Indoor Exercise for Pets

Some days the weather may keep you from being able to take the dog out for his nightly walk. Just because you can't head outdoors doesn't mean your pet can't stay active. Read up on some fun games you can play with your pet. Keeping your pet entertained and stimulated will limit boredom-induced destructive behavior.

Bring out the Toys!
Fill a Kong toy (hollow rubber toy) with peanut butter or treats. Your dog will work hard to get to the treat and will be kept busy for hours.

Hide and Seek
Train your dog to understand the command "find it" by placing a treat in visible sight. She will learn that "find it" means she'll get a treat. Gradually begin hiding the treat out of sight or in harder to find places and praise her when she's found the treat. Avoid putting the treat anywhere you don't want your dog to explore (ie: cabinets, couch cushions).

Keep Your Kitty Entertained
Set aside some time each day to play with your cat. Keep a scratching post available to your cat and rotate toys often to prevent boredom.

Play Ball!
Find a soft, plush toy ball. These are great for indoor games of catch or fetch. Since they are lightweight they won't nick up furniture in mid-flight. Take care to throw the ball low to the ground to avoid knocking anything over.

Time for Tug!
Grab a rope toy or a soft toy that is long enough to tug. Encourage your pet to grab the other end and pull. It is a great way for your pet to blow off some steam.

Training Time
Use indoor playtime to teach new tricks. Start with the typical obedience moves: sit, stay, down, etc. Then try tricks like "roll over" or "fetch."