Most dogs need daily exercise, and outside is usually the best place to find it.  But bad weather can interrupt vital daily workouts.  When rain or snow keep you in, try these ideas for giving your dog a little indoor exercise.

v      Gentle wrestling – remember when your puppy used to challenge you every 5 minutes to a new wrestling match?  Those instincts aren’t gone.  Drop the gauntlet and get down on the carpet with him – just make sure not to let things get too wild, and reinforce “stop” and “sit” commands occasionally to maintain control.  Wrestling gives your dog more than exercise – it can provide a valuable social interaction as well.

v      Toys – for smaller dogs especially, balls, ropes and chew toys help them work of nervous energy on days when they can’t get out.  And for larger dogs, a doggie play date with a 2-foot section of thick rope can make for an all-afternoon workout.

v      Caves and tunnels – blanket tunnels bring out burrowing behavior in some dogs.  You would think they were little kids building forts.  Large boxes (with toys inside) are heaven to puppies.  Cut doors for them, then watch them run in and out.