The first thing when one thinks of a dog is how lively these munchkins are. These furry little balls roam around the house. They make everyone feel alive by their activity. What keeps them happy is hopping and playing.
Dogs need to exercise and play. It is not just important to keep them physically fit. It also helps them to maintain their mental health as well. Exercise helps your dogs in mental and physical stimulation. It helps in keeping them active and reduces the risks of obesity.
What problem arrives hereafter that is majorly our lifestyle. We are all so much taken up in the hassles of our lives that we aren’t able to find time out for the daily exercises of our dogs. The lockdown was another reason that kept us inside. Thus, it becomes important that we start physical activities inside. We saw everyone taking up exercises and gym activities. How can we forget our furry friends during that time?
So, here is a list of indoor activities and games that one can involve their dogs in so that they are happy, fit, and fine.
1. Hide and Seek with treats and you
Dogs love to hide and seek. Play hide and seek with them now and then. To increase their interest, award them with treats whenever they win. You may even hide treats and ask them to find one.
2. Play Tug of War
Tug of War is a very tiring game. If you have two dogs, you may make both of them play tog in war. Even if not, play the game with them. It will engross you more with them and keep them fit.
3. Play Fetch
How can one forget to not play fetch with dogs? It is a classic dog game. You may play Fetch inside with little objects. Make sure they don’t trip on things in between and keep them interested by changing the fetching objects.
4. Run down the stairs
Have you never felt tired after climbing or running down the stairs? Exactly! Run down the stairs with them as much as you can. It will tire them and keep them fit. If you are tired easily, you may ask someone else to do the same.
5. Treadmills
We have all watched those treadmill videos of dogs till now. So, what are you waiting for? Just train them to use a treadmill if you have one? Make sure you read about it or take help from outside before trying it.
6. Indoor Swimming
Dogs are natural swimmers. They don’t need any training before swimming. And swimming is the most energy-consuming exercise. So, if you have a swimming pool, use it to the maximum and let your furry ball float in it.
7. Food and Chew Toys
Nothing but treats and toys keep a dog most interested. If your dog starts losing interest in any games or exercise, try new types of food and chew toys. They are both a combination of treat and exercise. Thus, both the works are done through it.
8. Mental Exercises and Games
Dogs just don’t need physical exercises but mental ones as well. Play puzzles with them. Asking about which cup holds the treat, confusing them with multiple options are some mental games you might play.
9. Hide their favorite Toys
Dogs love their toys. You might sometimes hide their favorite toys and make them play with the other ones. It will keep their interest alive. Then, someday randomly put their favorite ones in front of them. You might imagine the amount of happiness they might feel.
10. Use Snuffle and Feeding Mats
Snuffle mats are the modern way of keeping your pet happy. Snuffle mats are easily available in pet and online stores. Just try to play with these mats. You might see their interest increasing. It might also help you in making them eat properly.
So, these were some of the ways that you could try to keep your dog happy and fit as well. It isn’t always possible that your dog might be interested in all or any of these. In that case, just observe the activity of your pet. Then try some new methods to keep them engaged.