Do you have a small breed dog and find it hard to provide enough exercise, especially when you’re indoors? Small breed dogs have a lot of energy and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Learning how to keep your dog active inside can make a huge difference in their well-being.
Exercising your dog indoors doesn’t have to be complicated. You can turn your home into a fun and engaging space for your pup. With a bit of creativity, you can ensure your dog gets the physical activity and mental stimulation they need right in your living room.
Table of Contents
- 1) Tug-of-War
- 2) Interactive Puzzle Toys
- 3) Indoor Fetch
- 4) Treadmill Walks
- 5) Obstacle Courses
- 6) Teach New Tricks
- 7) DIY Agility Course
- 8) Hide-and-Seek
- 9) Stair Climbing
- 10) Laser Pointer Chase
- 11) Dog Yoga
- 12) Kong Stuffed Toys
- 13) Dance Sessions
- 14) Balance Exercises
- Importance of Indoor Exercise for Small Breed Dogs
- Creating an Indoor Exercise Routine
- Monitoring Your Dog’s Wellbeing
1) Tug-of-War
Tug-of-War is a fun and engaging way to exercise your dog indoors. This game helps your dog build strength and coordination. It also provides mental stimulation as your pup learns commands like “drop” and “leave it.”
Use a sturdy toy designed for tugging. Avoid using old socks or items that might encourage your dog to chew on inappropriate things. Always supervise and ensure the game remains gentle and safe, moving the toy side to side rather than up and down.
2) Interactive Puzzle Toys
Interactive puzzle toys are a fantastic way to keep your small breed dog entertained indoors. These toys challenge their minds, making them work for treats or kibble.
Simple puzzles have compartments and interactive elements dogs manipulate with their paws or noses. This encourages problem-solving and keeps them busy.
If your dog is food-motivated, puzzle toys can also act as slow feeders.
3) Indoor Fetch
Indoor fetch is an excellent way to keep your small breed dog active. Use a soft toy or ball to avoid damaging any furniture. Start in a clear space, like a hallway.
You can make the game more exciting by adding commands like “sit” or “stay” before each toss. This keeps your dog engaged and mentally stimulated.
Make sure to take breaks and provide water to keep your dog hydrated. This game is a great mix of physical and mental exercise, perfect for indoor fun.
4) Treadmill Walks
Treadmill walks can be a great way to give your small breed dog some exercise indoors.
Start by introducing your dog to the treadmill slowly. Let them get used to it by standing on it while it’s off.
Turn the treadmill on at a very slow speed. Use treats to encourage your dog to walk.
Gradually, you can increase the speed, but make sure to keep sessions short, especially at the beginning.
Always supervise your dog and ensure they are comfortable.
5) Obstacle Courses
Creating an obstacle course for your dog indoors is fun and keeps your pup busy. Use items you have at home like pillows, chairs, and boxes.
Start by setting up a simple path. For example, make your dog crawl under a chair or jump over a stack of cushions.
Increase the difficulty gradually. Introduce new parts like tunnels made from cardboard boxes or hula hoops.
Adjust the course to match your dog’s size and ability. Long line of obstacles will keep them engaged and help burn off energy.
6) Teach New Tricks
Teaching your dog new tricks is a great indoor exercise. It keeps their mind sharp and helps strengthen your bond with them. Start with simple commands like “sit” or “stay.” Use treats and praise to motivate your dog.
As your dog masters basic commands, try more complex tricks. Teach them to “roll over” or “play dead.” Always keep training sessions short and fun to maintain their interest.
Training can also include practical skills like fetching specific items or putting away toys. This mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
7) DIY Agility Course
Turning your living room into a mini agility course is a fun way to exercise your small dog. Use household items like broomsticks, buckets, and cushions to create different obstacles.
Set up a simple jump by balancing a broomstick across two buckets. You can also use chairs and blankets to make tunnels. Arrange pillows for your dog to navigate around as weave poles.
Challenge your pup with a seesaw by using a sturdy plank and a round object as a base. Be sure to supervise closely to ensure your dog’s safety while they play and exercise.
8) Hide-and-Seek
You can play hide-and-seek with your small dog indoors. Start by having your dog stay in one place. Then, hide somewhere in your home. Call out to your dog and let them find you. When they do, give them a treat or lots of praise. This game is fun for you and your dog!
9) Stair Climbing
If you have stairs at home, they can be a great way to exercise your small breed dog.
Start by walking up and down the stairs with your dog. You can gradually increase the intensity by jogging or running together.
Make it fun by throwing a toy down the stairs and letting your dog fetch it. This climbing builds muscle and boosts cardiovascular health.
10) Laser Pointer Chase
A laser pointer can be a fun way to help your small breed dog burn off energy. This game taps into their natural prey drive.
Make sure the laser pointer is safe for pets and never shine it directly into their eyes. Clear an area where your dog can run without obstacles.
Encourage your dog to chase the moving light. This can provide a great workout while keeping them mentally engaged.
Remember to occasionally reward with a treat or toy to prevent frustration from not “catching” anything. Keep sessions short to avoid overstimulation.
11) Dog Yoga
Dog yoga, also known as “doga,” is a fun way to bond with your small breed dog. Start by doing simple yoga poses together.
