It seems cruel to be confined to our residences for 21 days, but now we know how our pets feel while we’re at work or away from the house! We know our pets are happy that we’re at home for these three interesting weeks, and what better time to bond with our pups, kittens, birds and other small pets. As pet people, we’re happy to be in their company too! But the risk of spoiling them too much and packing on the ‘happy weight’ is rather great, so here are some creative ways to keep your pets (and you) active while indoors!
1. Get them on the treadmill
We know some of you have a treadmill you’re using as a clothing rack right about now. Why not dust it off, plug it in and familiarise your perky pup with how it works? Cesar Milan recommends sitting your pup on it while it’s not moving and giving him a treat. When he’s comfortable with the idea of being on the stationary treadmill belt, set it to its lowest speed, reassure your dog with treats and reward him when he takes the right steps and stays on the moving belt in pursuit of more treats. Soon enough, your dog will be trotting along happily and using up his excess energy. Be sure to reward him with healthy treats!
2. Stairway to exercise!
If you live in a house or duplex with a staircase, you’ll benefit from this exercise too! Walk or run up and down the stairs and get your boisterous Bobby to follow you by keeping treats tucked in your hand or pocket. Reward him with a bite of biscuit or a piece of kibble and loads of attention at irregular intervals – this will keep him motivated to keep following you up and down the stairs. Keep a safe distance from your pet to make sure you don’t step on him and be sure of the steps you take so you don’t end up tumbling down the stairs! Be extra careful when you do this exercise.
3. Set up an obstacle course
If you don’t have a lot of space indoors, an obstacle course is still a great solution to keeping your pets active and busy. Two spaced buckets with a broomstick laid across the top makes the perfect jump (or use a hula hoop if you have one available). A row of chairs with a blanket thrown over the top makes a tunnel your dog (or cat) can crawl through to get a reward on the other side. Chair legs or broom and mop handles make a creative set of weave poles for your dog or cat to navigate. Obstacle courses will challenge your pets mentally as well as physically.
4. Seek!
While your dog is distracted by another family member (or put him in a room on his own if it’s just the two of you), hide some treats or kibble around the house: in his bed, under a carpet, in the laundry basket, on a chair (that he can reach) and other interesting places. Then set your dog loose in the house and tell him to ‘seek!’ His keen sense of smell and his even keener appetite will have him hunting for his delicious rewards and expending energy while he goes from room to room in search of his treasure!
5. Mental muffin tin
All you need to make this mentally stimulating dog (or cat) toy is a deep muffin tin and some tennis balls or similarly sized objects to cover each muffin cup. Place a treat or piece of kibble in most (not all) of the muffin cups – keep it interesting so your pet has to work to get his reward. Then place a tennis ball (or your object of choice) over each muffin cup and encourage your pet to seek out the kibble. If your pet isn’t the brightest woof in the kennel, help him out a little and encourage him to keep seeking on his own to find the treats.
Downward dog!
Dogs and cats even love to do yoga with their humans. Enjoy the video!
If you have other ideas for keeping your dogs and cats active indoors, please share them with us on our Facebook page. You will surely be helping other pet owners with wonderful creative ideas!
