High-energy dog? Use 3 indoor exercises to keep them healthy

It’s easy to satisfy a high-energy dog when you have several acres of outdoor space to romp around.

But if you must confine your dog to an indoor space due to your living situation or the seasonal weather, it might struggle to get the exercise it needs to be happy and well-behaved.

The solution? When the weather (heat, cold, rain) or other circumstances prevent your dog from spending time outside, indoor exercise can help your high-energy dog burn off some of that excessive energy.

All dogs need to move, and high-energy breeds, regardless of where they live, especially need regular exercise.

The consequences of inadequate exercise can be severe. Dogs may develop grave health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer.

They may start causing trouble out of boredom, chewing on your belongings, making messes, or fighting with other furry friends.

Fortunately, giving your high-energy dog enough exercise while remaining indoors is possible.

Here are a few ideas that might help you keep your pup contentedly tired until you have more outdoor space for them to play.

Interactive toys

Toys are essential to your dog’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Here are some of the best interactive toys to keep high-energy dogs active indoors:

• Rope tugs. A quintessential dog toy, ropes that allow your dog to pull, pounce, and chase also encourage bonding between you and your pup.
• Puzzle toys. Dog puzzles often involve teasing treats or toys out of a larger vessel. You should try different types of puzzles to see which kinds your dog engages best.
• A flirt pole. Often used for cats, this toy bounces a lure at the end of a rope, encouraging dogs to jump and chase.
• Ball pit balls. Fill a cardboard box with these inexpensive balls and hide treats or other toys at the bottom. Your dog will love diving through the balls and hunting for buried treasure.
• Robo treat droppers. Consider different styles of this toy, including ones that roam around your home dispensing treats or ones that stay still and launch treats into the air.
• Snuffle mats. Larger snuffle mats, which hide treats under soft folds and flaps, will have your dog dashing around to pick up goodies.
• RC cars. Dogs who love to chase will go wild over RC cars, which rove erratically around interior spaces. You should choose a larger car that can withstand tough treatment from your dog and never allow your dog to play with the car without your supervision.

If your dog “doesn’t like toys,” you haven’t introduced them correctly.

Spend some time showing your dog how to interact with their toys and experiment with different types of toys to enjoy all sorts of positive stimulation in indoor and outdoor environments.

Structured play

When you have the time, you should engage your high-energy pup in some structured play.

Structured play helps your dog develop skills like communication, impulse control, and new tricks. Here are a few ideas for structured play sessions inside your home:

• Stairs. You and your dog stand at the top of a set of stairs. Toss a treat to the bottom of the stairs, allow your pup to chase after it, and recall it once it has enjoyed it. Going up and down stairs is tiring, and learning to return to their owner is a vital skill all dogs should have.
• Hide and seek. You tell your dog to sit and stay in a specific location, then hide somewhere in your home with a favorite treat. Release your dog from the stay. Once they find you, reward them and start the game over again. This game engages your dog’s senses, encouraging them to think critically while searching for you.
• Agility courses. You can set up indoor agility courses for your dog, including tunnels, weave poles, and hurdles. Training your dog to use the agility obstacles will take time, but it will help them bond with you and learn critical commands. Eventually, your pup will sprint through whatever course you create, enjoying excellent exercise.

Exercise machines

You aren’t the only one who benefits from transforming your garage into a home gym. If you can’t get outside for a walk around the neighborhood, you can use your treadmill to keep your dog in good shape.

Getting your dog to use the treadmill isn’t as easy as leashing them to the machine and turning it on; you will need to train them gradually, allowing them to become more comfortable with the equipment and reinforcing their use with affection and treats.

Your dog should never use the treadmill without your direct supervision, and you should avoid keeping them on the machine for more than 30 minutes at a time.

The treadmill tends to be more physically demanding than a neighborhood walk or run, and forcing your dog to exercise too much will cause severe physical and emotional harm.

Final thoughts on inside exercise tips for dogs

You feel better when you exercise regularly, and so does your dog. Investing in a few tools that keep your indoor dog active, you can see your pup thrive mentally and physically for years.

By incorporating interactive toys, structured play, and even exercise machines like a treadmill, you can provide your high-energy dog with the physical and mental stimulation it needs, even when confined indoors.

Ensuring your dog gets enough exercise is crucial for overall well-being and behavior.

With these indoor exercise tips, you can keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and well-behaved regardless of the outdoor limitations.

Miles Oliver is a proud dog lover and an outdoor enthusiast. He often writes on his patio with a hot cup of tea and his 4-year-old border collie mix by his feet. When Miles is not working as an independent freelance writer, he is most likely mountain biking and roaming the great outdoors with his four-legged companion. 

Unlock the secrets to your furry friend’s health with our roadmap to optimal dog health guide