Hey {{first_name}} Dog Parents 💌,
Happy New Year. ✨
There’s something about the start of a new year that feels like a deep breath. The calendar resets. The noise softens. And even if life doesn’t magically slow down, there’s a quiet sense that we get to begin again.
If you have an active dog, you’ve probably already felt that new-year energy bouncing around your house. Extra zoomies. More pacing. That look that says, “Okay… so what are we doing today?”
Winter doesn’t pause your dog’s need to move. It just asks us to get a little more creative.
So let’s talk about simple, safe ways to keep your dog active, happy, and fulfilled through the colder months, without turning winter into a struggle.
🐾 Read on, then grab the Snowy Blueberry Bliss Bites recipe below before you go. Your pup will thank you.
🧡 Short Walks Still Count (And They Add Up)
Winter walks don’t have to be long to be effective.
Cold air, new scents, and a slower pace still give your dog mental and physical stimulation. A few shorter walks spread throughout the day can be just as satisfying as one long outing.
Try this:
• One brisk morning walk
• One mid-day sniff break
• One calm evening stroll
Let your dog stop and explore. Sniffing works their brain harder than you might think, and it burns energy in a gentle way.
🐾 Turn Your Home Into a Mini Adventure
When the weather keeps you indoors, your house can become your dog’s playground. Here are a few easy ideas that don’t require fancy equipment:
🎾 Hallway fetch
Roll or gently toss a ball down a clear hallway. It’s simple, controlled, and great for burning energy.
🧠 Hide-and-seek games
Hide treats or toys around the house and let your dog sniff them out. This taps into their natural instincts and wears them out fast.
🦴 Puzzle feeders
Use puzzle toys or scatter food in a snuffle mat. Mental work can tire a dog more than physical exercise.
Sometimes the best workouts happen right where you are.
🐾 Read on, then grab the Snowy Blueberry Bliss Bites recipe below before you go. Your pup will thank you.
❄️ Snow Days Are Nature’s Gym (When It’s Safe)
If you live somewhere with snow and your dog enjoys it, snowy playtime can be incredible exercise.
❄️ Toss snowballs for them to chase
❄️ Let them dig and explore
❄️ Walk through fresh snow for extra resistance
Just keep sessions short, dry them off afterward, and watch for cold paws. Not every dog loves snow, and that’s okay too.
Winter exercise should feel fun, not forced.
🧥 Dress for Success, For Both of You
Active dogs are more willing to move when they’re comfortable. The same goes for us.
If your dog shivers, slows down, or lifts their paws, it might be time for a warm layer. And if you’re bundled up too, you’re more likely to stay out just a little longer.
Cold mornings don’t cancel walks. Prepared dog parents show up anyway.
🧠 TRIVIA CORNER
Question: Did you know dogs can burn more calories in cold weather because their bodies work harder to stay warm?
❤️ Real Talk: Movement Is About More Than Energy
Exercise isn’t just about burning off steam. It’s about balance.
Movement helps dogs:
• Reduce anxiety
• Improve sleep
• Stay mentally sharp
• Feel confident and calm
And for us, winter movement does something important too. It pulls us outside. It grounds us. It reminds us that even on cold days, life keeps moving forward.
That feels like a pretty good New Year lesson.
🥣 A Cozy Treat to Match the Season
Cold weather calls for comfort food. For dogs too.
Our Snowy Blueberry Bliss Bites are soft, no-bake winter treats made with blueberries, banana, and coconut. They’re gentle on tummies and perfect for a post-walk reward.
These chilly little “snowballs” are made for cozy winter days and wagging tails. Snowy Blueberry Bliss Bites are soft, gentle, and full of holiday cheer, the kind of treat that makes your dog trot into the kitchen like they know something special is happening.
Blueberries add a pop of natural sweetness and antioxidants, banana keeps everything tender and easy to chew, and coconut gives each bite that snowy winter look dogs can’t resist. They’re no-bake, fridge-friendly, and perfect for pups of all sizes, including seniors and gentle chewers.
🐾 Enjoy today’s newsletter, then don’t miss the download button below to grab the Snowy Blueberry Bliss Bites recipe and treat your pup to something homemade and festive.
🐾 Makes about 15–20 mini bites
❄️ Serve chilled for a fun winter treat
🧡 Great for Christmas week, movie nights, or quiet evenings together
🧥 For the Walks That Happen No Matter the Weather
Active dogs still need their outings, even when the air is cold.
Our “My Best Friend Has Paws” Hoodie was made for dog parents who bundle up and head out, rain or shine or snow. Soft, warm, and easy to layer, it’s perfect for winter walks and early mornings.
Even better, every hoodie purchased helps feed dogs in shelters.
🐶 Jokes & Puns
❄️ Why did the dog love winter workouts?
Because the zoomies hit different in cold air.
💬 LET’S REFLECT
What kind of movement makes your dog happiest?
Fast and playful.
Slow and curious.
Inside. Outside. Together.
There’s no right answer, just the one that fits your dog best.
“The best way to start the year is with a walk.”
🧡 Featured Winter Safety Essential:
The Save Our Pets Emergency Sticker
Emergencies spike in winter.
Heaters. Candles. Frozen pipes.
And when something happens, first responders need to know your pets are inside.
Place this sticker on your door or window near your entrance.
It tells firefighters and rescue teams: “My pet is inside. Save them too.”
It is waterproof, high visibility, and takes two minutes to install.
👉 Get your Emergency Sticker Pack today. Your dog’s safety is worth it.
Know a dog parent whose pup is bouncing off the walls this winter? Share this newsletter with them. Movement advice is always better when it’s passed along.
🐾 Share the website. Get your free recipe. Make a dog’s day.
🐾 See You Next Time
This year doesn’t need to be about perfection or pressure. It can be about consistency, care, and finding joy in simple routines.
Bundle up. Keep moving. And let your dog remind you that every day is a chance to start fresh.
Wags & gratitude,
Mark
USA Dog Owners Association
Because every dog deserves to feel their best. And so do you. 🐾
💌 P.S.
📬 Subscribe to our full dog-loving universe: dogowner.beehiiv.com
👥 Join the community on Facebook: USA Dog Owners Facebook Page
🎥 Watch the breed in action: YouTube Channel
🎬 Follow our daily dog joy, tips, and treats on TikTok: @usadogowners