Hey {{first_name}} Dog Parents 💌,
Let’s clear something up right away.
Your dog does not care that it’s winter.
They do not understand “too cold,” “too dark,” or “I’ll walk you tomorrow.”
All they know is:
Their body still needs movement.
Their brain still needs stimulation.
And their favorite person is suddenly sitting still a lot more.
If your dog has been pacing, zooming, whining, or staring at you like, “So… what’s the plan?” you’re not imagining things.
Winter doesn’t lower energy levels.
It just changes how that energy shows up.
And that’s where things can get tricky.
🐾 Read on, then grab the Ginger Good Pup People recipe below before you go. Your pup will thank you.
🧠 Why Winter Can Be Hard on Active Dogs
Shorter days and colder weather don’t just limit walks. They disrupt rhythm.
For active dogs, that can mean:
Restlessness
Destructive behavior
Extra barking or attention-seeking
Difficulty settling
Not because they’re “being bad,” but because movement is how they regulate themselves.
Exercise isn’t optional for these dogs.
It’s emotional balance.
The good news?
You don’t need marathon hikes or frozen fingers to give your dog what they need.
You just need to get a little creative.
❄️ Embrace the Cold (Just a Little)
Winter walks don’t have to be long to be effective.
In fact, shorter walks with more engagement often do more than long, distracted ones.
Try this:
Let your dog sniff more. Sniffing is mental exercise.
Change your route. New smells equal new stimulation.
Add mini challenges, like slow walking, sudden stops, or direction changes.
Ten focused minutes can calm your dog more than thirty rushed ones.
And yes, bundling up is part of the deal. You both survive.
🐾 Read on, then grab the Ginger Good Pup People recipe below before you go. Your pup will thank you.
🏠 Indoor Games That Actually Burn Energy
When it’s icy, dark, or just plain miserable outside, indoor movement matters.
Not chaos. Purposeful movement.
A few ideas that work surprisingly well:
Hide and seek: You hide. Your dog finds you. Everyone wins.
Toy scavenger hunts: Hide toys or treats around the house.
Hallway fetch: Short bursts still count.
Tug with rules: Start, stop, and release on cue.
These games tire out the brain, which is often what active dogs really need.
A tired mind equals a calmer body.
🧠 Training Counts as Exercise (Yes, Really)
Training isn’t just about manners. It's a movement with intention.
Teaching or practicing:
Sit stays
Spins
Touch cues
Place work
…forces your dog to think, control their body, and focus.
That combination is powerful.
Five minutes of focused training can do more than another lap around the block.
And bonus, it builds confidence, communication, and trust.
🧠 TRIVIA CORNER
Question: Why do active dogs seem extra restless in winter?
🛑 A Gentle Reminder About Overdoing It
Active dogs love to go. They don’t always know when to stop.
In winter, that matters.
Watch for:
Shivering
Lifting paws
Slowing down suddenly
Less enthusiasm than usual
Rest is part of care, too.
Exercise should leave your dog content, not depleted.
🤍 What This Season Is Really About
Winter isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing things differently.
It’s about:
Meeting your dog where they are.
Adjusting without guilt.
Letting go of perfection.
Your dog doesn’t need epic adventures every day.
They need consistency, connection, and movement that fits the season you’re in.
And so do you.
🥣 A Cozy Treat to Match the Season
You know that look your dog gives you when they know something good is happening?
That’s exactly the energy behind our newest homemade dog treat recipe, Ginger Good Pup People.
These cozy, gingerbread-style cookies are made with real ingredients you can recognize. Whole wheat flour, fresh ginger, a touch of cinnamon, and just enough sweetness to make your pup feel wildly appreciated.
They’re crunchy, comforting, and perfect for dogs who believe they’ve been very good this year. Honestly, even the kitchen smells amazing while they bake.
We created this recipe for dog parents who love doing a little extra, without making things complicated or stressful.
And the best part, you can grab it for free.
🧼 Grooming Is Not About Perfection
Your dog does not need a flawless haircut.
Your dog does not need perfect paws.
Your dog does not need to smell like lavender dreams every day.
Your dog needs:
Gentle hands
Predictable care
Emotional safety
If grooming feels imperfect, you’re probably doing it right.
“There is no bad weather, only different kinds of good walks.”
🧡 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.
🌱 One Last Thought
If winter has made you feel like you’re falling short, take a breath.
Your dog isn’t counting miles.
They’re counting moments.
Every game you play, every walk you adjust, every effort you make to meet their needs, it all adds up.
You’re not behind.
You’re adapting.
And that’s what good dog parents do.
Wags & gratitude,
Mark
USA Dog Owners Association
Because every dog deserves to feel their best. And so do you. 🐾
💌 P.S.
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