Match your breathing with your dog’s. This helps both of you relax.
Gently massaging your dog’s head can also help them calm down.
Give it a try and enjoy the time spent together!
12) Kong Stuffed Toys
Stuffing a Kong toy is a fantastic way to keep your small breed dog entertained and mentally stimulated.
You can fill the Kong with a variety of things like chopped apples, bananas, and even dog-safe yogurt.
Mixing and matching different ingredients can keep this activity fresh and exciting for your dog.
13) Dance Sessions
Turn on some music and dance with your dog! You can hold their paws and gently sway, or let them follow your movements.
This can be a fun way for both of you to get exercise and bond. Your dog will enjoy the upbeat energy and movement.
Just make sure to pick a safe space to avoid any accidents, especially with small breeds.
14) Balance Exercises
Balance exercises help improve your dog’s coordination and core strength. Use a balance board or cushion to start. Guide your dog to stand on it, rewarding them with treats for staying steady.
You can also try having your dog stand on a folded towel. This creates an uneven surface to challenge their balance.
Importance of Indoor Exercise for Small Breed Dogs
Ensuring your small breed dog gets enough exercise indoors is crucial for both their physical and mental well-being. Indoor activities can keep your pet healthy and well-behaved, even when outdoor exercise is not possible.
Health Benefits
Indoor exercise helps keep your dog fit and maintains a healthy weight. Small breed dogs are prone to obesity, which can lead to joint problems and heart disease. By providing regular indoor activities, you can help prevent these issues.
Physical activities, like using stairs for games, can improve muscle strength. Playing tug-of-war or using exercise balls can keep your dog’s body toned. Keeping your dog active indoors can also help manage existing health problems, such as arthritis, by maintaining mobility.
Small breed dogs often have high energy levels. Indoor exercise helps burn off this energy, which keeps their metabolism active. This, in turn, aids in digestion and keeps their internal systems functioning well.
Behavioral Benefits
Engaging your small breed dog in indoor exercise also affects their behavior positively. Dogs that are bored or under-stimulated can develop bad habits like chewing furniture or excessive barking. Activities like brain games, such as “Which Hand?”, can mentally stimulate your dog and prevent boredom.
Regular interaction through play strengthens the bond between you and your pet. This can make them more responsive to commands and easier to train. Consistently providing fun and challenging indoor activities can reduce anxiety and increase your dog’s confidence.
Exercise that involves following commands, like fetching or releasing toys on cue, reinforces good behavior. It keeps your dog’s mind sharp, ensuring they stay well-behaved and engaged even when stuck indoors.
Creating an Indoor Exercise Routine
A good indoor exercise routine for your small breed dog should mix physical activities with mental challenges. This helps keep your dog healthy and happy.
Balancing Physical and Mental Stimulation
Physical and mental activities are key for a well-rounded routine. Physical exercises tire out your dog, while mental exercises keep their brain sharp.
- Physical Exercises: Activities like running up and down stairs, playing fetch, and tug-of-war with a rope are great options. Each exercise helps burn off energy and supports muscle health.
- Mental Exercises: You can involve basic training commands like sit, stay, and come. Puzzle toys or treat-dispenser games are fantastic for engaging your dog’s mind. Rotate these activities to keep your dog interested and challenged.
Setting Up a Safe Space
A safe space ensures your dog can exercise without getting hurt or damaging your home.
- Clear the Area: Remove any fragile items or obstacles that might trip your dog. Use baby gates to block off unsafe areas and create a dedicated exercise zone.
- Choose the Right Flooring: Carpet or non-slip mats can prevent injuries. Avoid slick surfaces where your dog might slip during playtime.
- Supervise Activities: Always keep an eye on your dog while they exercise. This ensures they’re safe and allows you to intervene if things get too rough or risky.
With these steps, you can create a balanced and safe indoor exercise routine that meets both physical and mental needs of your small breed dog.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Wellbeing
It’s important to keep a close eye on your dog’s health, especially when exercising indoors. Make adjustments based on their energy levels and look out for signs that they might be overdoing it.
Signs of Overexertion
Signs of overexertion in your dog include:
- Panting excessively: While panting is normal, too much can be a signal that your dog is getting too tired.
- Limping: This might mean your dog has strained a muscle or injured a paw.
- Drooling more than usual: Overexertion can cause excess saliva production.
- Lagging behind: If your dog starts to slow down or stops wanting to play, it’s time for a rest.
- Heavy breathing: Watch for labored breathing, even after stopping the activity.
To help your dog:
- Offer plenty of water.
- Take breaks during playtime.
- Consult a vet if symptoms continue.
Adjusting Exercise Intensity
Adjusting exercise intensity can help:
- Monitor activity: Use a dog activity tracker like Whistle or Fi to track steps and activity levels.
- Short sessions: Start with shorter exercise periods and gradually increase as your dog builds endurance.
- Mix activities: Alternate between high-energy activities and calm ones, like fetch followed by gentle tug-of-war.
- Watch body language: Be attentive to your dog’s signals and reduce intensity if they seem tired.
- Breed considerations: Smaller breeds might need less intense exercise than larger breeds.
Tools like trackers can help:
- Set customizable exercise goals.
- Get alerts if your dog’s activity drops suddenly.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.