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Dogs need exercise. It’s not just about being healthy, either. Exercise stimulates your pet’s mind and uses up their stored energy. Dogs that exercise are happier, less likely to suffer from behavioral issues, and maintain better mental health.

It is best to take your dog outdoors whenever you can. The combination of exercise with sights, smells, and sounds provides outstanding stimulation to your dog’s brain, which in turn reduces excess energy and stress. But taking your dog for a long walk is not always possible, especially here in the Lake Mary area, where during the summer months we will have:

• Hot, Humid Weather
• Afternoon Downpours of Rain
• Lighting, Thunder and a possible Hurricane

If it’s dark too early, or you are not feeling up to going outside, a long outdoor walk may not be possible. Luckily, there are some ways to exercise your dog indoors.

Strategies for Indoor Dog Exercise

• Play Indoor Fetch – Fetch is always great exercise for your dog. If you have room to safely throw a tennis ball around in your home, indoor fetch can be quite fun.
• Hide Small Treats Around – Hiding small treats around your home is a wonderful way to have your dog use its nose and move around the home.
• Step Races – If your dog is healthy and your home has stairs, running up and down the stairs with your dog can be a great workout. You can also play fetch up the stairs.
• Teach Your Dog the Treadmill – It takes some extra training, but you can teach your dog to use a treadmill, thus giving you a chance to take him on a walk without leaving the home.
• Create an Obstacle Course – Setting up your own small obstacle course inside of the house is a great way to train your dog and give it some much needed mentally stimulating exercise.
• Hide & Seek – One of my favorites when we’re stuck inside due to dangerous weather!

Consider Mental and Physical Activities

If there is a reason you can’t give your dog physical exercise, try mental exercise. Dogs do need to walk and run, but if you can help your dog solve puzzles, learn new tricks, and use its brain, your dog will at least receive stimulation it needs to feel more mentally at ease.