• Most dogs enjoy spending time outside and playing in snow.dog eating snow image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
  
  Being homebound during the winter may not only be boring for you--it's likely boring for your dog, as well. However, there’s no reason to be stuck indoors with your pooch, as there is plenty of outdoor fun to be had. Just keep things safe by avoiding ice and not staying outside for long periods of time.
  
  

Fetch

• The game of fetch is not just a summer sport--it can be enjoyed all year long, even in the snow. In fact, you can make this activity even more fun by throwing the fetch object into a pile of the white stuff. Your dog will test its tracking and digging skills by searching for the toy. Just be sure to pay attention to where you threw the object, in case Fido can’t find it.
  
  

Obstacle Course

• Exercise both your dog’s body and mind by creating an obstacle course, suggests the Kidoodlepets website. Dig paths through the snow with a shovel and set up obstacles for your dog along the way. For instance, place a ramp in the path so your dog will have to walk up and jump off. Position a low sliding board your dog can easily walk up somewhere along the path and watch your pooch enjoy sliding down. Make lots of curves along the course and end it with a loop so that the dog comes back to the starting line. Once your dog gets the hang of the game, time it to see how fast it can complete the course. Be sure to give your pooch lots of praise when it finishes the course.
  
  

Snowshoe

• Snowshoe through the snow and bring your dog along for a walk, recommends the Baxterboo website. Snoeshowing is just like walking, except your wear snowshoes on your feet that make it easier to maneuver through the snow. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash if you are in an open area so the dog doesn’t run away from you. Snowshoes are available for rent or purchase at most sporting goods stores.
  
  

Scavenger Hunt

• Set up a scavenger hunt for your dog by hiding treats in a tree. Place small treats in an evergreen or other tree with low-growing branches and allow your dog to sniff and search for the goodies. Place the treats in several trees throughout your yard if you can and watch your dog have fun exploring on its quest for the tasty morsels.