Dogs
By Tamara McRill
While a big backyard can be wonderful for excising our dogs, a lot of pet owners just don't have that luxury. That's something I learned when we downsized from two lots of running space to a teeny tiny yard.
Luckily, I was able to find several solutions that worked for us, as well as some that would also work for any pet owner who has more pent-up dog energy than grass square footage.
1. Leash Up and Head Out
It might be an obvious solution, but taking your dog to a place where they can exercise certainly solves the problem. If you don’t have access to a dog park or are unable to walk your dog for long distances, then consider a friend's yard. We make use of a neighbor's fenced-in backyard on occasion, so my Wuppy can get in some of the free running he's used to.
2. Hire Help
Sometimes time is an added problem, along with little yard space. If you ever run into a situation where you just get too busy to take your dog out to walk or play, then consider hiring a dog walker or taking them to a doggie daycare. That way, your dog gets all the exercise they need and deserve, and you don't have to feel guilty about being so busy. Plus, you get to spend your spare time snuggling with your pet!
3. Work With What You Have
If you have a small patch of yard, that doesn't necessarily mean there isn't anything for your dog to do. Depending on your pet's capabilities and health, you may be able to turn low borders and fences into super fun things to jump. The same goes for anything they can slink under or weave through.
I have one jumper and one slinker, and it's amazing how much fun they can have in such a small space. If you don’t have anything interesting in your yard for your pet to navigate, consider getting a dog tunnel for them to play in or installing something for them to jump.
4. Indoor Arenas
Yes, I let my dogs careen through my house – on rainy days. I try to always signal that it's playtime by rolling a ball. (Throwing would cause too much damage!) This can be great if you have really long hallways or rooms that are open to one another, so they can really stretch their legs. Just be sure they won't be running through any slick surfaces, where they could slide and hurt themselves.
Another great indoor option: if you have a garage that is fairly open, your pet can run around in there. Just be sure there aren't any hazardous liquids on the cement. Also, check and make sure no stray nails or sharp tools are present. Our garage is definitely a working garage, so we keep Wuppy and Dusty out of it at all times.
Hunting down CANIDAE dog treats always makes for a fun game. Plus, what a great reward! If your dog is super smart and always watching everything you do, keep them out of the room while you hide some treats. Call them back and let the treat sleuthing begin. For other active ways to exercise inside, check out Indoor Games to Play with Pets.
5. Train Away
Sometimes it's not so much physical energy that our woofers need to expend as it is mental energy. Doing frequent training, even if it's just to keep up their skills, can help your pet burn through any boredom they may have at being yard poor. You get a happy dog and get to be a happy pet owner – win, win!
How do you make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise?
Top photo by KenshinSorrow
Bottom photo by Christina Spicuzza
Read more articles by Tamara McRill
- Is Your Dog’s Collar On Securely?
By Tamara McRill Putting on a dog collar should be an easy task, right? Pick one that fits your dog’s unique personality, slip it around his neck (not too tight), fasten, give your woofer an affectionate head rub and you’re good to go. At least that’s...
- 5 Fun Snow Games To Play With Your Dog
By Tamara McRill Do you have a dog that just loves burrowing through the snow? Don't you just love those big doggy grins when they get to frolicking in the powder? I have three snow-loving pooches and, aside from making a dog snowman, playing in the...
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Dogs
No Yard? 5 Ways to Still Exercise Your Dog
By Tamara McRillWhile a big backyard can be wonderful for excising our dogs, a lot of pet owners just don't have that luxury. That's something I learned when we downsized from two lots of running space to a teeny tiny yard.
Luckily, I was able to find several solutions that worked for us, as well as some that would also work for any pet owner who has more pent-up dog energy than grass square footage.
1. Leash Up and Head Out
It might be an obvious solution, but taking your dog to a place where they can exercise certainly solves the problem. If you don’t have access to a dog park or are unable to walk your dog for long distances, then consider a friend's yard. We make use of a neighbor's fenced-in backyard on occasion, so my Wuppy can get in some of the free running he's used to.
2. Hire Help
Sometimes time is an added problem, along with little yard space. If you ever run into a situation where you just get too busy to take your dog out to walk or play, then consider hiring a dog walker or taking them to a doggie daycare. That way, your dog gets all the exercise they need and deserve, and you don't have to feel guilty about being so busy. Plus, you get to spend your spare time snuggling with your pet!
3. Work With What You Have
If you have a small patch of yard, that doesn't necessarily mean there isn't anything for your dog to do. Depending on your pet's capabilities and health, you may be able to turn low borders and fences into super fun things to jump. The same goes for anything they can slink under or weave through.
I have one jumper and one slinker, and it's amazing how much fun they can have in such a small space. If you don’t have anything interesting in your yard for your pet to navigate, consider getting a dog tunnel for them to play in or installing something for them to jump.
4. Indoor Arenas
Another great indoor option: if you have a garage that is fairly open, your pet can run around in there. Just be sure there aren't any hazardous liquids on the cement. Also, check and make sure no stray nails or sharp tools are present. Our garage is definitely a working garage, so we keep Wuppy and Dusty out of it at all times.
Hunting down CANIDAE dog treats always makes for a fun game. Plus, what a great reward! If your dog is super smart and always watching everything you do, keep them out of the room while you hide some treats. Call them back and let the treat sleuthing begin. For other active ways to exercise inside, check out Indoor Games to Play with Pets.
5. Train Away
Sometimes it's not so much physical energy that our woofers need to expend as it is mental energy. Doing frequent training, even if it's just to keep up their skills, can help your pet burn through any boredom they may have at being yard poor. You get a happy dog and get to be a happy pet owner – win, win!
How do you make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise?
Top photo by KenshinSorrow
Bottom photo by Christina Spicuzza
Read more articles by Tamara McRill
- Is Your Dog’s Collar On Securely?
By Tamara McRill Putting on a dog collar should be an easy task, right? Pick one that fits your dog’s unique personality, slip it around his neck (not too tight), fasten, give your woofer an affectionate head rub and you’re good to go. At least that’s...
- 5 Fun Snow Games To Play With Your Dog
By Tamara McRill Do you have a dog that just loves burrowing through the snow? Don't you just love those big doggy grins when they get to frolicking in the powder? I have three snow-loving pooches and, aside from making a dog snowman, playing in the...
- How Dogs Make Babysitting Easier – And More Fun!
By Tamara McRill Living with dogs doesn’t just make me a better babysitter – it also makes the job easier and way more enjoyable. At least that is my experience from watching a passel of nephews and other young ones. Of course there are safety issues...
- Laser Pointer Games That Are Safe For Dogs
By Tamara McRill I’ll admit it: watching a dog happily chase a pinpoint of light can be hilarious. But it turns out laser pointer games have a dark side that can actually harm a dog’s mental wellbeing. It was a heart-stopping moment when I discovered...
- Helping Your Dog With Impulse Control
By Tamara McRill Who hasn’t known a dog that has struggled with going for what they want as soon as they see it? From snatching food to chasing squirrels and bounding out the door, to jumping on their favorite people, the wonderfully curious and energetic...