Exploring Indoor and Outdoor Exercise Ideas for Pets

1. Introduction

Do you have a pet that needs to burn off some excess energy? Maybe they're getting antsy inside or you're trying to avoid inclement weather? Going for walks is a dog staple, however, what about those days when it's too cold, too wet, or too hot? Don't worry, we're here to help you and your pet find new, fun, and exciting ways to exercise inside your home and in the safety of your backyard. Your pet depends on you for a wealth of things, and entertainment and exercise are no exception. Adding 20 to 60 minutes of physical activity a day can help to keep you and your four-legged family in tiptop shape.

Whether your desired place of pet play is indoors or outdoors in a safe fenced-in backyard, we have some ideas for you. But having a place your four-legged friends can run the pent-up energy off allows for a calm and quiet indoor environment, and an even better and more relaxed owner. But where do you go from a walk? Make your pet run in circles with these indoor and outdoor activities! Like humans, pets need exercise to be healthy and happy. No one wants to stay cooped up inside all day or be without the energy to make maximum cuddles. Regular physical activity is known to bring on a stronger immune system, more regular poops, less stress and anxiety, and it even makes it easier for you to lose weight and maintain a healthy body.

2. The Importance of Exercise for Pets

Just like how moving our bodies can positively impact our overall well-being, our pets benefit in much the same way when engaging in regular activity and playtime. As with their human counterparts, your pets can experience increases in physical, mental, and emotional health by prioritizing consistent physical activity. Keeping your pooch or feline moving can help puppies, especially in maintaining a healthy weight, preventing some unwanted behaviors, and building confidence in adult dogs. In all ranges of pet ages, regular exercise can also be a good way to relieve boredom and "zoomies" for an overall balance. And, of course, there can be some added behavior benefits if you save your pet's favorite activities for after their "work" is done; think about it as a win-win.

There are consequences for pups and kittens who engage in a little too much Netflix, a little too much couch lounging, or a few extra games of fling the treat at the expense of their human's time on the screen; that buildup of energy doesn't just disappear, and you'll eventually find it displayed in unwanted ways. Most of us dog owners have found our furry kids at the top of the stairs, with a bowl of food, one shoe, and a book from the living room floor after a couple rest days! All joking aside, it's true that constant lack of exercise can contribute to a myriad of behavior conditions, anxiety, and unwanted behaviors like chewing, excessive barking, or humping, etc. Consider pulling up their Pawinsoles and check out some of the following great (and affordable!) ideas to workout your wiggles inside and out for your pets!

3. Indoor Exercise Ideas

Indoor spaces often provide owners and pets with different challenges than outdoor spaces. While a balcony or sizable backyard are ideal solutions for those with pets who love to be outside, not everyone has access to such spaces. So if owners can't control the weather outside, the stairs can make for a fantastic indoor exercise environment for all pets with healthy bodies. In terms of indoor spaces, there are plenty of solutions to help engage your pet in physical activity.

1) Balance discs are also made for dogs. This equipment is extremely beneficial, especially for those with older or special needs pets, but any dog can benefit. Always test by using a disc on a flat surface that provides plenty of traction. Soft area rugs can provide additional support.

2) Dancing can take a variety of different forms – some might call it "play" or "training." However you want to slice it, dancing with your pet is a healthy and fun way to engage physical activity, mental arousal and bonding. There are endless combinations. Make it look silly; laugh and you've done it all correctly.

3) Fetch in a game of fetch with a twist. Find a dog-friendly toy that is extra special and get two at first so that you can have a temporary one for an exchange until they are trained to "drop" or "leave" the one in their mouth. With the leash attached for safety or a trail through the house, throw the toy and then turn your back to your dog in anticipation of a chase. Let them catch it and begin the chase to get it back!

3.1. Interactive Toys and Games

Game play encourages your cat to exercise his body as well as his mind. It also provides both mental and physical stimulation, allowing him to fulfill his hunter's need to work for his dinner and enjoy the rewards of his labor. All cats enjoy pouncing on toys that talk or move, games of chase, and trying to figure out manipulative toys. Even the laziest, fattest cat can usually be drawn out to play a little with the right toy. Here are some examples of the kind of interactive toys that motivate cats to play, and some games that can involve the whole family in off-the-couch pet playtime fun.

