How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors

To remain happy and healthy, your dog requires regular exercise as part of its pet care routine. However, there will be days, often due to rain, when it's unlikely that you can take it out for a walk. Here's what you can do in these situations to ensure your furry friend gets a small workout.

3 Ways to Have Your Dog Exercise Inside

1. Run Up and Down Stairs

If your dog doesn't have joint problems, moving up and down flights of stairs will keep its muscles strong and flexible. Encourage your canine by standing on the upper level with a treat and command them to run up and get it. After it finishes eating its reward, wait at the bottom of the stairs with another snack and have it race down. You can also throw a toy to get them moving instead of using treats.

2. Play Hide-and-Seek

Dogs enjoy being near their human companions, so ask your family to play a group game of hide-and-seek with your pet. Command the canine to sit in a room while everyone hides in various parts of the house.

Choosing rooms on different floors will allow for more movement, as the animal has to cover a lot of ground to find everyone. Family members can take turns calling out to the dog until it locates them.

3. Enjoy a Game of Tug-of-War

Tug-of-war allows a dog to burn off excess energy while strengthening the bond with its owner. Toys made for this activity consist of stretchy and durable materials that are easy to grip and won't hurt your animal's teeth. Still, remember to tug gently so that your pet does most of the work. Ensure proper pet care and remain safe by playing on a non-slippery surface like carpeting.