15 Interesting Indoor Exercises For Dogs To Try

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! If you’re like me, you know how important it is to keep our furry friends active and healthy, even when the weather isn’t on our side.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of indoor exercises for dogs that will keep them entertained and help burn off that excess energy.

Let’s dive right in!

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Indoor Exercises for Dogs

Indoor exercises for dogs provide a great way to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, especially during inclement weather or in apartments with limited space.

Activities like hide-and-seek, puzzle toys, and indoor agility courses can help burn off energy and prevent boredom.

Remember to tailor the exercises to your dog’s size, age, and fitness level for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Let’s break it down further…

The following are some of the most common indoor exercises for dogs:

1. Hide and Seek

Hide and seek can be an excellent form of indoor exercise for dogs. It provides mental stimulation and physical activity, keeping them engaged and entertained.

By hiding treats or toys around the house, dogs can use their sense of smell and problem-solving skills to find them, which can be a great way to exercise their brains.

Moreover, hide and seek helps to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners, as it involves interaction and cooperation.

To play hide and seek with a dog, simply hide treats or toys in various locations and encourage them to find them using commands like “find it” or “seek.” This activity can be adjusted to the dog’s level of difficulty and can be enjoyed by dogs of all ages and sizes.

2. Running Up and Down the Stairs

Running up and down the stairs can be an effective form of indoor exercise for dogs. It provides several benefits, such as cardiovascular workout, muscle strengthening, and mental stimulation.

To do this exercise with a dog, ensure the stairs are safe and free from any obstacles or hazards. Start by encouraging the dog to go up and down the stairs at a comfortable pace.

Gradually increase the intensity and duration as the dog gets more accustomed to the exercise.

3. Tug of war

Tug of war can be a great indoor exercise for dogs. It provides both mental and physical stimulation for them.

The benefits include strengthening their jaws, muscles, and teeth, as well as improving their coordination and focus.

To play tug of war with a dog, start by choosing a suitable tug toy that is sturdy and safe. Engage the dog by encouraging them to grab onto the toy and pull, while maintaining control and setting boundaries.

Remember to always supervise the game and end it if the dog becomes overly aggressive or exhibits resource-guarding behavior.

4. Fetch

Fetch is an excellent type of indoor exercise for dogs. It provides mental and physical stimulation, helping to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity-related issues.

Playing fetch also strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners. To play fetch indoors, find a spacious area free of fragile objects and obstacles.

Use a soft, lightweight ball or a plush toy that won’t cause damage. Throw the ball or toy gently, allowing the dog to retrieve it, and repeat the process a few times to give your furry friend a good workout.

5. Monkey in the Middle

Monkey in the middle is a fun and engaging indoor exercise for dogs. It involves two people standing apart from each other, tossing a toy or treat back and forth while the dog tries to catch it.

This game provides mental and physical stimulation for dogs, as they have to focus, track, and move to catch the object.

The benefits of monkey in the middle include improved agility, coordination, and concentration for dogs.

To play, start with a small space, use a soft toy or treat, and gradually increase the distance between the people to challenge the dog’s skills. Remember to always play in a safe and controlled environment.

6. Jumping Up and Down the Sofa

Jumping up and down the sofa can be a fun and engaging indoor exercise for dogs. It provides several benefits for dogs, including physical exercise, mental stimulation, and improved muscle tone.

To do this exercise with a dog, ensure that the sofa is sturdy and safe for jumping. Start by enticing the dog with a toy or treat to encourage them to jump onto the sofa.

Once on the sofa, encourage the dog to jump up and down by using verbal cues or playing with them. Remember to always supervise the dog during this exercise to prevent any accidents or injuries.

7. Treasure Hunts

Treasure hunts can be a fun and engaging form of indoor exercise for dogs. They provide mental stimulation and physical activity, keeping dogs entertained and satisfied.

To set up a treasure hunt, hide treats or toys in different areas of the house and encourage your dog to find them using their sense of smell.

This activity promotes problem-solving skills and enhances the bond between dog and owner. It also helps to alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behaviors that may arise from lack of stimulation.

8. Obstacle course

Obstacle courses are a fantastic type of indoor exercise for dogs. They offer numerous benefits, both physical and mental.

Dogs can improve their agility, balance, and coordination while navigating through various obstacles.

It also provides mental stimulation, promoting problem-solving skills and enhancing their focus. Setting up a simple obstacle course at home can be done using household items like chairs, tunnels, and cones.

By incorporating treats and positive reinforcement, dogs can be motivated to complete the course and have a fun and rewarding exercise session.

9. Canine Freestyle Dancing

Canine Freestyle Dancing is a type of indoor exercise for dogs that combines obedience training, tricks, and dance moves.

It provides mental stimulation and physical exercise, helping to keep dogs engaged and active.

The benefits of Canine Freestyle Dancing include improved coordination, increased flexibility, and a strengthened bond between the dog and their owner.

To practice canine freestyle dancing with a dog, start by teaching basic obedience commands and tricks.

Then, gradually introduce dance moves and create a routine that showcases the dog’s skills and abilities.

