Even though the weather is getting colder, it’s important for everyone, including your dog, to stay active and in shape.

Dogs need exercise and stimulation to keep them happy and healthy while spending more hours inside. Finding fun things for you and your pup to do in cold weather is challenging, but the American Kennel Club offers the following ideas to make winter a little more bearable.

Come up with a scavenger hunt. This will encourage your pup to exercise his body and his brain, and it will tire him out enough to take a nap afterward. Allowing pups to work and strategize also reduces anxious or destructive habits that are often exacerbated by increased hours spent indoors.

Build an indoor exercise course. This can be as modest as putting a broom atop two buckets, or simply holding it, to create a small jump. This is a great way to teach your dog to master the leap.

Arrange a playdate. This can be with another dog or other people for interaction. Winter often elicits hibernation, but it is beneficial to keep your pup socialized and remind him how he should behave around others.

Teach him a new trick. Whether you have an old or young pup, you can teach them some new tricks. Dogs are always eager to learn and please. Exercising the mind is just as important as keeping in physical shape.

Take him to a doggie daycare. Some daycares offer socialization classes, which is a good way to have your dog interact with other pups and cut down the time he spends alone.

For more tips on dog ownership, visit the AKC at www.akc.org