Dogs have different exercise needs than humans. While humans have a need for aerobic activity and resistance training, dogs need to be able to walk for at least 30 minutes a day. Walks should be around 20 feet in length or the equivalent in steps. Dogs need to dig, run, play and explore to feel fully satisfied. However, this can pose a problem if your dog is stuck indoors for long periods of time which makes pet owners ask how to exercise a dog indoors.
Why is Your Dog Stuck Inside?
There are many reasons why a dog might be stuck indoors. The most likely is that their owner was not aware that they were outdoors and has now gone off to work. Other reasons include the dog being unable to get out of the house or the owner being a control freak who doesn’t want their dog outside in the first place. This however should not be a problem if you have the best GPS dog fence to keep your dog contained and track his locations.
With the recent pandemic however, people are staying indoors more than ever. This poses a danger to both dog and dog owners who both need proper exercise to stay fit and healthy.
Dogs are instinctive pack animals that need to spend time outdoors in order to live a healthy and happy life. The desire for outdoor time can be seen in their body languages such as their face, ears, tail position, and posture. It is plainly obvious when your dog is unhappy. They become lethargic and depressed if their physical needs are meant. This can also lead to more serious problems such as obesity, arthritis, and heart problems. This is why it’s important to keep your dog healthy by exercising daily. Check out our full answer to the question: how much exercise does a dog need?
What Are Some Good Ways to Exercise a Dog?
Dogs need exercise and it is up to their owners to make sure that they are getting enough of it. There are many ways to do this, but they all have different benefits and drawbacks. There are many ways to exercise a dog. Some examples of exercises you can do with your dog are:
- Taking the dog for a walk
- swimming in a pool, or a beach
- Playing fetch with the dog
- Playing tug of war with the dog
- Playing hide and seek with the dog
Some typical outdoor exercises include walking and swimming.
Walking
Walking is one of the most popular ways for people to exercise their dogs. It is a great way for them to get outside and explore the world. A dog park, for example, is a great place to start. It also provides a great opportunity for socialization. If a dog has an injury or mobility issues, then walking may not be the best option for them.
Swimming
Swimming is another way that people can exercise their dogs because it requires very little effort on the owner’s part. However, some breeds of dogs don’t swim well because of their body type or hair type so this may not be an activity all dogs can use. Swimming is a great low-impact exercise for dogs and can be a really fun activity for the whole family. Dogs love to swim, the water feels warm and it’s always a surprise when they get in. To make swimming easier and more enjoyable for your dog, you should consider which breeds of dogs best suit your lifestyle first.
How Can I Exercise My Dog Indoors?
Dogs are natural-born runners and getting them to exercise indoors can be a challenge. However, it’s important to keep them active. Finding the right activities can be hard, especially if you’re trying to avoid letting your pup run off the leash or in an unsafe area. The good news is, there are a number of fun, physical indoor activities that will get your pup running and burning off energy in no time!
There are some ways to get your dog to exercise indoors, but it will require some creativity on your part. Most dogs don’t enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. They need physical and mental stimulation to be happy [1]. If you work long shifts or travel often, it can be challenging to find ways to keep your dog active without leaving home. Here are some tips for getting your four-legged friend moving with a minimal amount of effort during the day.
The following are some exercises that you can try with your dog when they are stuck indoors:
Teach Them New Tricks
One of the best ways to keep your dog sharp and entertained is by teaching them new tricks or commands. Teaching your dog new tricks is not only fun for you and your pup, but it also keeps them sharp and entertained. These new tricks can be as simple as “sit” or “rollover,” or they can be more complex like “ring a bell with their paw.” You can teach them new things by using treats as a reward. This is an excellent way of keeping their mental and physical abilities sharp!
Fetch
Playing games with your dog can be a great way to bond, engage with them and give them exercise. Fetch is an easy game that can be played inside or outside. Play fetch with Fido using a ball or favorite toy. Always be careful where you’re throwing indoors as fragile objects tend to break when a toy is being thrown at them. As long as you have plenty of space indoors, you should have no problem playing this game. It’s important to keep dental health in mind when playing, so make sure you have wet wipes or a dog toothbrush on hand if the game gets too dirty!
Tug-of-war
Tug-of-war is another fun game that can be played with your dog. It is a little bit of work, but it can be very fun for both the human and dog involved. The game has been around for a long time and it provides an opportunity to work on your dog’s obedience skills and give them plenty of exercises. It’s also very simple to play. Just take an old sock or rope toy and have your dog grab the opposite end. Then pull. Be careful when playing with puppies or older dogs with bad teeth as playing this game can cause some serious dental injuries if you’re not careful.
