Keeping Your Dog Entertained Indoors During Winter

Mountain winter stays are magical, but sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. When snow, rain, or cold keeps you inside, having a plan to keep your pup happy and mentally stimulated is key.

Here are fun, cabin-ready ideas (and why they matter):

samoyed laying in cabin barkwells

Indoor Enrichment: Why It Matters

Dogs, especially energetic or young ones, still need stimulation even when indoors. Without enough activity, they can get bored, restless, or anxious. Winter cabin stays are a perfect chance to combine relaxation with enrichment. Learn more about the importance of enrichment for dogs here:

dog playing with toys

Fun Indoor Activities & Games

There are lots of games you can play with your dog inside. Here are just a few examples you can try:

Activity	What You Need / How It Works
Puzzle toys & slow feeders	Use treat-dispensing toys or slow-feed bowls to make them “work” for treats or meals. Helps slow eating and engages their brain.
Hide-and-seek / scent games	Hide treats around the cabin or under blankets and encourage your dog to sniff them out, taps into natural instincts.
Trick training or obedience drills	Use this downtime to teach (or reinforce) commands, fun tricks, or new behaviors. It's a great bonding time!
Calm bonding time	Reading, cuddling, or just chilling together. For older dogs or pups that get overwhelmed easily, quiet time is underrated.

For more ideas of indoor activities to entertain your pup, check out this list!

Cozy Christmas Cabin Barkwells

What Guests Should Bring to Barkwells for Indoor Fun

Puzzle toys, slow feeders, or treat-dispensing toys
Extra blankets/towels (in case of snow/mud from outdoor walks). Barkwells provides Dog towels and Dog sheets for the furniture!
Favorite toys, chew toys, or comfort items

schnauzer sleeping in chair

Sample “Snowy Day” Itinerary for a Cabin Stay at Barkwells

Morning: Slow-feed breakfast + short leash walk (weather permitting) or a run in the meadow with fetch balls!
Mid-morning: Hide treats around for scent game or indoor puzzle toy time
Afternoon: Trick training or obedience drills + some play (fetch in hallway or soft indoor area)
Evening: Cozy by the fireplace or heater, cuddle, maybe a chew toy or gentle grooming

Why This Works, Especially on Winter Getaways

Keeps dogs mentally and physically engaged even when outside isn’t an option
Strengthens the bond between the owner and their dog through shared activities and training
Helps avoid destructive behavior or anxiety from boredom, especially in a new environment

For many of our guests, these indoor-day activities lead to peaceful evenings, happy pups, and fully recharged humans. A little creativity goes a long way, but so does the right environment. And that’s exactly what Barkwells is known for.

At Barkwells, every cabin is intentionally designed for people who travel with their dogs, not around them. Each property features securely fenced yards so pups can play safely off-leash right outside your door, a luxury most dog-friendly rentals don’t offer. Inside, you’ll find cozy, private cabins with full kitchens, fireplaces or woodstoves, hot tubs, comfortable bedding, and thoughtful touches that make it easy to settle in for a winter getaway.

So if the forecast calls for snow, rain, or just a cozy day inside, you and your pup will still have everything you need for a memorable, restful winter escape, right at your cabin door.