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5 EASY INDOOR DOGGIE EXERCISE TIPS FOR WINTER

December 5, 2018 by Dan Washburn

Unless you live in southern California where it’s perpetually 80 degrees and sunny, you probably deal with plenty of cold, rainy or snowy days. Especially heading into the winter months, there will be many days where taking your dog out for a walk won’t be an option. Winter also means shorter days. So by the time many of us are getting home from work, it’s already dark outside. But this doesn’t mean your dog can’t get his exercise for the day.

Daily walking and exercise is crucial in keeping our four-legged children healthy, happy and physically fit. There are a number options for when a walk or trip to the dog park just aren’t ideal.

1. INDOOR PLAY


There are a wide variety of activities to do indoors that will allow your dog to get the exercise he needs. Playing fetch, keep away, or tug of war are all great ways to get the heart pumping and work the muscles. If you have carpeted stairs and your dog is healthy enough, try throwing a ball or toy from the top to the bottom or vice versa. Playing fetch on the stairs works out different muscle groups than just playing fetch in the yard.

2. PLAY DATE


Just like our two-legged children like to play with friends and have sleepovers, our fur babies love to hang out with their friends too! Having a friend to play with can offer great motivation to get your dog active. Of course make sure all pups involved are safe and having a good time.

3. TRAIN LIKE MOM AND DAD


Although it’s not a thought that would occur to many of us, your dog can use the same treadmill that you use to stay in shape! The first step is getting him accustomed to the sound and experience. Using treats to train is a good way to get him staying on the treadmill, then walking. Start off at the slowest speed and gradually work a little higher. You can even use a leash if it makes him more comfortable with this way of taking a walk. After he’s trained to use the treadmill, this can be an easy way to get valuable exercise when going outside isn’t an option.

4. SCAVENGER HUNT


Take several small treats and hide them throughout the house – behind a door, under the edge of a chair or rug, etc. He’ll be so busy following his sniffer to the treats he won’t realize that he’s taking himself for a walk. But remember, the focus here is the exercise, not the treats. Make sure they’re small morsels…just enough to keep him going…not enough to pack on extra pounds.

5. LET'S GO SHOPPING!


Many pet stores allow dogs to shop with their parents. A trip to the local pet store will give you the opportunity to walk them and give them a chance to socialize. As with any social situation, make sure your dog is sociable and acclimated to being around other dogs before a trip to the pet store. If there’s not a pet store near you, most home improvement stores allow dogs on a leash to shop. To get ready, make sure to give your dog a chance to relieve himself before you enter the store and always have waste bags handy like Scoop Me that can be attached to leashes, harnesses, belts and bags. Check out this list of dog-friendly stores you can visit with your pup.

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REAL, RAW meat with no added grains, fillers or preservatives
  • Keeps your dog at the ideal weight
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Along with the proper diet, daily exercise is essential in prolonged health. Just as in humans, it helps them to reduce the chance of obesity, illness and physical issues. So next time you’re facing a dreary day or your schedule won’t allow for a trip to the dog park or a nice long walk, remember there are plenty of indoor options for keeping your fur baby healthy and happy!

Dan Washburn