Winter weather can make it difficult to stick to normal routines. Shorter days, cold temperatures, and snow often mean fewer walks and less outdoor playtime for dogs, which can make it harder for them to burn energy the way they normally do. During these months, dog enrichment is especially important for supporting your dog’s mental and emotional well-being and keeping them calm, happy and healthy.
What is Enrichment and Why Does It Matter?
Pet enrichment allows animals to express natural behavior in a safe, healthy, and positive way. When dogs use their senses to explore new smells, textures, sounds, tastes, and sights, it does more than just entertain them. It engages their minds, improves their quality of life, and supports their overall ability to adapt and thrive. Consistent enrichment helps:
Reduce pet anxiety and stress
Improve dog confidence and focus
Prevent dog boredom-related behaviors
Strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans
The good news is you don’t need a backyard or long hikes to keep your furry friend fulfilled—here are some easy indoor enrichment ideas that are perfect for the winter season!
Scent Games
Scent-based sensory activities are incredibly enriching and tiring. Sniffing is both calming and physically demanding for dogs, with just 15 minutes of scent work providing about the same amount of mental stimulation as a long walk.
How to do it:
Hide treats around a room and encourage your pup to “find it”
Place treats under cups or towels and let your pup figure out how to uncover them
Scatter kibble in a snuffle mat or even in a rolled-up blanket or towel
If your pup needs help to start looking, you can point to the treats, let them see where you dropped one, and use verbal encouragement to urge them along
Interactive Feeding and Puzzle Toys
Mealtime is an easy opportunity to add enrichment without adding extra time to your day. Instead of eating in seconds, your dog has to think, problem-solve, and work for their food. This mimics natural canine behavior and helps burn mental energy, which can be especially helpful on days when outdoor exercise is limited.
How to do it:
Puzzle feeders or slow feeders
Enrichment tools like treat-dispensing toys
Frozen Kongs with yogurt, pumpkin, peanut butter, wet food, or dog food mixed in
You can even create your own puzzles using cardboard boxes, toilet paper or paper towel rolls stuffed with a few treats or kibble
Keep in mind it’s important to supervise your pup during these activities to ensure they are engaging safely and using toys as intended. Proper supervision also helps to create a positive experience for your pup and allows you to step in or adjust the activity based on your dog’s individual needs.
Explore CampLife
While at-home indoor play is important, dogs also benefit greatly from structured social interaction—that’s where Camp Bow Wow® comes in! Social play at Day Camp provides dogs with opportunities to interact safely with other dogs, engage in supervised group play, and participate in mentally stimulating enrichment activities throughout the day. This helps dogs build confidence, practice communication skills, and release energy in a healthy way, all while having fun!
With climate-controlled facilities, Camp Bow Wow is a great supplement to your dog’s routine when winter is in full swing and trips to the dog park are challenging. If you’re looking for ways to keep your dog mentally fulfilled, socially engaged, and happy all year round, click here to learn more about Camp Bow Wow’s services or find a location near you to get your pup’s first day free!
