One of the biggest misconceptions I see in winter is this idea that if you’re not walking your dog, you’re not exercising your dog.

That’s simply not true.

In fact, some of the best workouts you can give your dog in cold weather happen right inside your home—and they don’t require treadmills, agility equipment, or hours of time.

They require intentional training.

Training Is Exercise (When You Do It Right)

Here’s the thing most people miss:

Training isn’t just about teaching skills.

It’s about asking your dog to think, control their body, and stay engaged.

That mental and emotional work is what actually tires dogs out.

And when you train with purpose—adding small challenges—you turn simple skills into a full-body, brain-engaging workout.

How to Make Indoor Training “Count”

You don’t need more commands.

You need to make the ones you already know slightly harder.

I always tell clients to think in terms of:

1. Distance

2. Duration

3. Distractions

You don’t need all three at once.

Just choose one and build from there.

Simple Indoor Training Exercises That Burn Energy

Here are a few of my go-to favorites that work beautifully in winter:

1. Rapid-Fire Sit & Down

Ask for quick transitions between sit and down.

1. Keep it upbeat

2. Reward generously

3. Stop before your dog loses focus

This builds body awareness and impulse control—two things that help dogs settle later.

2. Place → Release → Place

Use a bed, mat, or Klimb.

1. Send your dog to place

2. Release them

3. Send them back from a different angle or room

This turns a calm skill into a mentally challenging one.

3. Hallway Recalls

You don’t need a backyard to practice recalls.

1. Start short

2. Use excitement and praise

3. Make coming to you the best choice

This is fantastic for confidence and responsiveness.

4. “Go Find Your Place”

Send your dog to their place from:

1. different rooms

2. different distances

3. with mild distractions

This taps into problem-solving and focus—especially helpful for adolescent dogs.

5. “Look” and Engagement Games

Practice eye contact in:

1. the kitchen

2. the living room

3. near distractions like kids, toys, or movement

This builds calm focus and translates beautifully to real life.

A Huge Light-Bulb Moment for Most Families

Here’s something I wish more people understood:

You don’t need to train longer.

You need to train smarter.

Five to ten minutes of focused, intentional training can:

1. reduce restlessness

2. improve behavior

3. make your dog easier to live with

And it often works better than a long, rushed walk in freezing temperatures.

Calm Matters More Than Tired

One more important note:

Not all exercise should hype your dog up.

In winter especially, we want to prioritize:

1. focus

2. calm engagement

3. thinking over chaos

That’s how you avoid creating a dog who’s physically tired but mentally wired.

What’s Coming Next

In the next post, I’ll share:

1. easy indoor games you can play even when you’re exhausted

2. how to engage your dog without turning your house into a circus

3. why games and enrichment don’t have to be “extra”

And if you haven’t already, grab the Winter Enrichment Bingo—it’s the easiest way to stay consistent without overthinking it.

Because winter doesn’t have to be stressful.

With the right tools, it can actually be a reset—for both you and your dog 🐾💚

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