The nights are colder, the days are shorter and your dog's favorite chew toy is buried under ten inches of snow. What a perfect day to play with your dog. While not all dogs care for snow in the same way, they all still need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy for life. Here are few games you can try to help boost your dog's energy and fitness level over the next few winter months.

Try burying a stick, toy or even a treat in the snow. Then sit back and watch his natural tracking instinct kick in. For dogs that require a bit of help finding their reward, try hiding the object closer to your dog at first, then slowly burying it farther away the better your dog gets at the game.

If your dog loves to fetch or catch rubber balls, chances are he will love trying to do the same with a snowball. Fair warning, dogs really love this game, so be prepared to make a large stockpile of snowballs.

If you live near a hilly park, trying rolling snowballs down the bank. Your dog won't be able to get enough chasing and pouncing.

This game is ideal for two or more people. Have one person hold your dog while you go and hide, then have the dog come find you. This game should only be played in familiar and less-enclosed settings with well-trained dogs. The last thing you need is to have a dog hide so well that you can't even find him.

If the snow isn't outrageously deep, you can always have your dog join you for a snowshoe walk. Keep in mind you may have to leash your dog, so be aware of the local park or trail bylaws.

Some popular people activities are simply too dangerous to try to include your dog. While cross-country skiing seems passive and relaxing enough, skis are fun to chase for dogs (they're just giant fetching sticks) and your pet may end up injuring himself.

Of course many of the activities you choose to play outdoors can be toned down and simplified into quieter indoor games as well — "Hide-and-Seek" and "Treasure Hunt" for example. If you share a dwelling, or live in an adjoining apartment do be conscious of your neighbors and the noise level.

Regardless of the season, safety should always remain top of mind when playtime rolls around. Here are a couple of safety tips to remember before and after venturing outside during the cold months:

• Pace
  Don't overwork your dog, and start with small simple activities at first. Cold temperatures are worse for dogs that suffer from arthritis and joint conditions. Also be mindful of your dog's age before deciding how much time you plan on spending outside.
• Warmth
  If you're planning on being outside for an extended period of time, dress your dog accordingly. Avoid going out in deep-freeze weather altogether. Also be sure to keep your dog dry — while fur is an excellent insulator, many dogs do succumb to hypothermia in the winter.
• Paws
  Watch for icicles and snow building up on your dog's paws. They make walking and running uncomfortable for your pet. Sidewalk salt can also cause your dog's footpads to crack. Consider a pair of booties or rubbing your dog's feet with a petroleum jelly product before each walk. Be sure to wash and wipe off the petroleum and salt once you come back inside.
• Water
  Often people just associate dehydration with heat and sweating. Your dog can become just as dehydrated playing in the snow. So be sure to carry a bottle of fresh drinking water for your dog. It's cleaner and healthier than letting him eat snow.

There's more to winter than just shoveling snow and seeing if your car will start. With a little imagination both you and your dog can stay in shape, have some fun and make those cold winter days and nights seem that much more bearable.