental exercise. To refresh your training skills, check out this post. For fun trick ideas, explore this video guide here.

4. Safe Winter Field Trips for Dogs

Too cold to walk doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Short outings still provide enrichment. Bundle up your dog and visit a local pet store where they can explore new smells and meet friendly people.

You can also stop by your veterinarian’s office for a quick “happy visit.” A brief stop to say hello and receive treats helps build positive associations with vet care.

Other options include hardware stores or retail locations that allow leashed dogs. Always call ahead to confirm pet policies before visiting.

And if you’re already out—yes, a Starbucks pup cup on the way home absolutely counts.

5. Winter Enrichment and Novelty for Dogs

Enrichment activities fulfill your dog’s natural instincts. Dogs are predators and scavengers, so they enjoy sniffing, chewing, shredding, and problem-solving.

Offer enrichment options such as:

• Food puzzles

• Snuffle mats

• Frozen lick mats

• Chews like bully sticks, fish skins, or pig ears

  
  

Novelty matters, too. Introducing a new chew or toy can re-ignite excitement and prevent boredom when winter limits outdoor activity.

Here’s a full list of at-home enrichment ideas to get you started.

Final Thoughts

When it’s too cold to walk your dog, indoor games, training, grooming, enrichment, and short field trips can easily replace outdoor exercise. These activities keep your dog physically active, mentally fulfilled, and emotionally content—no matter how harsh the weather gets.

With a little creativity, winter can still be a rewarding season for both you and your dog.