10 Ideas for Indoor Exercise for Dogs

Dogs that aren’t satisfied with how much outdoor time they’re getting, maybe because your household is stuck inside due to illness, will feel understimulated and chances are high that they’ll feel the effects of cabin fever. Suddenly, they're exhibiting all kinds of out-of-character behaviour: barking at every little noise, chewing your shoes and even destroying the furniture. Sound familiar? 

Less outdoor time can be rough for an energetic pooch, but engaging them in indoor exercise is a great way to help them expend their energy and keep them from getting bored. Try these 10 indoor exercises for dogs to keep them active and engaged.

1. Interactive puzzle toys

Use your dog’s natural foraging instincts to your advantage with a puzzle toy. These are toys in which you can hide food or treats, which your dog then has to manipulate in order to release. These toys are great for alleviating boredom and keeping your dog’s mind stimulated. You can buy puzzle feeders with varying degrees of difficulty too, so if your dog is a particularly crafty pup or a fast learner, you can increase the difficulty to keep them engaged. There are also lots of DIY options using paper bags, toilet roll tubes and egg cartons - a quick internet search for DIY dog puzzle toys will give you lots of options to try. 

2. Training 

According to the Dogs Trust, training games, using positive reinforcement, are a great way to bond with your dog and increase their confidence, and the mental activity can be just as good as physical activity for burning off energy indoors. They suggest teaching your dog fun tricks like high fives, ‘paws up’ and ‘pack away your toys’. 

3. Hide-and-seek

Hide-and-seek is one of the best indoor dog exercise ideas. Not only will it provide you both with entertainment, but it's also an opportunity to engage your dog's brain and reinforce recall. 

Bring your dog into a room in your house, then have them sit and stay. Leave the room and hide. When you're ready, call your dog's name and invite them to come find you. Reward them with lots of praise and pats when they succeed. If your dog is an over-enthusiastic seeker, Blue Cross suggests having a second person to keep the dog in the room while you go and hide.

4. Socialisation

Consider arranging opportunities for your dog to socialise with other people and dogs. You could arrange a doggy play date with a friend's or relative's dog. Or head to a pet store and walk the aisles, letting your pooch sniff around and pick out a toy. You could even sign them up for a doggy day care session, so they can spend time with a group of dogs under the watchful eye of a pet care expert.

5. Stairs

Stairs are a great source of indoor exercise for dogs, especially if your pooch has to burn off steam in a pinch. For a dual workout, you can walk or run up and down together. Whatever you do, be sure to clear the stairs and the surrounding area in advance to ensure there are no tripping or slipping hazards. And be cautious if your dog is a dachshund or another breed with a long back and short legs, says the Dachshund Breed Council, as activities like climbing steep stairs can put excessive strain on their spines. Also, make sure to be careful that your dog doesn't get under your feet to prevent injury to either of you.

6. Tug of war

For some dogs, a game of tug is a great way to expend their energy while bonding with their pet parent. Just be sure to let your dog win a couple of rounds, too, suggests the Dogs Trust. And be aware that tug of war isn't an ideal game for every dog. If your pup tends to get overstimulated very quickly, has risk factors such as a genetic predisposition to developing neck or spinal injuries, or has resource-guarding tendencies, you should rather avoid this option. . A great alternative is a flirt pole, where your dog needs to let go of the toy in order to continue the game. 

7. Bubble chase 

Remember how much enjoyment you got from chasing and popping bubbles as a kid? Dogs tend to love this simple joy as well, providing plenty of entertainment for them and you! You can blow the bubbles yourself for a fun bonding game, or get a bubble machine and join in the fun with your pup. Just be sure to use dog-friendly bubbles, as dogs often like to bite the bubbles, and the ingredients in kids’ bubbles may not be safe for consumption.

8. Indoor fetch 

Ok, so you may not want your dog chasing balls and sticks around the house! But you can still play a modified version of fetch with treats or soft toys. Try playing in a long hallway, with any breakables safely stowed away. Simply show your dog the treat or toy in your hand, then toss it to the other end of the hallway and watch them go. You can even create a DIY obstacle course if you have the space! Try to avoid playing on surfaces where your dog struggles for traction to prevent injuries - carpeted floors or heavy, immovable rugs are best.

9. Toy rotation

Like us, dogs can get bored of the same activities and same toys, day in, day out. Beat the boredom by rotating their toy selection weekly, so it always feels like they’ve got something new and interesting to play with. For added benefit, let them choose the toys from your collection that they would like to have for the week.

10. Treadmill/Pup gym

Just like humans can get a lot of benefit from strengthening exercises at gym, so can our canine companions. Simple exercises like ‘sit-to-stand’ and ‘cookie stretches’ can keep your dog in good physical shape. Be sure to check with your veterinarian or veterinary physiotherapist before embarking on any fitness program for your dog.

Regular exercise is vital for your dog to be their happiest, healthiest self. Turn to these indoor exercises for dogs the next time you’re stuck inside, to help your furry friend keep their body and mind engaged. To avoid accidents, make sure to give your dog (and you) plenty of space, with nothing to trip over or bump into. With a little experimentation, you'll find your favourite indoor exercise to do together in no time!

Frequently asked questions about indoor exercise for dogs

How can I keep my dog mentally stimulated indoors?

Any activity that involves play, learning or problem-solving is a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated indoors. Try some of the examples above, like puzzle feeders, training, and hide-and-seek. 

What indoor activities can I do with my dog if I don’t have much space? 

There are plenty of indoor activities your dog can enjoy if you’re pressed for space. Focus on the more mentally stimulating activities, such as puzzle feeders and training games, as opposed to the more active exercises like fetch or a DIY obstacle course. And if your dog really needs to burn off some energy, try controlled, area-restricted activities like walking up and down the stairs. This will reduce the risk of injuries or accidental damage in the home.