Winter Fitness Prep: My Must-Have Gear & Winter Tips for Active Dogs

When the weather turns cold, it's tempting to cut back on your dog's fitness routine or skip it altogether. Staying active year-round, however, is essential for both our dogs and us.

Today I want to share some of my favorite winter gear, how I prep my dogs for cold-weather exercise, and tips to keep your fitness goals on track even when the temperatures drop. Whether you’re training detection dogs, sport dogs, or just trying to keep your active dog in top shape, here are some tips to keep dogs moving safely and effectively all winter long.

Don't Let Winter Set You Back

I prefer to do all my own exercise outdoors, even during the cold winter months here in Maine. I do some strength training and stretching exercises inside with my dogs, but I find I feel much better and more motivated once I get outside. Getting out the door can be a challenge when it’s freezing outside, but once I’m out and moving, I’m glad I did it!

I get a lot of questions this time of year about how to keep dogs fit when it’s cold, wet, and dark outside. The truth is, winter can actually be a great time to focus on fitness.

Colder weather presents unique challenges: frozen ground, snow and ice, and darker evenings. But it also offers opportunities to work on foundational conditioning, improve strength, and keep both mind and body sharp during the off-season.

Why My Go-To Winter Gear for Cold Weather Fitness

Let’s talk gear, because having the right winter gear can make all the difference.

Here are my thoughts and tips when it comes to winter gear and fitness training.

1. Winter Coats

Depending on your dog’s breed, coat, age, and activity level, a high-quality winter jacket may be essential. When exercising my dogs outside here during the Maine winter, I normally don’t need a coat for my dogs. As long as they are moving and active, they stay warm. There are a few instances, however, when a nice warm winter jacket comes in handy. Very young dogs and seniors can struggle more to stay warm. I did find as my dog Bacci got older, I’d sometimes use a winter jacket when temperatures were well below freezing and when the windchill was unusually cold. Bacci had mobility issues in his later years, so I couldn’t rely on just physical activity to keep his body warm.

Also keep in mind that what’s cold for one dog could be normal outdoor conditions for another. A short-haired, singled coated dog used to living in Miami, Florida, won’t handle the cold Maine temperatures the same way that a double coated Northern breed would. A dog going for a slow walk in the neighborhood might get cold without a jacket whereas the jacket might come off if going for a jog. When selecting dogwear, I especially like coats that allow for a full range of motion during movement. I really like my jackets from Non-stop Dogwear, but there are lots of other great brands out there. Some members of our Elite K9 Athlete Program have also recommended jackets from Chilly Dogs, Back on Track, and Hurtta.

2. Boots or Paw Protection

If your dog is working in icy conditions or on salted sidewalks, paw protection might be needed. Salt and ice can cause abrasions and discomfort, which may lead to reluctance or altered movement patterns. Senior dogs might also benefit from some added traction when using the right boots.

Some dogs don’t tolerate boots well or conditions might not warrant the need for boots, and so many people will turn to a paw wax like Musher’s Secret to add some extra paw protection. It forms a barrier while still allowing for natural grip.

3. Headlamps and Reflective Gear

If you're training before or after work (like many of us), you’re likely doing fitness sessions in the dark. A good headlamp and reflective gear for both you and your dog can keep you visible and safe. Don’t let the darkness keep you indoors! I really like my headlamp that I purchased from Black Diamond.

Also consider reflective gear for your dog too! From reflective leashes and collars to glow in the dark harnesses, there are a variety of options for both you and your dog. I have clients who really love their Noxgear reflective gear.

4. Outdoor Safety Gear

Exercising outdoors in the winter brings additional safety considerations. I frequently spend time outdoors in Acadia National Park on my own, and this is where an unexpected injury could lead to a life or death situation in freezing temperatures. Even if I’m a short distance from my car, I always make sure my cell phone is fully charged and I have a backpack with additional clothes and safety gear. I recommend packing your own first aid kit and/or purchasing a ready-made kit, like the Adventure Dog Medical Kit.

If you live in an area that has poor cell phone reception and your cell phone doesn’t have an emergency notification that connects with satellite, I recommend the Garmin inReach Mini Satellite Communicator or a similar device to send out an SOS in case of an emergency.

5. Indoor Fitness Equipment

On days when it’s just too icy to safely exercise outside, I do move indoors. This is a great time to work on strength and balance exercises using fitness equipment. Some of my favorite pieces of equipment include the FitPaws Canine FitBone, inflatable balance discs, and my Bosu Ball. For exercises that require a platform, I like the versatility of the canine KLIMB.

When exercising indoors, the greatest challenge is keeping up with cardio fitness. This is where a treadmill can be a great use! For an electric treadmill, I really like my Dog Runner treadmill. A very popular slatmill option amongst our Elite K9 Athlete members are those from Dog Trotter.

A good set of rubber mats can turn a small corner of your home into a safe training space. Even 10-15 minutes of intentional movement can make a big difference over the winter months!

Warming Up and Hydration: Two Non-Negotiables

Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles are more likely to get injured.

No matter the season, I always warm up my dogs before a workout. But in the winter, I spend even more time on the warm-up to gradually raise their body temperature and get their joints moving smoothly. If you’d like to learn more about how to properly warm-up your dog before exercise, check out my free Essential Warm-Up Guide for Sport & Working Dogs.

In addition, people often associate dehydration with summer heat, but cold weather is sneaky. Dogs may drink less when it’s cold, but that doesn’t mean they’re staying hydrated. I always make sure my dogs are well-hydrated before and after workouts, no matter the season.

If you’re doing long-distance work, mushing, or intense activity, you may even need to bait their water (adding a bit of flavor or broth) to encourage drinking. Don’t underestimate how important this is, even when the temperatures are below freezing.

Final Thoughts

Don’t use cold weather as an excuse. Winter doesn’t have to be a setback. With the right gear, smart planning, and thoughtful adaptations to your routine, you can keep your dog strong, sharp, and ready for anything the season throws your way.

Your dog doesn’t stop needing exercise just because it’s cold and no upcoming competitions are planned. Training in winter can be fun when you’re prepared. Get the necessary gear, build (and maintain) fitness gradually, and adjust based on the weather and your dog’s needs.

So don’t hibernate. Winter is a great time to build fitness, deepen your connection with your dog, and come out in the spring stronger than ever!

If you want more details on winter warm-ups, gear, or canine fitness tips, you might want to check out this winter preparation video and equipment guide that I shared a few years ago. Stay tuned for more canine fitness tips coming your way!

* None of these links are affiliate links. I receive no financial kick back or benefits from any individual or company for making these recommendations. 

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