On days like today with rivers rising and localized flooding, walking your dog is not as easy as putting on your raincoat and gumboots. Sometimes it is not advisable to go out for a walk when civil defense is issuing warnings. So how can you burn a bit of energy off when your pooch is stuck indoors. The following are a few examples. Feel free to add to the list if you have a technique or game, you do that works in your home.

Most dogs need between 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. This amount may vary depending on your dog breed, age, and health condition. Puppies are usually way more energetic than more mature dogs. But their bodies are still growing so short bursts of play time without jumping, that could affect their growing joints, is more beneficial than longer exercise. They also do not have the attention span to last long distance.

For pups, basic training. Sit, stay, come, down, some basic lead work walking up and down the hallway or around the lounge will be a good mental work out a few times a day. Repetition in a cool calm way is the key for puppies.

Older adult dogs will often need something more challenging. If you live in a house with stairs, running up and down the stairs is a good workout. If they have no joint related issues.

Set up an obstacle course in rooms that are large enough. Jump over chairs, under the coffee table, around a cushion etc… make it a fun and rewarding game to help burn that energy.

Hide and seek is another game many animals enjoy. Dogs utilize not only their physical body but their amazing nose to hunt out objects. Hide their favorite toy under a cushion, or the rug, an overturned box etc. and tell them to “find”. I normally get my dogs to sit – wait in another room while I hide the toy. Call them in then tell them to find.

Another version of this is to play hide and seek. You or your family members hide, and the dog needs to find them. Can bring giggles of delight from little one’s underneath blankets.

If you have a long hallway, a game of fetch could be employed. Can help to perfect retrieving skills too.

A tug of war is another fun game and can be great indoor exercise for your dog. However, remember than tug of war can become overly competitive so keep the mood light and say when the game is over.

If your dog is small enough take them indoor swimming in the bath. This is a great way to shed some pounds and built-up energy. Just make sure to dry them off well when finished.

Brain games for indoor mental exercise. Such as put a treat in your hand, close your fists and show both closed hands to your dog. Let the dog choose which hand the treat is in by sniffing your closed fists. If they get it correct, reward, if not try again.

Which cup/bowl/bucket – one of the coolest mind games for dogs that will train attention and problem-solving skills. Take several cups or containers, let then watch you put a ball or toy under one of them, then shuffle the containers around and let your pup find the correct container the item is under. Praise then repeat the game.

Brush up on your essential commands is a great way to mentally stimulate your dog.

Give your dog a job, get them to help pick up the laundry and bring it to you for washing. Help put the toys away after playtime is over, gives them mental stimulation and keeps your house tidy. I knew one person who used to train his dog to get his slippers and then a bear from the fridge. Dogs love to be your helpers.

If you have a treadmill in your house? Teach them how this works and they will look forward to running time indoors if they are a high energy breed. Keep an eye on them while they are on it and set the timer.

Pet shops have mind puzzles for dogs to keep them mentally stimulated.

Being indoors doesn’t mean you can’t go for a car trip to see a friend. If your friend has dogs that like to play this can be rewarding for socializing and is a change of scenery for your pooch. Some of you may live near an indoor pet center where dogs are allowed to run around to burn off some energy.

Rainy days don’t have to be no exercise days. How many more ways can you think of?

As always I enjoy seeing pictures of your pets.

Stay safe folks.