If you live in an area of extreme weather or have an injury that is preventing you from getting outside, then exercising your dog may be a challenge. But with a little creativity, you can find plenty of fun ways to exercise your dog indoors! Here are five ideas for getting some extra steps in with your dog.
1. Dog treadmill
The best way to exercise your dog indoors is to use a dog treadmill. This exercise equipment is specifically designed for dogs as they have longer tracks and safety keys that clip onto your dog's collar. The best one for your dog will depend on their size and agility so be sure to choose the right dog treadmill for your pup.
2. Obstacle course
You don’t have to have fancy equipment to set up an obstacle course; you can use items you already have around the house like pillows and chairs. Simple obstacles include jumping over pillows or crawling under chairs. This is a great way to exercise your dog indoors whilst also increasing their daily enrichment.
3. Tug of war
A good ol' fashioned game of tug of war is a great way for you and your pup to exercise together. Dogs love this game as it plays into their natural prey drive of tugging and shaking their prey. A sturdy rope toy works wonders for this game and can even be played with two dogs. Just remember to tug from side to side and not up and down to avoid injuring your dog's neck.
4. Fetch
No need for a backyard to play fetch with your pup! You can use any hallway in your home or an open room like a living room or bedroom. Throw their favorite toy across the space, letting them run after it, and bring it back for you to throw again. Not only does this help burn excess energy, but playing fetch helps build coordination between their mind and body.
5. Play hide and seek
Hide and seek is a great indoor activity. The thrill of seeing the excitement in your dog's eyes when they find you makes this game just as fun for you as it does for them! Hide behind a door, then call them over when you’re ready for them to find you. This is an easy way for them to burn off energy and will also help the doggos who need to lose a few pounds.
Conclusion
Keeping your furry friend active doesn't have to mean leaving your home. There are plenty of ways you can exercise your dog indoors that not only keeps them healthy and active but also builds strong relationships between the two of you. From dog treadmills to a game of tug of war, there will be something your pup will enjoy indoors when outdoors isn't an option.
About the Author:
Hannah is the writer behind Howling Wolf Pack. She loves to deep dive into and write about the latest studies and research surrounding dogs.
