Indoor Exercise & Enrichment Guide

Indoor Exercise

There are many ways to get your dog’s heart rate up indoors, even with limited space. Below are simple activities to help your dog burn energy safely.

  • Choose two spots in your home to use as “stations.” These can be opposite sides of your largest room or the two ends of a hallway.

    How to Play

    • Place a bowl at each station.

    • Choose a high‑value treat—something your dog is excited about.

    • Start at Station 1. Show your dog the treats, place them in the bowl, and allow them to eat.

    • Move to Station 2 and show your dog you still have treats.

    • Place treats in the bowl at Station 2. It may take a moment for your dog to follow—this is normal.

    • Once they arrive, return to Station 1 and drop treats.

    • Continue moving back and forth, dropping treats at each station.

    • Increase your speed to make the game more exciting (you may get a workout too).

    Things to Keep in Mind

    • Do not give large amounts of food during exercise. Limit treats/kibble to ¼ cup per 50 lbs (or ⅛ cup per 25 lbs).

    • If your dog gets bored, increase the challenge by:

      • Moving faster

      • Using different containers (cardboard boxes, slow feeders, etc.)

      • Hiding bowls under easy‑to‑access objects

  • This activity encourages your dog to step or jump over a low obstacle.

    How to Play

    • Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you in a narrow space (hallway or doorway) so your dog can’t walk around you.

    • With treats in hand, encourage your dog to step over your legs to get the treat. Repeat in both directions.

    • Once they’re comfortable, raise your legs slightly to increase the challenge.

    • The long‑term goal is for your dog to jump over your legs confidently.

    Accessibility Option If getting on the floor isn’t comfortable, use a broomstick or similar object placed on the ground as the “jump.”

  • Things to Avoid

    • Running up or down stairs: this can cause injury, especially on non‑carpeted steps.

    • Laser pointers: they can cause frustration and are linked to Fly Biting Syndrome and Laser Pointer Syndrome.

  • A “Sniffari” is a dedicated period where your dog is encouraged to sniff freely. This can be done indoors or outdoors.

    How to Set It Up

    • Use kibble or low‑calorie treats like Cheerios.

    • For dogs needing stronger scents, mix Cheerios with small pieces of hot dog or other meats.

    • Scatter the mixture around the area.

    If Indoors:
    Spread treats throughout the room, including under toys, along walls, and in corners.

    If Outdoors:
    Use snow or grass. If you have a fenced yard, use the whole space.
    If you don’t have a fenced yard, contact IHAT about a long lead.

  • Frozen enrichment toys help your dog work their brain and soothe themselves through licking.

    How to Prepare

    • Fill a Kong or Toppl with plain Greek yogurt, unsweetened applesauce, peanut butter, or dog‑safe fruits/veggies.

    • Freeze overnight.

    Tip:
    Many dogs find Kongs too challenging and give up. If your dog loses interest, try a Toppl instead. IHAT can help you access these toys if needed.

    • Slow feeders make mealtime more mentally stimulating by encouraging your dog to work for their food.

    • Lick mats allow dogs to practice calming licking behavior. Spread peanut butter or plain Greek yogurt for a 10–15 minute activity.

  • here are many chew options, and not all are safe.

    IHAT‑Recommended Chews:

    • Cheek rolls

    • Yak chews

    • Bully sticks

    • Synthetic options: Benebones, Nylabones

    Avoid:

    • Rawhide and real bone chews: they are difficult to digest and can lead to veterinary emergencies.

  • Playing dog‑focused videos on YouTube can provide visual stimulation.

    If Your Dog Reacts to the Screen Turn it into a training opportunity using classical conditioning:

    • Every time your dog reacts to something on the screen, give your dog a treat.

    • Over time, they’ll learn that the trigger predicts a reward and will stop reacting in favor of waiting calmly.

  • Superbowls is a simple training game and enrichment activity that can be done indoors or outdoors.

    How to Set It Up

    • Place 5–7 bowls in a straight line.

    • If you’re outside in an unfenced area, keep your dog on a leash.

    • Stand at the first bowl and drop a treat into it.

    • After your dog eats the treat, wait until they look back at you. This may take seconds or minutes—be patient.

    • Once your dog looks at you, move to the next bowl and drop a treat.

    • After they eat from Bowl 2, wait again for them to look back at you before moving to Bowl 3.

    • Continue this pattern through Bowls 5–7.

    • When you reach the end, turn around and work your way back toward Bowl 1

Enrichment Activities

There are many ways to get your dog’s heart rate up indoors, even with limited space. Below are simple activities to help your dog burn energy safely.