Winter Boredom Busters: Keep Your Dog Happy In All Weather
When the weather outside is frightful, your dog’s boredom can be anything but delightful.
Winter often means shorter walks and more time indoors—for both you and your dog. Without enough mental and physical stimulation, dogs can get restless, frustrated, and even destructive. But don’t worry—there are plenty of fun, easy ways to keep your pup busy, happy, and out of trouble all season long.
Winter Boredom Busters: Keep Your Dog Happy and Out of Trouble
Winter can be a challenging season for our dogs. Just like us, they spend more time indoors during the colder months—and with that often comes less physical activity. The result? Restless dogs, pent-up energy, and sometimes a little mischief.
So, how do you keep your dog happy, stimulated, and out of trouble when long walks aren’t always an option? The answer is simple: mental enrichment.
Make Mealtime More Than Just a Meal
Many dogs eat their dinner in under two minutes, missing out on a chance to engage their natural instincts. Dogs are scavengers and problem-solvers by nature—they love to sniff, explore, and work for food. Instead of letting mealtime be a missed opportunity, try turning it into an engaging activity.
Swap the bowl for a challenge. Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and frozen Kongs can provide both mental stimulation and a satisfying outlet for natural behaviors like licking, chewing, and foraging. These activities help reduce boredom and can even prevent unwanted behaviors like chewing furniture or constant barking.
Try this easy enrichment routine:
• One meal a day in a puzzle feeder
• One snack a day in a frozen Kong
To make a frozen Kong: stuff it with a mix of canned food, peanut butter (xylitol-free), and some kibble or treats, then pop it in the freezer. Offer it in the morning or evening—times when dogs tend to be more active, just like their ancestors during prime hunting hours.
Don’t Forget DIY Options
Not looking to buy more toys? No problem! You can make your own enrichment tools with household items. Hide treats around the house for your dog to find, or repurpose an empty water bottle or paper towel roll into a simple puzzle. Sniffing and searching activates the reward center in a dog’s brain and provides a natural dopamine boost—the “feel-good” hormone. Licking and chewing also have calming effects.
Let Them Hunt for It
Research shows that often dogs (and many other animals) actually prefer to work for their food rather than just receiving it. This phenomenon, known as contrafreeloading, was first studied by animal psychologist Glen Jensen in the 1960s. His studies—and many since—confirm that working for food increases satisfaction and engagement.
It might take a few days or weeks for your dog to get the hang of puzzle toys or frozen Kongs, so keep it easy, especially at first. One of my favorite starter food toys is the West Paw Topple. Once they learn, mealtime becomes not just nourishment—but enrichment, too.
Tips
Make sure your dog has access to food if he’s not engaging in the food toys. Also make sure you are not creating frustration for your dog. The goal is fun, sniffing and hunting that is rewarding! We want the experience to truly be enriching for your dog.
Dinner time doesn’t have to be boring. With a little creativity, you can turn daily routines into opportunities to keep your dog mentally and emotionally fulfilled—even in the dead of winter.
Want more ideas to boost your dog’s well-being or need help with behavior challenges? Reach out for a private consultation—whether it’s for training, behavior, or enrichment, I’m here to help!
Resources:
McGowan RT et al. Positive affect and learning: exploring the “Eureka Effect” in dogs. Anim Cogn. 2014 May;17(3):577-87. doi: 10.1007/s10071-013-0688
JJensen, G. D. Preference for bar pressing over “freeloading” as a function of number of rewarded presses.Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1963,65, 451–454.