Food Puzzles: Food puzzles (or feeding toys) promote hunting and grazing behaviors. By pursuing and batting around a food puzzle, or working to extract kibble from an interactive and manipulative toy, cats experience a high level of mental and physical stimulation. They think and interact with their environment and the people in it, which leads to healthier and happier cats. They satisfy your cat's instinctual drive to do what they were born to do.

Cat Trees: Several levels with hiding spaces and walkways to explore make climbing to the top a fun adventure.

Laser Lights: Cats love lights on a wall or floor. The Cat Dancer is a type of pull toy that causes the tiny light to dart and skip around the room, or alternatively, you can use a standard laser pointer. (Never shine a laser light in the cat's eyes.)

Games: Chase (pull toy): Most cats love to chase string, a pole toy, or even an unwrapped straw with feathers on the end.

Host a House Hunt: Hide small treats or dry food pieces in 3 or 4 locations around the home for your cat to find. Each time, hide them in different places.

Place canned cat food in a cleaned-out yogurt container. As the cat works to clean it out, it's a good mouth and tongue workout. Rotate the type of treat or treat receptacle every 1-2 weeks so your pet doesn't get bored with it.

Shot in the Paw: An older child or adult can pull out and hold the end of a long ribbon tied to a plastic wand. The child can hang the wand over the edge of a bed or couch (so no little fingers are near the end) and drag the ribbon around on the floor, pulling the entire wand and ribbon towards the child, stopping abruptly.

3.2. Obstacle Courses and Agility Training

Another fun idea for getting your dog moving inside can be to set up a tiny obstacle course for them to navigate. Though you'll want to clear it with housemates (and consider putting them in a separate room if they might be upset by a new shenanigan in the house), setting up a row of sturdy boxes on their side, a few hula hoops (try driving a few wooden stakes in the ground to push the hula hoops onto so they don't roll), and several small tape "hurdles" can give your dog all the enriching mental stimulation they need while they navigate the simple course. Agility training equipment like dogwalks and tunnels is readily available for indoor use and could be something fun to add to your kit. This will give your pet an outlet for their energy as they run to complete their doggy exercises. Unlike the other home training tips, this one leans a bit more towards training. Desiree Snelleman, an experienced agility handler and teacher, suggests teaching your short-coated pets to expect performing in less than ideal weather by training indoors. "When the dogs are learning jumps, it is important for them to be able to get the idea while still being in the learning phase to jump on wet grass so I tend to start training a few jumps at home on the rainy days," she says.

Additionally, it could be a fun little project to build a backyard or front porch agility course for your furry family members to use during isolated walkies. The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers guidance for creating backyard agility, and there's plenty of tutorials and ideas floating around online for simple, inexpensive courses you can set up. All the enrichment stated above can also be done with cats at home too! Keep in mind though that cats are often less active and need fewer activities if they are left to entertain themselves while you're out. All the above can apply to birds as well with foraging mental enrichment toys, exploring new toys, and learning new tricks. Each pet requires different exercise needs and opportunities.

4. Outdoor Exercise Ideas

If there is one thing that is common among all pets of all ages, it would be their consistent level of energy. Most pets have an energetic stake just waiting to be used. If this energy sits unused, it may cause your pets to act out and become obnoxious, much like a child during the middle of winter doldrums. If this is familiar behavior for you, then you might need to spend some time playing with your pet and wearing down some of their energy in order to build up a healthy, strong bond between the pet and yourself.

In most cases, it seems more reasonable to let your pets spend a good majority of their time outside safely running around in order to get enough physical activity. Since it does not take an expert to let their animal out the door or look out the window to watch their pet, providing outdoor training is far easier to manage. Outdoor play also has an unlimited supply of fresh air and sunlight attached to it. Imagine the feel of the sun on your face when you stand in the yard and then imagine not having that warmth for a few months' time. The very thought of this sends a cold shiver up most people's spine, so let your pets out to stretch their legs.

A little privacy if your pets seem to be stressed out, your privacy and property may also be feeling the strain of their poor behavior. Pets also need some sense of personal space, just like people do. In other words, make sure that their personal time includes some time away from you running in the yard, for example. Even if you live in a city, you can take your pet to an off-leash dog park, a nearby hiking trail or you can simply take a ball with you to the empty church parking lot and play fetch with your dog.

4.1. Walking and Hiking Trails

Walking or hiking with pets is one of the most common outdoor activities among pet owners. It is done either on a designated walking trail or a newly discovered outdoor hiking and walking trail. Whether it is facing the snowstorms or basking in the sun's rays, hiking and walking outdoors preserve the physical and social well-being of pets. Walking and hiking trails should be courteous and pet-friendly. The pet owner should take into account the following factors while planning the walking and hiking trails with pets in accordance with their comfort and enjoyment: strength, companionship level, pet's ability, health, outdoor environment, and weather conditions.

