How To Exercise Your Hound When You’re Housebound
If you have undergone surgery or are otherwise housebound due to a physical and/or psychological illness, then it may be difficult to give your dog the proper exercise that they need.
Dogs and other pets can be fantastic companions, particularly when we’re feeling low, but they still need to be looked after even if we’re not feeling our best. Here, we’re taking a closer look at how you can exercise your hound when you’re housebound to keep giving them the happy, healthy life they deserve.
Treadmills
There has been a spike in demand for dog treadmills, particularly during the pandemic, as people were less able to get outside (and also didn’t want to!), meaning new and creative ways to walk their dogs were in demand.
Treadmills offer year-round exercise for your dog, and while people may use a human treadmill, there are a number of specialist dog treadmills available on the market.
The best dog treadmills offer stability and safety for your dog while exercising, and it means that they can get their cardio fixed without you having to leave the house! Tire out your pooch and give them their daily exercise routine using a dog treadmill.
Tug Of War
Always a firm favorite for dogs, tug of war can be an exciting game. There are plenty of toys on the market that encourage this type of play, and it’s also a great cardio and strength exercise for your dog. However, it is important to ensure that you have already established a firm relationship with your dog and you’re able to control their power – as this game can really bring out the predator in your pup! Be aware of the risks with this one, but it is certainly a great exercise routine without you having to leave the house.
Run Up & Down The Stairs
If you’re able to, then chasing your dog or having your dog chase you up and down the stairs could be a great exercise routine for you both. With lots of high-tempo action and an incline to contend with this is a great way for you to both stays fit and healthy.
If you’re not able to take part, however, then you can simply sit at the top and encourage your dog to run down the stairs and back up again using a toy by playing the game ‘fetch’. You can be sure that your pooch will be sleeping soundly for the rest of the afternoon after this fun game.
Treat Training
Exercise for your dog doesn’t always have to be intense; it can also be skill orientated. If you have the ability and the time, you can set up an obstacle course or other type of treat training activity, which means your dog has to work for his or her treats properly.
Whether that’s diving under blankets, working their way around a cushion course, or having to dig deep into an object to get the treat, there are plenty of ways that you can make treat training a fun and safe exercise for you and your dog when you’re housebound.
Reaches
For those of us that don’t have the pleasure of a pooch for company, there are exercises you can do easily to add a bit of movement into your day, even when you can’t leave the house. One practice that is recommended if you’re not able to get involved in more strenuous activity is reached.
This exercise can be done sitting down or standing up, so you can adapt it to what you find most achievable. All you must do is reach toward the ceiling, extending your arm up in a stretching motion. This works the muscles in your arms, keeps the blood flowing, and can help you to loosen up any tightness. Make sure you keep your reaching movements slow so as not to strain your back!
Chair stand
This is an incredibly simple way of adding movement into your day and can be adapted to your requirements. Sit on your chair as you would usually, and simply stand up with your back straight.
Gradually sit back down in your chair, and repeat. This is said to be one of the most effective exercises if you’re housebound. It helps to keep your legs strong, toned, and working as they should, and it can help to improve overall agility. You can do a few chairs stands daily to keep your bones and muscles strong.
Dance
Sometimes, going outside can be difficult, especially if you struggle on your own. Staying in the house can be lonely, but this exercise can not only help you get your blood pumping but lift your mood too.
Dancing is a great option no matter your ability, you can make it as light or as strenuous as you’d like. Simply listen to one of your favorite songs and move around! You could follow a dance class online developed for those with restricted mobility and even use the back of a chair to help you if you’re worried. Because you’re housebound, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun!
