Dogs are some of the most loving and loyal pets, but not everyone can commit to walking them for an hour every day. If you live in a small apartment or simply don't have time to walk your dog on a daily basis, you might feel unsure about how to keep your furry friend active and these 6 Ways to Exercise Your Dog at Home will help!
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to exercise your dog at home that won't take up too much of your time. Keeping a dog healthy is important, not just because it makes them happy but also because it can reduce the risk of heart disease and other similar conditions later in life.
6 Ways to Exercise Your Dog at Home
Luckily, there are many ways to exercise a dog at home that do not require much time or money. Read on to find out more...
Keep your dog fit with a treadmill
If you have a dog that loves to run but you don't have the space or time to take them on a walk, you can provide them with the same kind of exercise on a treadmill in your home.
Dogs can use treadmills just like people do, but they should be monitored closely and provided with breaks if they become overheated.
According to Evan Ware, a renowned TPLO surgeon, if your dog is pregnant or has joint problems, they may be unable to walk on a treadmill. So make sure you talk to your vet about the best way to exercise your dog to avoid injury.
Take your dog on a stair run
As silly as it sounds, taking your dog on a stair run is an excellent way to get them moving at home. You can start off by going down a few stairs before climbing back up and repeating this process for around 10 to 15 minutes.
As with the treadmill, you may need to take a break for a few minutes before continuing. This is especially if your dog is larger or heavier. Your dog may enjoy this exercise better if they are given a toy to keep them entertained while they go up and down the stairs.
Play games with your dog
If your dog is young enough, you can play games that get them moving. Playing fetch with a tennis ball or disc, or even a rolled-up piece of newspaper, is a great way to get your dog moving.
You can also play other games with your dog, such as hide and seek, fetch, or simply play with a toy on the ground. The important thing is to keep your dog moving for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day.
Try Out Agility Exercises
If you have the space, you can create an agility course for you and your dog to practice on. Agility exercises are a great way to get your dog moving while also providing mental stimulation.
There are many different agility exercises that you can try out with your dog, such as the teeter-totter, the seesaw, the A-frame, the tunnel, and the weaves.
You may need to start out with easier exercises before working your way up to more complex ones. An agility course is a great way to keep your dog fit without them needing to go outside.
Play fetch with a disc or tennis ball
Another excellent way to get your dog active and fit is to play fetch with a disc or tennis ball. You can play this game indoors or out, and many dogs love it.
Moreover, it is a great way to bond with your dog and a fun way to keep them active. The main difference between playing fetch with a disc and a tennis ball is that a disc is larger. This means your dog will have to travel farther to catch the disc.
Use an Interactive Dog Ball
An interactive dog ball can be a great way to get your dog moving at home. Interactive dog toys are specially designed to keep your dog active while playing with them.
There are many different dog toys on the market that are designed to keep dogs active while indoors. An interactive dog ball is designed to keep your dog fit while also providing mental stimulation.
Interactive dog balls come in many different sizes, so you can find one to suit your dog. The best way to use an interactive dog ball is to place it on the ground and encourage your dog to paw at it and play with it.
Wrapping up
As you've read, there are many ways to exercise your dog at home. From using a treadmill to playing fetch with a toy, there is something for every dog.
Maintaining your dog's fitness and activity levels is crucial, not just for their happiness but also because it may lower their chance of developing heart disease and other serious problems later in life.
With so many ways to exercise your dog at home, there is no excuse not to keep them active. And who knows, you may want to get fit with your dog, too!
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