Our dogs will certainly be enjoying the extra time we are spending at home at the moment. Whilst they may be getting lots of extra love and attention, it is also important to ensure they are still getting plenty of exercise too.
Regular exercise and playing with your dog (even indoors) offers mental and physical stimulation for both dogs and their owners. Pets can also help manage loneliness and depression by giving us companionship.
To keep you and your dog moving at home, we have come up with 6 fun ways to exercise your pet whilst indoors.
Firstly, a few tips to keeping your pets and family safe during the pandemic:
You can still enjoy taking your dog for a walk where safe to do so, but keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people.
Always practice good hygiene by washing your hands after interacting with your pets and avoid being kissed, licked or sharing food with your pet.
Be mindful of overfeeding your dog, especially treats.
Consider placing more toys out for your dog and rotate them to reduce boredom
Offer your pet some alone time. If you are home with your family and kids, remember to give your pets a break if they need it. A good rule to follow is if your dog is on their bed or having a rest, leave them alone.
1. Play tug-a-war or fetch
Great for your upper body strength, tug-a-war can be lots of fun! All you need is a rope or old piece of cloth to play. Always keep it playful and stop if your dog starts getting too aggressive.
Whilst fetch is normally played outdoors, if you have enough space, why not bring this game inside. The key is to use a soft ball or toy to avoid breaking valuables and use a hallway if space is restricted.
2. Create an obstacle course
Set up an obstacle course using items around the house such as chairs, cushions, blankets, boxes etc. Create tunnels to run through and items to jump over or around. This is a great way to challenge your dog both physically and mentally. Remember to reward your dog to encourage them along the way.
3. Hide and seek
The whole family can be involved in this game. Take turns by hiding in various places around the house. The hiding person will need to call out the dog’s name and reward them with a treat when found.
4. Teach them a new trick
A wonderful way to form a closer, more communicative bond with your dog. Keep training sessions brief and positive and don’t forget to have fun!
5. Nose work game
Fun, versatile and mentally stimulating for dogs. Have your dog sit, then hide some treats around the house. Encourage your dog to “go find it”. Keep it fun and praise your dog along the way.
6. Give your dog a job
If you have trained your dog obedience, you can start teaching them names of household objects and give them some small chores. You can teach them to tidy up their toys, gather clothes and take them to the laundry or fetch the newspaper or other items. Some of these behaviours are just for fun, but some can be really helpful too! Remember to keep training fun and brief.
We are here to help. If you have any questions or concerns about your pets health call us on 03 8784 4444. For our latest update about COVID-19 and your pets click here.