Walking
Yes, you can even walk your dogs indoors if you have enough room. Walking your dog can be a great way of getting exercise and spending time with your pet. There are many times that a dog owner will have to walk their dog indoors. These walks can be a great way to get in some exercise and spend time with your pup, but they may not give your pup the same amount of exercise that they would get outdoors. There are strategies you can use to make sure your pup is still getting their necessary exercise even when walking them indoors like walking from one end of the house to the other. You can also play chase with your dog to get them running. You can even use dog treadmills. Be cautious as treadmills are mainly for human use and you can easily injure your dog if you don’t take necessary precautions.
Hide and Seek
Hide treats in different places around the house and let your dog find them. This game is a great way for your dog to get exercise and for you to bond. It is also a great way to keep your pup busy when you are home. You can even train your dog to find you. All you need to do is pick a hiding spot and call your dog. Don’t forget to give your pup a treat when they find you so they know to associate finding you with a reward. The object of the game is to keep your dog active by constantly looking for you.
Puzzle Toys or Treat Dispensing Toys
Puzzle toys are toys that are designed to make your dog work for a reward by giving your dog a toy that has a ball, feathers, or treats inside—it’s a good dog exercise comprised of both mental and physical stimulation. Your dog needs to find the hidden goodies by moving the toy around. Puzzle toys are perfect for pups that need a little mental stimulation. They can be filled with treats, kibble, or other goodies. This type of toy also helps you monitor your pup’s food intake.
Indoor Agility Course/ Indoor Obstacle Course
Indoor agility courses involve making an obstacle course out of furniture and letting your pup run through it. Making obstacle courses for your pup out of everyday household furniture has many benefits. It’s a great way to help your dog burn pent up energy, exercise your pup, help them get the wiggles out, and teach them how to jump over and through objects. The best part about this type of training is that it can be done in the comfort of your own home with no extra equipment necessary. You need to make sure you have enough room in your home for an agility course. It’s also best to avoid using furniture that you don’t want to see scratched up or damaged. Use nail grinders to trim your dog’s nails and to avoid scratches on your precious furniture
What Are the Benefits of Indoor Exercise For Dogs?
While outdoor exercise is great for dogs and owners alike, there are a few benefits to exercising your dog indoors. Indoor workouts reduce the risk of injuries by limiting the amount of space a dog has to run, they can be done on any surface and they can be done in small spaces such as apartments. Additionally, it’s easier to monitor how much physical activity your pup is getting when you’re able to see your dog at all times.
There is a new device on the market that you can use to let your dog roam freely without needing to be tethered. The device is called the Halo Collar. It is one of the best dog GPS tracker collars and serves as an activity monitor that lets you see how much physical activity your pup is getting so you can keep track of your dog’s health even when they get their exercise indoors.
Conclusion
No matter what reason you have for staying inside, anyone can exercise their dog indoors. It’s super easy, and there’s still a ton of fun stuff to do.
There are plenty of benefits to exercising your dog indoors. It negates the risk of injury from being hit by a car or encountering other animals, and it can be more convenient in colder climates because you don’t have to worry about the weather outside.
There are plenty of fun indoor activities and toys to keep your pup happy and fit while they are indoors. Between these activities, your pup should stay busy and be well exercised. Remember to check in with your veterinarian before starting any new exercise regimen and adjust according to your dog’s needs. The most important thing is that your dog stays healthy and happy!
FAQ
How can I exercise my dog indoors?
Dogs always need to get exercise no matter the weather. Exercise helps them stay healthy and happy, which leads to a more relaxed dog. Sometimes people find it hard to exercise their dogs when the weather is bad or they have a busy day and can’t take them outside. There are many ways you can exercise your dog indoors, some of them being: playing fetch with a ball or toy, teaching your dog new tricks that involve lots of physical activity.
How can I exercise my dog without walking?
Walking may not be the only way to exercise your dog! Dog owners have found other creative ways of getting their dogs active. For instance, you can try running with your dog on a treadmill or playing fetch. We all know that dogs need exercise. A great way to give your dog the exercise it needs is by playing with it in the house. Playing fetch and tug-of-war games with your dog can provide plenty of physical activity for both you and your pet.
What counts as exercise for a dog?
Dogs need exercise, just like humans. But what counts as exercise for a dog may differ from what’s considered exercise for a human. Dogs are natural hunters and must be able to run, jump, and play in order to maintain their physical fitness. In general, dogs should be walked for at least thirty minutes a day—more if the dog is not on a leash but can roam freely outdoors.
