It’s easy for some pups to feel bored or become a canine couch potato when they spend a lot of time indoors, especially when the weather isn't cooperating.
But, it’s still super important for dogs to get their daily exercise regardless! That's why we're here to share five of the best ways to keep your dog active indoors.
1. Make an Indoor Obstacle Course
Remember making forts with old cardboard boxes and blankets when you were a kid? Well, maybe it's time to channel your inner architect again!
Try repurposing items around your house to create a fun, interactive obstacle course for your pup. You can try building a tunnel with couch cushions, set up a weaving obstacle with small boxes, and even use a pool noodle and two chairs to create a jumping obstacle!
You might get a few weird looks from your dog at first, but try guiding your furry friend with a treat to help them connect the dots.
2. Try a Treat Dispenser
Speaking of tasty treats, there are a number of different ways to incorporate some yummy goodies into your interactive games with your furry friend.
Whether it's for playing fetch, hide and go seek, or tug-of-war, treat dispensers and toys that hold treats are awesome ways to tire out Fido! Some of our favorite treat/food dispensers are:
3. Plan an Indoor Doggie Date
When it comes to keeping your dog active, who said you have to do all the work when a friend or neighbor's dog can tag in for you?
Doggie dates are a fun way to give your dog some company so they can run around and play together for a nice little workout. Start by introducing your dog to their canine compadre (if you haven't already) in a neutral location to make sure they'll get along together.
If weather permits, take them for a short walk together to ensure they’re getting along before playtime inside. In general, keep an eye on their interactions and body language towards each other to make sure things stay fun and playful!
4. Try a Mobility Supplement
Another great way to help your canine stay active is by giving them a supplement that may help maintain their mobility.
Functional joint supplements for dogs have come a long way from being those bulky, awful tasting pills or tablets. Flavorful hip and joint soft chews for dogs are the new and best way to go! Just make sure your chewable of choice includes Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin Sulfate, and MSM to make sure you're giving Fido the right ingredients to maintain their normal joint function.
Alternatively, Green-Lipped Mussel is another paw-some ingredient that supports hip and joint function for dogs as well. So be on the lookout for these options. Your pup will love you for it!
5. Practice Some Cool Moves
Extra time indoors is also a good time for your dog to learn new tricks or stay on top of the commands they already know. The more they learn, the more they move!
Below are some tips on some of our favorite tricks, shaking hands and rolling over.
Shake Hands
Our best tip is to present a closed fistful of treats to your pup. Your dog might sniff your hand or lick it at first but eventually he will paw at your hand. When your dog lifts his paw, reward him! Once they get the hang of putting their paw on your hand for the treats, pick your command word, “shake,” “paw,” or whichever word that works best and say it as you present your hand. Repeat and reward your pup!
Roll Over
We think this trick is best explained by the American Kennel Club so watch this short video below to teach your dog how to roll over.
Once your dog gets the basics of this one, incorporate your command word and practice!
We hope you’ve found these suggestions to keep your dog active indoors useful and would love to hear some ways you’re already incorporating! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share below or contact us at (800) 940-1972 or bark@zestypaws.com.