Indoor Dog Exercises

Weather extremes can be rough on dogs -- heat can exhaust them and, in winter weather, the salt used to melt ice can be damaging to their paws. Yet dogs require regular, year-round exercise, regardless of the weather. A dog that has had plenty of exercise will be calmer, happier, less likely to make mischief and in general more pleasant to be around.

  1. Indoor Walks

    • It sounds silly, and may look a little silly, but just as people use indoor running tracks, a dog can make do with an indoor walking trail. You can leash your dog and take laps around your home or apartment. If you have access to a stairway, take the dog up and down the stairs -- this is actually excellent exercise for the dog's hind legs and in some cases is recommended as physical therapy for dogs regaining their strength after a leg injury.

    Fetch

    • If you have a large enough space (and have cleared it of breakables), a classic game of fetch is a fine indoor activity. You can use a ball, or if you're concerned about damaging floors or other household items, you can use a softer object, like a plush animal or rope toy. Consider playing fetch on a carpeted floor, rather than more slippery wood floor, to avoid potential injury to the dog as it scurries after the ball.

    Pull Toys

    • Energetic dogs like to play tug-of-war with their owners. Rope toys that are knotted at both ends not only help the owner get pulling leverage but help the dogs strengthen their jaws. Playing with a pull toy is also an opportunity to teach the dog obedience, since the dog can learn the command "drop it." You can teach this command using a system of positive reinforcement. While saying "drop it," offer the dog a treat after he drops the toy. Praise the dog. Gradually reduce the number of treat rewards and instead condition the dog to accept just the praise reward.

    Intellectual Stimulation

    • If you have the space, you can purchase agility equipment for your dog. Tunnels and weave poles are popular for providing canines with physical and intellectual stimulation, as the dog has to figure out how to navigate the obstacles. Spend time spent indoors with your dog can practicing basic commands. Teach or review "sit," "stay" and "down" using the training method of your choice.