Do you ever wonder how much exercise is enough for a dog? Do you ever wonder about the benefits of exercising your dog? Well, it turns out that there are plenty of benefits and reasons why your dog should be getting exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight, helping hip joints, and lessening the likelihood of your dog suffering from digestive issues are some of the leading benefits of exercising your dog.

            If you are unsure of how to make sure your dog gets the proper exercise on rainy days, you have come to the right place. The following suggestions will ensure that both you and your dog enjoy prosperous, fulfilling, and healthy lives.

1. Invest in a Treadmill for Your Dog.

            One of the best and simplest ways to ensure that your dog gets the proper exercise is by investing in a doggy treadmill. I Heart Dogs explains that these machines allow your dog to practice cardio and eliminate boredom. A treadmill is absolutely for the days in which your dog cannot go outside due to rain or other types of bad whether. The appropriate treadmill length for your dog will depend upon your dog’s size.

2. Create Obstacle Courses for Your Dog.

            Who said that exercising your dog can’t be fun? If you want to get your dog moving and active on a rainy day, you can do this by setting up an obstacle course in your home. Cesar’s Way explains that obstacle courses get your dogs physical and psychological gears turning. If you are unsure of how much exercise is enough for your dog with this method, you can use dog toys, hula hoops, and other objects in order to map everything out. Once your obstacle course is set up, you can guide your dog through it.

3. Play Fetch with Your Dog.

            Fetch is one of the oldest games to play with your dog. Nevertheless, it’s an effective method for dog owners who need to ensure that their pets get the proper amounts of exercise. Playing fetch not only gets your dog moving, but is also a great way for you, as a dog owner, to bond with your pet and have a good time. Fetch is also a great game to play when your dog is unable to go outside due to rainy or dreary weather.

4. Have Your Dog Run Up and Down the Stairs

            Although this method may initially seem archaic or unoriginal, having you dog run up and down the stairs can be a very fun exercise. One of the best ways to get your dog to cooperate is by standing at the top of the steps and tossing down treats to the very bottom. Once your pet has collected the treat, remain at the top of the stairs with another small treat in your hand. Oh My Dog Blog explains that you should continue with this process until your pet is panting. This is not only a great exercise for your dog, but it will also allow them to blow off steam.

5. Play “Monkey”

            This game works perfectly if you have another person in your home who is willing to play with your dog. Quite simply, you and the other person would take one of your dog’s toys and toss it between each other. Your dog should be trying to catch or get a hold of the toy, while you and the other individual are trying to keep the treat away from your dog. When your dog does finally manage to get ahold of the toy, you can reward him or her with a treat.

6. Set Up a Playdate

            Setting up a playdate is an ideal exercise if you know a friend who also has a dog. When your friend and their dog come over, you can both give them squeaky toys to play with. Your dogs will have lots of fun together and, after a few hours together, will certainly wear themselves out. However, before a playdate, you should be sure to remove any valuable or important items from the vicinity in which the dogs will be playing.

7. Play “Hide and Seek”

            Like “Monkey,” “Hide and Seek” is another fun game which you and your dog can play. Although this game can be played between just you and your pet, adding friends or other family members into the mix can make the game much more fun and enjoyable. Quite simply, you and others in the house can hide in various spots and take turns calling your dog’s name. When your dog finally “finds” one of you, you can reward him or her with a doggy treat. Even playing this game for 30 minutes to one hour can get your dog moving and serve as an excellent form of exercise.

8. Set up a Food Scavenger Hunt

            Setting up a food scavenger hunt is a great way to bring out your dog’s innate hunter instincts and get them to exercise. Quite simply, you would get your dog to go on the hunt for their food. In order to do this, you can place their food in different places in your home. This is also a great way to get your dog to put their keen sense of smell to use. Finding the food will serve as the reward, it and of itself.

9. Play “Tug of War”

            “Tug of War” is an excellent exercise which will provide your dog with physical and mental stimulation. In order to make the most of this game, you should pick up your dog’s favorite toy and swing it around in the air. This will get your dog riled up; they will likely jump and down in the attempt to get ahold of the toy. Before your dog wears him or herself out, you should command them to sit down. Once they are seated, reward your dog with a treat. Another benefit of “Tug of War” is general obedience training for your dog.

10. Invest in an Interactive Feeder

            If you want to ensure that your dog gets their exercise in on a daily basis, you’ll want to invest in an interactive feeder. The interactive feeder makes your dog work for their meals and subsequently rewards them with treats. Similarly to other exercises, the interactive feeder is a great way to get your dog moving and allow him or her to burn off steam.