You may not always have time to take him on a long walk. Or you may get home after dark and can\u2019t play his normal game of fetch outside.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Keep](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/keep-dog-busy-indoors-puzzle-toy.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nIn this blog post, I\u2019ll give you some ideas on indoor activities that your pooch should love on a rainy day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why You Should Keep Your Dog Busy Indoors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are so many benefits to indoor activities. They work your dog\u2019s body and mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even senior dogs should have some activities they\u2019re able to engage in. Being active helps a dog remain healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working with your dog builds your bond. And the exercises below also help you communicate what behaviors you desire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t find acceptable activities, your dog will find his own. And this could be excessive barking<\/a>, chewing<\/a>, digging, or other destructive activity<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning new behaviors that we want also helps build a dog\u2019s confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And last, but not least, indoor activities will help tire out your dog. And they\u2019re fun! <\/p>\n\n\n\n I have some really high-drive dogs. My Aussie mix Millie needs<\/em> to engage in daily activities. Or she wouldn\u2019t be able to settle down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So I always have some type of activity ready in case we can\u2019t play our regular games of ball outside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All healthy dogs can benefit from certain activities. If in doubt, check with your vet regarding which of the activities discussed below would be fine for your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, certain breeds and mixes require more exercise than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Herding, sporting, working, hound, and terrier breeds need more exercise than some other types of dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They were bred for certain activities and, if not engaging in what they were bred for, need other physical and mental exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Toy breeds such as pekingese<\/a> and shih tzus<\/a> require little physical exercise compared to the above dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And some nonsporting dogs like Lhasa apso<\/a> don\u2019t require the amount of physical exercise working-type breeds do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, all dogs should also have mental stimulation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t want to overwhelm your dog, so take into consideration your particular dog\u2019s needs when deciding what activities are appropriate for him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even play<\/a> helps alleviate stress and exercises a dog mentally and physically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just be sure to take into account any calories from treats in your dog\u2019s overall caloric intake. And treats shouldn\u2019t constitute more than a small portion of your dog\u2019s total caloric intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a dog trainer, of course I believe that all dogs should have at least basic training<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing what\u2019s expected makes a dog\u2019s world less stressful. And it helps him comprehend it. Training<\/a> should be part of your schedule with your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So teach various behaviors. And make them fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Teach him to sit<\/a>, lie down, come, wait, stay, leave it, walk on a loose leash<\/a>, heel<\/a>, and pay attention on verbal cues. If he already knows those, proof the exercises with distractions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And teach hand signals<\/a>. Teaching hand signals<\/a> helps a dog pay attention to you. Praise and reward<\/a> each success. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can even teach your dog the 10 exercises necessary for passing the American Kennel Club\u2019s Canine Good Citizen<\/a> test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Teaching tricks is really just another form of obedience. But they\u2019re so much fun to teach and to show your friends that they don\u2019t seem like work. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Dogs Benefit from Indoor Activities?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Great Indoor Activities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Obedience Training<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Teach Fun Tricks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n