Indoor Dog Training: How To Keep Your Pup Active This Winter

With over 25 years of experience helping dogs and their owners in Southeast Michigan and Miami-Dade, I understand the challenges winter weather brings to dog training.

While our Miami clients might experience milder temperatures, our Michigan pet parents often face significant winter training obstacles. Here’s your comprehensive guide to keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated indoors during the colder months.

Why Indoor Training Matters

When outdoor activities become limited by weather, indoor training becomes crucial for:

  • Maintaining physical exercise
  • Providing mental stimulation
  • Preventing behavior issues
  • Strengthening your bond
  • Continuing training progress

Essential Indoor Training Games

1. The “Find It” Game

  • One of our clients’ favorites! This game taps into your dog’s natural scenting abilities.

    How to Play:

    1. Show your dog a high-value treat
    2. Let them watch you hide it
    3. Say “Find it!”
    4. Gradually increase difficulty by hiding treats in more challenging spots

     

Training Tip: Use part of your dog’s daily kibble for this game to manage calorie intake.

2. Indoor Agility Course

Create a simple obstacle course using household items:

  • Chairs to weave through
  • Boxes to jump over
  • Blankets to crawl under
  • Hula hoops to jump through

 

Training Tip: Always supervise and ensure all items are secure and safe.

3. Target Training

Teaching your dog to touch a target with their nose:

  1. Present your palm
  2. Mark and reward when they investigate
  3. Add the cue “Touch”
  4. Gradually move your hand farther away

Mental Enrichment Activities

Food Puzzle Games
  • Stuff a Bob-A-Lot with kibble
  • Use snuffle mats for meal times
  • Create DIY puzzle boxes
  • Practice slow-feeding techniques

 

Training New Tricks

Perfect time to work on:

  • “Roll over”
  • “Play dead”
  • “Spin”
  • “Back up”

Indoor Exercise Ideas

Stair Exercise

If your dog is healthy and over 1 year old:

  • Controlled up/down
  • Fetch on stairs
  • Follow-me games

 

Training Tip: Always check with your vet before starting stair exercises.

Tug Games
  • Use appropriate tug toys
  • Teach “Take it” and “Drop it”
  • Set clear rules
  • Keep sessions short

Indoor Training Tools

Safety Considerations

Always ensure:

  • Clear space for activities
  • Non-slip surfaces
  • Proper supervision
  • Temperature control
  • Access to water

Virtual Training Support

Can’t make it out? We offer:

  • Virtual training sessions
  • Online workshops
  • Digital training resources
  • Remote behavior consultations

 

Book A Free Consultation Today!

Professional Tips for Success

Maintain Routine

  • Set regular training times
  • Keep consistent rules
  • Follow a daily schedule

Prevent Boredom

  • Rotate activities
  • Vary difficulty levels
  • Mix physical and mental exercises

Monitor Energy Levels

  • Watch for overexcitement
  • Provide calm-down periods
  • Balance activity types

Ready to transform your indoor training routine? Schedule a consultation with our certified trainers!

Happy Training, 
Rebecca and the Happy With Dogs Training Team

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Happy With Dogs Miami

Happy With Dogs Miami

Rebecca was born in Howell, Michigan, and grew up on a livestock farm with 4 siblings and many loving creatures.

Growing up she played rugby and enjoyed showing livestock in 4H, but her passion was for dog training. 

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