How to Tire Out Your Dog Indoors

1 Overview

Note: this article targets low indoor-exercise breeds like Great Dane, Bichon, Pit Bull, and French Bulldog. If you own a Weimaraner or Doberman needing lots of exercise, this is not for you.

Before any of the following exercises, confirm its physical condition; short-legged, long-bodied dogs are unsuited to some, so use judgment.

Exercise needs

Every dog needs a moderate amount of daily exercise.

But as said, not everyone can guarantee enough exercise, especially during the southern rainy season when no one wants to go out.

So we must find other ways to release energy indoors.

Rule one

Whether Cesar Millan or other famous trainers, on tiring a dog indoors they agree: mental exercise tires a dog more than pure physical play.

So whatever method here, or your own, engage the dog’s mind to tire its body and mind, not just burn energy.

Stairs

Though frequent stair climbing is bad for dogs, occasional stair play is a good choice.

Have it wait at the bottom and toss cookies or toys as rewards; toys train retrieval, food trains obedience.

Especially for dogs rarely exposed to stairs, climbing is fun and challenging.

Note: dogs under 18 months have immature bones, so avoid this.

Simulation

Some say their place is too small for the dog to play.

If you have watched Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, you see he first finds items like a hula hoop or rug for the dog to go through or over.

This is the best way for Cesar to build trust and reveal the dog’s behavior issues through simple tricks.

Actually many items around you can entertain a dog, if you care.

For example, if a Bichon is possessive of plush toys, spend about 20 minutes each afternoon simulating a monster trying to grab its toy, releasing its energy.

Hide-and-seek

What hides is not you, but the dog’s favorite treat.

Treat hide-and-seek is the most common game; it engages the brain and keeps the nose sharp.

Note: do not always hide treats in the same spot; gradually increase difficulty.

Tug-of-war

This is the simplest, most convenient game, but note: if your status with the dog is already problematic, if the dog sees you as subordinate, do not play tug.

In dog logic, only the boss starts this game and only the boss wins.