10. Which Hand Game

Which Hand Game is an engaging and interactive indoor exercise for dogs. It provides mental stimulation and helps improve their focus and problem-solving skills.

The game involves hiding treats in one hand and having the dog choose the correct hand. This activity encourages dogs to use their sense of smell and enhances their cognitive abilities.

It can be done by placing a treat in one hand, closing both hands and allowing the dog to sniff and indicate the correct hand. This game is a fun way to exercise dogs indoors while keeping them mentally stimulated.

11. Doga (Dog Yoga)

Doga, also known as dog yoga, is an innovative form of indoor exercise for dogs that combines traditional yoga poses with bonding activities between dogs and their owners.

The benefits of Doga for dogs include improved flexibility, increased relaxation, stress reduction, and strengthened bonds with their owners.

To practice Doga with a dog, owners can start by incorporating simple stretches and gentle massage techniques while ensuring their pet feels comfortable and safe.

Engaging in synchronized breathing exercises and incorporating interactive play can further enhance the experience.

Overall, Doga offers a unique and holistic approach to indoor exercise for dogs, promoting their physical and emotional well-being while fostering a deeper connection with their owners.

12. Dog Treadmill

A dog treadmill is a type of indoor exercise equipment designed specifically for dogs. It provides a controlled and safe environment for dogs to get their daily exercise.

The benefits of using a dog treadmill include improved cardiovascular health, weight management, increased muscle tone, and mental stimulation.

To use a dog treadmill, start by introducing your dog to the equipment gradually, allowing them to become comfortable with it.

Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity as your dog gets accustomed to the treadmill. Always supervise your dog while they are using the treadmill to ensure their safety.

Read more about outdoor exercises for dogs.

13. Play the Shell Game

Play the shell game is an engaging indoor exercise for dogs that can provide mental stimulation and physical activity.

The benefits of this game include improving cognitive abilities, enhancing problem-solving skills, and promoting focus and concentration in dogs.

To play the shell game with a dog, start by placing three cups upside down on the floor and hiding a treat under one of them. Encourage the dog to use their nose or paw to indicate the cup with the treat.

Gradually increase the difficulty by shuffling the cups. Remember to always supervise the game and ensure the dog doesn’t ingest any small objects.

14. Play Food Puzzle Game

Buy or make a food puzzle game for dogs to provide them with mental stimulation and physical exercise indoors.

Food puzzle games challenge dogs to use their problem-solving skills to access their treats. This type of activity helps prevent boredom and destructive behavior, keeping dogs mentally engaged.

To create a food puzzle game, you can use household items like empty plastic bottles or muffin tins, or purchase a variety of interactive dog toys designed for this purpose.

Fill the puzzle with your dog’s favorite treats or kibble, and let them work to retrieve the food, keeping their minds sharp and bodies active.

15. Giving Your Dog a Hand Massage

Giving your dog a hand massage can be a beneficial form of indoor exercise. Dogs can benefit from hand massages as they help to stimulate blood circulation and relax their muscles.

To give your dog a hand massage, start by applying gentle pressure and circular motions on their paws, pads, and between the toes.

Gradually move up to their legs, applying the same techniques. This activity can provide mental stimulation for your dog and help strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.

Read more about the benefits of exercising your dog regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really exercise my dog indoors? Don’t they need outdoor space?

Absolutely! While outdoor exercise is beneficial, you can certainly provide your dog with engaging indoor exercise options. Indoor activities like interactive toys, games, and obedience training exercises can help keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated, even when outdoor space is limited.

What are some suitable indoor exercises for small dog breeds?

Small dogs can enjoy a variety of indoor exercises. You can set up obstacle courses using furniture, use puzzle toys to challenge their minds, engage them in hide-and-seek games, or teach them new tricks. Interactive toys that encourage physical activity, such as treat-dispensing toys, can also be great options.

My dog is older and has limited mobility. Are there indoor exercises suitable for them?

Absolutely! For older dogs with limited mobility, gentle exercises like controlled walks, stretching, and low-impact games can help maintain their physical health. You can also use puzzle toys or food-dispensing toys to keep their minds active. Remember to consult with your vet to determine the best exercise routine for your senior dog.

How can I keep my dog entertained indoors during bad weather?

Bad weather doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored! Indoor activities like hide-and-seek, teaching new tricks, playing interactive games like “find the treat,” or using puzzle toys can keep your dog mentally stimulated. Additionally, consider setting up an indoor obstacle course using cushions, tunnels, or homemade agility equipment.

Are there any specific indoor exercises for high-energy breeds?

Absolutely! High-energy breeds require plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Indoor activities like playing fetch in a large hallway, setting up a homemade agility course, playing tug-of-war, or using interactive toys that require problem-solving can help burn off their excess energy. Regular training sessions can also be mentally stimulating for these breeds.

How can I make indoor exercises more fun for my dog?

Making indoor exercises fun is key to keeping your dog engaged. Incorporate positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, during training sessions and games. Vary the activities to prevent boredom, and consider rotating their toys to keep them interested. Remember to use a playful and enthusiastic tone to make the experience enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Read more about general ways of exercising your dog.