Negative degree wind chills may be par for the course here in Chicagoland, but that fact doesn’t make it any easier when the temperatures dip. While you may be dreaming of warmer days while snuggling under a blanket on your couch, your dog may be exhibiting some less than stellar behaviors simply because he is stir crazy. Staying indoors more than usual isn’t necessarily cozy for your dog – he wants to be out and about – sniffing and exploring, running and zooming – and burning his natural energy.

Whether you have a winter loving dog or not, chances are high that you aren’t getting outdoors as much as your dog’s energy needs. Trust us, your dog needs to burn off his energy productively or eventually something is going to get eaten that shouldn’t be, chewed up that shouldn’t be, or destroyed that shouldn’t be. Maybe you can relate?

The nice thing about your dog in the winter is that he doesn’t necessarily need hours upon hours outdoors to keep him from having cabin fever. With just a bit of planning, you can maximize your outdoor experience and get both you and your dog back warming up inside sooner than later. Here are just a few ideas to get you going.

Keep walks short and sweet
Continue taking your dog on walks, even on chilly days. Once temperatures dip below zero, make walks shorter and more often. It is definitely a hassle to get yourself bundled up more times throughout the day to face the elements, but shorter walks more often mean your dog isn’t getting too cold and is still having plenty of time to check out the neighborhood.

Make the most of your walks
During your winter quick walks, use your time wisely by packing the walk full of physical and mental exercise. Pepper in command practice (sit, down, stay, heel, let’s go) during your walk so that your your dog is doing double duty, giving his mind and his body a workout.

Create a scavenger hunt
If you have a dog that loves to sniff out treats, put out a few hidden treats in your fenced backyard. Your dog will love sniffing around and finding hidden treasures while on his usual backyard alone time. He’ll be having fun and you can watch from the window with a steaming cup of coffee.

Add some agility
For more athletic and adventurous dogs, try adding a few fun obstacles to spice up your winter backyard. Fashion a ramp or balance beam for your dog to explore with a few milk crates and wooden plank or two. One of our favorite pups, Junie, loves to spend winter days running to the clubhouse of her family’s backyard playset – and then sliding down.

Try something new
Mix up your usual winter routine by trying out a new trail or mode of transportation. Trails are much more exciting for humans and dogs alike when covered with snow, and accessing trails via snowshoe can be an extra fun way to explore winter together.

Practice inside
When the weather is too cold (or it’s too dark) to hit the streets, remember that obedience practice and training is a wonderful way for stir crazy dogs to work, burn energy, and feel content. You can practice at home or bring your pooch in to our studio for a day full of socialization, training, and fun.

Our Day Training Camp option is ideal if you are looking for a winter activity for your dog that packs in a full day of activities. Dogs get a day full of command brush up, obedience practice with plenty of distractions, and pack walks that work on exercise, leash manners, and socialization. While we think our day training program is outstanding any time of the year, it can be especially helpful to you and your dog during the cold winter months.

Not sure when cold is too cold to be safe for your dog? We’ll be back next week with some winter safety tips that may give you more confidence when heading out in the Chicago winter. Until then, make the most of your time outside!