The weather outside is frightful — or maybe just too wet, snowy or cold to go out for your usual dog walk. But your favorite canine is making it clear that exercise remains a must, making you wonder how to exercise your dog in the winter. What to do? Try these fun ways to exercise your dog indoors, which burn energy and offer mental stimulation while staying cozy in the great indoors.

Dog hide and seek. Hide toys, treats or even yourself for your dog to find. For toys or treats, start by putting the item in an obvious place and telling your dog to "find it." Once he has the knack, try more challenging hiding spots. For yourself, tell your dog "stay" or have another person hold him, then hide and call your pup to come.
Get interactive with food. Mental exercise can tire your dog out as much as physical exertion. Try treat dispensing dog toys or dog food puzzles that make your dog think for his snacks. Just make sure the indoor dog exercise toys are at a level where your pal won't get frustrated and can understand the concept, so he doesn't lose interest.
Play fetch. Toss a toy down a hallway or across a room with a clear path for running. Roll the ball to calm things down or add stairs to ramp up the exercise level.
Create a dog obstacle course. Use sofa cushions, boxes and other around-the-house objects as dog obstacle course equipment to create tunnels and jumps. Then have your dog walk or run through the course a few times. You can also buy items specifically designed for canine obstacle courses and set them up inside.
Indoor dog walking. Take a stroll through a local pet store or other dog-friendly shop. Or simply take a trip or three around your own home with your pal tagging along. Add some slow jogging or stairs to burn more energy.
Walk your dog on a treadmill. This one will take some practice and a lot of caution, as well as either a human or dog-specific treadmill. Get your pal accustomed to the machine as it runs before ever asking him/her to get on. Always start out with the treadmill off, then try the lowest speed. Maintain constant supervision and never tie your dog to the machine. Do offer plenty of rewards.
Schedule a dog play date. Have a doggy friend come over, then simply let the pups play. Make sure both dogs play well with others — it's ideal if they've played together before.
Go to dog training school. Teach a new trick, brush up on commands your dog already knows or enroll in an indoor-based class to learn a new activity, such as agility, flyball or advanced obedience. Look for information on dog training classes at local pet stores, pet clubs, your veterinarian's office and online.

Indoor dog exercise considerations

Not every indoor exercise is appropriate for every dog. For instance, climbing stairs or jumping a stack of sofa cushions might not be good for a dog with arthritis. If you have any questions about how to exercise your dog inside, consult with your veterinarian before trying out a more strenuous game. You can use your CareCredit credit card to pay for consultations, as well as other products and services at participating veterinary practices. To find one near you, use the online Acceptance Locator or Mobile App.