India’s winter is a unique season for dogs. Unlike harsh European or North American winters, most Indian cities experience mild to moderate cold — a climate that is actually comfortable for the majority of dog breeds. However, winter also brings behavioural shifts, changes in activity levels, and adoption mistakes that require conscious training and structured routines.
As someone who has trained over 20,000 dogs, transformed 5,000 through residential board-and-train, and certified 1,500 students under India’s first registered dog training system (CRP® – Correct, Redirect, Praise), I can confidently say this: winter is the BEST time to reset your dog’s lifestyle and training.
Below is a complete guide for pet parents to prepare their dogs for the cold season — the right way.
- Indian Winter Is Not “Cold” for Most Dogs
Because India is a tropical country, our winters are mild. For dogs, especially European and cold-weather breeds, Indian winter is equal to a European summer.
Who usually does well with Indian winter:
- Labradors, Golden Retrievers
- German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois
- Huskies, Saint Bernards
- Rottweilers, Dobermans
- Indie dogs
Who needs extra care:
- Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Boxers)
- Hairless or short-hair dogs (Whippets, Dalmatians, Greyhounds)
- Puppies, senior dogs, sick dogs
Everyone else does perfectly fine without sweaters, boots or heating — unless temperatures drop below extreme levels.
- The Biggest Winter Mistake: Over-Clothing Your Dog
Indian pet parents tend to over-clothe their dogs out of love — but in reality, this often causes harm.
Why unnecessary winter clothing is harmful:
- Causes overheating
- Traps moisture → fungal infections
- Prevents natural insulation
- Disturbs thermoregulation
- Restricts movement and behaviour
Clothes should ONLY be used for dogs that genuinely require them:
- Short-haired
- Elderly
- Puppies
- Sick or underweight dogs
Working breeds and thick-coated breeds should never be put in sweaters unless medically required.
- Behavioural Shifts in Winter
Dogs become more active, alert and expressive during winter because they are not fatigued by heat. This leads to:
- Higher energy levels
- More territorial barking
- Increased evening activity
- More social interest
- More appetite
- More demand for stimulation
This is not misbehaviour — it is biology.
- Winter Is the BEST Training Season (CRP® Works Extremely Well)
Winter provides the ideal climate for structured training. Dogs tire slower, learn faster and display better consistency.
CRP® (Correct – Redirect – Praise) becomes extremely effective in winter because:
- Dogs are more focused
- Their energy is higher
- The cold enhances stamina
- Sessions can be longer
- Engagement is stronger
- Winter Training Requirements Every Pet Parent Should Follow
During winter, you must INCREASE — not decrease — your dog’s physical and mental exercise.
Physical exercise:
- Two long walks (45–60 mins)
- Running, fetch, agility, flirt pole
- Stamina building for working breeds
Mental exercise:
- Nose work games
- Puzzle feeders
- Tracking exercises
- Structured engagement drills
Obedience routines:
- Heelwork
- Recall
- Stay / Place command
- Leash manners
Social exposure:
- Markets
- Parks
- Surfaces
- Other dogs
Winter is the best time to fix leash pulling, jumping, barking, and low confidence.
- Indoor Training Tips for Small Homes
If you live in an apartment:
- Tug sessions
- Food trails
- Nose games
- Obedience drills
- Fetch in the hallway
- Puzzle toys
These keep the mind sharp and prevent frustration.
- Winter Precautions Every Pet Parent Should Know
- Avoid cold-water baths
- Dry paws after walks
- Keep bedding warm and dry
- Maintain hydration
- Avoid fog for flat-faced dogs
- Do NOT overfeed (winter weight gain is real)
- Don’t use room heaters directly on dogs
- Senior Dogs and Puppies Need Special Care
Senior dogs:
- Light warm-ups for joints
- Extra sunlight
- Anti-inflammatory supplements
- Short, frequent walks
Puppies:
- Avoid cold early mornings
- Controlled exposure
- No high-impact running
- Keep warm but never overheated
- K9 School Winter Protocol (What We Do at Scale)
At K9 School, our winter routine includes:
- Doubling outdoor activity
- More structured play
- More obedience and drive work
- Sun exposure time
- Breed-specific winter guidelines
- Adjusted feeding & hydration
- Behaviour monitoring
Winter is when we see the strongest transformations in behaviour — especially among high-drive breeds.
Conclusion: Winter Is Your Dog’s Best Season
If used wisely:
- Obedience improves
- Behaviour stabilises
- Reactivity reduces
- Bonding increases
- Fitness improves
If misunderstood:
- Barking increases
- Frustration rises
- Winter weight gain happens
- Aggression and reactivity show up
Indian winter is not your dog’s enemy. It is the perfect stage for the happiest, healthiest version of your dog — if you train, engage and structure their life the right way.
This winter, let your dog thrive — not shiver under sweaters they don’t need.
By Adnaan Khan, Founder – K9 School