8 Creative Ways to Get Your Dog Moving Indoors This Winter

Winter isn't the best time to exercise your dog outdoors. However, your dog must continue to get daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Depriving your dog of exercise can cause several problems, including destruction of furniture, chewing on expensive items, hyperactive behavior, increased anxiety, increased aggression, and several other behavioral problems.

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Here are eight creative ways to help your dog feel good and look great all winter long:

1. Dog classes

Enrolling your dog in classes is great for him because not only will he get exercise, but it will also allow him to socialize with other dogs.

There are so many types of courses that are offered:

• If your dog loves water, enroll him in a swimming class.
• If your dog really enjoys the company of other dogs, flyball (to learn what flyball is, watch this video ) might be a great sport for him.
• If your dog loves watching "Dancing with the Stars," a freestyle dog dance class might be just the ticket.
• Obedience, training, and agility classes are also great options.

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To do this, search online or in local businesses to find an indoor training center.

Dog gyms offer a variety of classes and activities to keep your dog active. It's also a great way to meet other pet owners and their dogs.

2. Tug of war and “Fetch”

These games are usually played outside, but why not play them indoors? If you have enough space in your home, these games can be a great way to help your dog stay active.

If your space is smaller, a hallway can work. Get involved by throwing their favorite toy or ball and running with them to get it instead of just watching them fetch it.

Ideally, try to choose a soft toy or ball. This way, you'll both have lots of fun without the risk of breaking anything valuable.

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Tug-o-war is a really fun game to play. No equipment is required except a rope or an old piece of cloth. This game is great for helping your dog learn self-control.

However, you should be aware that this game can be risky. It can bring out aggressive behavior in your dog. A relationship of trust and respect should already be established before starting to play tug-of-war.

3. Play hide and seek

Before playing this game, prepare some delicious treats that your dog loves. If you have children, the whole family can participate by playing hide-and-seek in various places around the house. The hidden person then calls the dog's name.

When the dog finds the hidden person, the person will reward him with a treat. This will give your dog a good dose of exercise and give you the chance to get even closer.

4. Place your dog on the treadmill

What happens when you're really busy and don't have time to walk or play with your dog? You put your dog on a treadmill, if you have one at home!

Treadmills are a wonderful way to get your dog moving indoors, especially when you don't have a lot of time to devote to them. If your dog has never experienced the treadmill before, let them get used to it by setting the treadmill at a slow speed. Once they're used to the treadmill, increase the speed.

Give him a small reward every now and then to motivate him to stay on the exerciser. Once he gets used to the speed, gradually increase the difficulty level by gradually increasing the speed, which will increase the challenge for him. This activity will definitely give him a good workout!

If you don't own a treadmill and think your dog would really enjoy this activity, you should know that there are treadmills on the market that are specifically designed for dogs. The advantage of owning such a treadmill is that it is smaller and takes up less space in your house or apartment.

However, please never force your dog to stay on a treadmill. If he doesn't seem to enjoy this activity, there are many other things he can do and, more importantly, enjoy.

5. Treasure hunt

Every dog ​​has a natural instinct to hunt. Get him hunting for his meal by hiding several pieces of it in different places around the room. He'll have to use his sense of smell to find every little piece of his "treasure."

To begin, hide his food in places where he can easily find it and as he improves at this game, increase the difficulty level.

6. Use food-dispensing balls or dog puzzles.

These are two really fun games that will get your dog working for his food. All you need is a nice food dispenser or a food puzzle.

Add treats or food to these toys and they will release them when your dog plays with them. These toys are dishwasher safe and the difficulty level will vary depending on the toy you buy.

Not only will these toys get your dog moving, but they're also great mental exercise.

7. Create an obstacle course

Setting up an obstacle course for your furry friend is a great way to challenge them mentally and physically. You can use so many things around your home: cushions, blankets, chairs, hula hoops, and many other things.

Create a tunnel for him to run through and other small obstacles for him to jump over. Reward your dog with a treat to encourage him.

8. Organize a meeting to play

Letting two dogs play together is another great way to get your dog active and entertained. Invite another canine friend over and let them play for a few hours. Give them some toys so they can have fun together.

Be careful though! Make sure to move any valuables for this meeting because two dogs playing together move around a lot!

Conclusion

So, this winter, when the weather doesn't allow you and your dog to take a walk outside, try one or more of these little indoor activities and ensure that your dog can stay healthy all winter long.

Do you have any other activities you enjoy doing with your dog that help keep him healthy and happy all winter long?

If so, write them in the comments below.

Don't forget that we always offer free recommendations to optimize your pet's health. In addition to receiving advice and recommendations from our Natural Health Advisors, they will also guide you on the products and treatment options that best suit your pet's health needs.