11 Dog Indoors Exercise Tips: Keep Your Friend Fit During The Cold

Winter is right around the corner, and we all are slowly preparing to hibernate and stay warm. The holidays are here too, so we’re also prepared to have a lot of family dinners and gain a few pounds. We like to be inside and so do our dogs, and together we become a little less fit and a little more chubby being cozy on the sofa. Exercise helps to improve both the physical and mental health not just in humans, but in dogs too. Your buddy can easily become bored and depressed being indoors during the winter. So, here’s a few dog indoors exercise tips to keep the fun and fit going on until spring comes back!

 

As we mentioned, there are a lot of benefits for your dog by keeping them physically active no matter the weather. They’re going to be fit, more energetic and happier. Plus, playing with them is the ultimate way to create a bond.

Dog Indoors Exercise Is More Fun With Toys

While there are birds and squirrels to chase outside, there’s not much of that to keep your dog entertained indoors (and playing fetch inside sometimes can be a bit of an extreme activity). So, make sure that you get your dog some toys to make the exercise more fun. There’s tons of awesome toys you can purchase to make them forget about the squirrels in the park!

You can always include food puzzles to keep the body and the mind in shape, as well as the motivation once they get to the treat.

Use The Stairs, Both Of You!

If you have stairs at home, this is a great way for both, you and your dog to stay fit. Get them excited and play up and down the stairs. You can put a treat on top of the stairs so they can get it. Then put one on the bottom so they can keep moving. Don’t overdo the treats, though, keep it in moderation, it’s exercise after all!

The Treadmill

Not all dogs might enjoy one, but you never know. If you have a treadmill at home, it’s time to remove all the clothes hanging on it and turn it on! Put it in a reasonable pace for your dog, just like it would be when you’re taking them out on a walk. Just a few minutes a day can help them feel like they were outside for a walk (include squirrel visuals on the TV, this might interact them more, who knows?).

Hide And Seek

Another great game for the body and the mind of your dog (I consider this payback time from the days my dog was a puppy and kept hiding everywhere). Get some treats and find good hiding spots, then let the fun begin! Your dog is going to be excited to see you, and especially you with a treat.

Turn On The Laser

If you don’t feel like joining your dog today, it’s time to pull out the laser. Sit back, relax and let them hunt the red dot. This is a classic whether you have a dog or a cat. It’s a great way to get them running around and release some energy. They’re quickly going to forget about the boredom. It’s all about getting that red dot that keeps moving. One day!

Popping Bubbles

You have to admit – no matter how old you are, blowing and popping bubble is always going to be fun. So, get yourself a set and watch your dog turn into a ball of joy as they’re trying to get them.

Throw Treats In The Air For Your Dog To Catch

They are most definitely going to jump and make sure it ends up between their teeth. This is not only a great activity to keep your dog fit, but it can also turn into a cool trick they can do every time you want to be cool and throw a treat for them.

Not All Dog Indoors Exercise Has To Happen Inside Your House

Dog indoors exercising doesn’t mean you should always stay inside the house. There are a lot of activities you can dog indoors exercise where you can do elsewhere. It will get them out of the house a little bit, and they’ll experience something new and interesting with you:

Sign Up For A Yoga Class With Your Dog (Doga)

Have you heard about doga yet? The practice of doing yoga with your dog. This is a great way to bond with your dog and enjoy a really interesting activity + stay fit! There’s a lot of benefits from doga for your dog. It can be a great way to relax them, as well as to spend some time with them. If your dog is older or has suffered an injury, doga is a great way to keep the muscles healthy. Plus,it’s socializing!

Sign Up For A Swimming Class

A lot of dogs enjoy the water and they love to swim. You can sign up your dog for a swimming class at least once a week. Swimming is one of the best physical exercises out there – not just for humans but for dogs as well.

It’s going to keep your dog in shape, get them out of the house to interact with other dogs and people. Nothing like an indoor pool in the winter!

Play Dates

Don’t forget about his girlfriend and don’t let the cold set them apart! Take your dog on play dates to play with other dogs, just like they do in the park. This will decrease the feeling of boredom and loneliness that dogs can experience during the winter when they’re inside for a longer period of time. This is a great dog indoor exercise opportunity!

Go Outside Every Once In A While

As cold as it is, winter sometimes has days when you can stand being outside for a little bit. Use those days to take your dog for a walk. Make sure to keep him warm with a vest. There’s nothing wrong in letting your dog enjoy rolling in the snow. Let them have a little bit of fun, and then back inside when it’s warm and cozy.

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So, get creative with your dog indoors exercise! Use the time to keep your dog fit, teach them tricks and bond. Happy winter!