Exercise is great for dogs. In fact, veterinarians highly recommend that dogs get regular exercise. Not only does it help keep them healthy and strong, but it also makes them happier and less prone to aggression and destroying things around the house.
And while wintertime may be an ideal time for you to get some backlogs at work done, you should still set aside time for your pet to ensure that they stay healthy and happy this season.
So while you want to work on updating your work for your truckers’ tax service firm or to chill and watch the latest episode of Queen’s Gambit, you need to get up and spend some active fun time with your furry friend.
You don’t even need to go outdoors if you hate being out in the cold. We have listed a few exercises you can do with your dog inside your home.
1. Dog classes
Dog classes aren’t only great because of the exercise your pet can get. This is also a good way for them to be around other dogs and socialize. There are different types of dog classes that you can easily look up online.
If your dog is fond of water and getting wet, you can sign him up for some swimming classes. If he likes dancing whenever you watch some music videos or play groovy tunes, you can enroll him in canine freestyle dance classes. It’s a fun way for them to release pent-up energy.
2. Run the treadmill
If you don’t have enough time to take your dog out for a walk, then a treadmill is your best friend. Just get him on it and set the treadmill at a speed that’s comfortable for your pet. You can gradually increase the speed settings as you go along.
If you don’t have a treadmill at home, you can buy a treadmill made specifically for dogs. It’s much smaller than the regular treadmill, so it takes up less space.
3. Scavenger hunt
Enhance your dog’s natural senses by having him hunt down his food inside the house. Take a few pieces of dog food and place them in strategic locations around the house where your pet can sniff each piece out.
Initially, place them in spots where they are easier to locate, but as you progress and your dog’s hunting skills are developed, you can hide them in harder-to-find spots.
4. Hide and seek
A game of hide-and-seek indoors can be both fun and challenging. Get the family in on the fun and have each member prepare treats for your pet whenever they get found. It’s a great family bonding activity that doesn’t leave out the furry member of your family.
5. Fetch and Tug-of-war
While these games are ideally played outdoors, you can bring all the fun indoors if you have enough space inside your home.
A simple game of fetch can be done inside a hallway. If you have more than enough space, you can try out a fetch race with your pet.
Tug-of-war, on the other hand, can be a bit risky as it may bring out the aggressive side of your pup, but if you know how to stay in command and there’s mutual respect, this is a pretty fun exercise to do with just a piece of rope or cloth.
6. Indoor obstacle course
Obstacle courses aren’t just great for dogs physically, but they also keep them sharp mentally. You have a limitless amount of things to use around the house to set up an indoor obstacle course — pillows, cushions, shoes, chairs, stools, hula hoops, and a whole lot more. You need to carefully plan out the course so that no damages will be done to your home,
7. Schedule a playdate with other dog owners
Keep your dogs entertained while getting some much-needed exercise and socializing by organizing playdates with other dogs. If you have friends or family that own dogs, set a schedule with them to either have them come over or go to their place so that your pets can spend time with each other.
If you don’t have anything on your plate at that time, that would also be a great time for you to connect and catch up with your loved ones.
Of course, some of these exercises will require plenty of space. If you don’t have enough space at home, you can always spend a few minutes outside with your pup. You can both get some exercise with some great outdoor dog exercises. The important thing is that your dog gets regular exercise to keep him healthy and keep the winter blues at bay.
