When the days get shorter and the rain just won’t stop, keeping your dog active can feel like a challenge.
But, it’s still just as important to keep up regular exercise with your dog in the colder months as during the warmer ones.
Not only are walks one of the best parts of your dog’s day, but they keep them fit and healthy, preventing unwanted weight gain – especially after lots of cosy nights in.
So, how can you make sure your dog stays fit, happy, and healthy when it’s cold and wet outside?
1. Keep Your Walks Short And Sweet
The first thing to remember is that there’s no need to brave a full hour in the rain. In fact, shorter, more frequent walks can be just as effective for keeping your dog active.
A quick 10–15-minute stroll a few times a day works well, especially if your dog has a waterproof coat that can help keep them dry.
And if your dog can be a little hesitant when they hear the rain, make sure you keep a towel by the door for an easy post-walk clean-up.
Don’t forget to reward good walking manners with something tasty like our Pointer Mini Dogs which are deliciously meaty and packed full of flavour. Plus, they’re packed full of vitamin A and C, making them the perfect, pocket-sized treats keep motivation high whilst braving the elements!
2. Bring The Fun Indoors
If the weather is truly dreadful, you can always bring the fun inside. Indoor games are brilliant to burn off some excess energy whilst also strengthening the bond you have with your dog. So, why not try a few rounds of fetch (with a soft toy), tug-of-war, or even hide and seek?
You can also make a “treat treasure hunt” around your home. Try hiding Pointer treats in safe spots and encourage your dog to sniff them out. Games like this provide great mental stimulation and works wonders for curing boredom on drizzly afternoons.
Our favourite treats for activities like this are our Assorted Mini Rolls and Chicken Flavoured Gravy Bones – they’re tasty, bite sized and packed full of goodness, so they’re ideal for enrichment.
Or, why not turn your living room into a mini agility circuit. Use cushions to hop over, chairs to weave around, and blankets to crawl under. Always make sure it’s safe and low to the ground. This kind of exercise gets your dog moving, thinking, and wagging their tail. End with a well-earned Pointer treat as their victory prize.
3. Try Training Time
Cold, wet days are perfect for training your dog, whether it’s perfecting their skills or learning new tricks. Teaching commands like “spin”, “high five” or “stay” exercises your dog’s mind as well as their body, and will help them forget if they haven’t has had many walks as they are used to.
Training in short, positive bursts indoors helps burn energy and strengthens the bond between you and your pup, especially if they are rewarded with some delicious treats.
4. Visit Dog-Friendly Spots
If cabin fever starts to set in, a change of scenery can do a world of good.
Across the UK, there are many garden centres, cafes and pet shops that are dog-friendly, offering a warm welcome out of the cold and plenty of new smells to explore.
Why not visit your local Pointer stockist and try a Pointer pick ‘n’ mix whilst you’re at it?
5. Puzzle Play And Snuffle Mats
When your dog needs entertainment, puzzle feeders and snuffle mats are a brilliant way to keep them occupied as they tap into your dog’s natural instincts to forage and search for food.
Top tip: our Milky Petite Bones are the perfect size for hiding, with added calcium they’re great for teeth and bones.
Rainy days don’t have to mean restless dogs. With short walks, indoor games, and tasty rewards, you can keep your pup full of energy all winter long.
So, grab a handful of treats and make this season one to wag about – whatever the weather brings.