As the weather gets colder, exercising your dog becomes more challenging. After all, not everyone wants to walk a dog in frigid weather. Whether you’re pet sitting for someone or trying to keep your own pooch busy, the following indoor exercises will have your furry friend tired and happy again in no time.
Play Fetch
Throw a ball to a dog, and he’ll likely bring it back to you. While a tennis ball (or miniature tennis ball for smaller breeds) is often the preferred fetch toy for indoor play, some dogs enjoy playing fetch with other objects such as rope toys.
Play Tug of War
Speaking of rope toys, most dogs love a good game of tug. Tug on the rope, and let your dog pull back. After a while, tell her to “drop it.” Then, praise and reward her for having the self-discipline to quit when she’s told.
Play Hide and Seek
Hide somewhere in your house and wait for your dog to come and look for you. If he doesn’t, call out to him softly, so he’ll know he’s supposed to be looking.
Do a Little Scent Training
Instead of hiding yourself, try hiding your pet’s favorite treat somewhere so she can sniff it out. Once she understands that you’re playing a game with her, swap out the treat for her favorite toy, which will make the game more challenging.
Create an Obstacle Course
If you’ve ever watched a dog agility competition, you know how adept dogs are at going through obstacle courses. Have your own agility training session in the living room using couch cushions, chairs, and other household items.
Run Up and Down the Stairs
If you live in a two-story home, and you and your dog are in good enough physical condition, running up and down the stairs can be a great way for you both to blow off some steam.
Feed Your Dog from a Food Toy
When intense physical exercise isn’t possible, there’s always mental exercise. Making a dog work for her food will keep her mind busy while she’s cooped up — especially when you’re away. Fill a Kong or other food toy with dog food, or as a special treat, add peanut butter.
Need help keeping your pet busy when you’re away for longer periods? Pooch Care Plus offers pet care in Camden County, NJ, and all across the greater Philadelphia region. Contact us for more information about our services.