Walking is seen as one of the most powerful cardiovascular workouts because even at a fast pace, pets can handle it well. While walking, pets are given the opportunity to interact with their environment. It also strengthens the bond between pet owners and their pets and offers the affection of human and pet friends. Likewise, walking or exercising on an unfamiliar hiking trail will provide the fresh air and light that will relax the nerves and mind of the pet owner. Always lovely routes with wide, pet-friendly paths are sufficient. Retreat plans should be held in case of inclement weather. Before going out and at the start of their journey, pet owners and pets should always undertake a short warm-up training.

4.2. Fetch and Frisbee Games

One fun outdoor activity for your pet is to play fetch or a game of Frisbee. Dogs love to chase after rolling toys, so it can be beneficial to toss a ball or Frisbee to your dog. Fetch is a bit more natural activity for dogs, but many dogs love the challenge and thrill of catching a Frisbee flying through the air. Both playtime activities will work your dog’s muscles and help improve his or her stamina, as well as increase heart rate and circulation. Some dogs just love to fetch! The action of chasing and catching the fetching object can be extremely entertaining, and the reward of having the ball or Frisbee tossed again and again is what makes this game so engaging.

Playing fetch is a great opportunity for pet owners to bond with their pet, and it is a very easy activity to execute. You will also get some exercise, as you will be repeatedly tossing the toy for your dog to retrieve. You can even make a game between two pet owners in a park and watch the dogs as they chase their fetching toys, each trying to retrieve the toy first and bring it back. This active play can be a good workout for dogs, and it is a stimulating game that will help wear out a hyperactive dog after evening play. Playing fetch can help provide your dog with the physical fitness needed to allow you to burn off energy healthily, and it will help support his or her heart as well. The indoor and outdoor exercise ideas mentioned in this article can be used if a frigid cold spell means keeping your pet outdoors is not an option.

5. Combining Indoor and Outdoor Activities

Indoor and outdoor activities bring different benefits to your pet. This section combines suggestions for activities in previous sections, listing exercises that can be done indoors or outdoors, as well as the equipment or aids that can be used to do them. Whether your pet is primarily an indoor or outdoor animal, a healthy combination of indoor and outdoor activities provides the best results when it comes to pet exercise. By integrating an array of indoor and outdoor exercises, you will provide your pet with a well-rounded fitness regimen. From Frisbees to car rides, there are so many great ways to get your pet outside and exercising that there is sure to be one that fits your pet's personality. For indoor pets, the wonder of new surroundings is enough to get them moving.

Start with mental stimulation for your pet. A great game of hide and seek is good for a little bit of exercise and a lot of brain power, or see how well your pet can track their own scent like a hound dog. Use food-dispensing toys or rubber Kongs stuffed with treats to encourage your pet to forage and root around on indoor walks. Indoor walks are good activities for small apartments or for use on rainy days. They can involve learning a new trick, for instance, a play bow, or bonus belly rubs for their previous knowledge of sit. Although Frisbee is traditionally an outdoor sport, there are many locations that offer indoor Frisbee classes, which are perfect for the off-season, or provide a convenient outlet for people in urban locations.

6. Conclusion and Recommendations

In conclusion, animals require both physical and mental stimulation in order to help prevent obesity and other medical problems such as aggression, destructive behaviors, anxiety, and depression. We humans feel better and our immune system functions better when we interact with nature. So do animals, from small birds to big ones like tigers. As animal ownership continues to make some positive strides in recognizing pet counterparts are valued members of the family yet have tweaked needs from their wild counterparts, unhealthy lifestyles for all will require physical activity to be a part of the daily routine, therefore making the activities listed highly relevant for all pets.

Successful pet professionals are those who are aware of and address the needs of pets in our society versus relying on assumptions that were developed in a particular time and place. No matter what species is being visited or where it was brought up in the world, success is realized in those who can communicate with and meet needs versus dictate to a point without any interest in collaboration. Indoor exercise ideas will need to be part of anyone's toolbox when offering opportunities to boost the quality of life by working with pets and families. Would you want to exercise if it was widely discussed as bad for your health? Instead, try providing clients the information they need to make a positive difference for pets within the goals and bonding time shared as family members.