It’s 20 degrees, the wind’s kicked up, and the sun just set. I don’t care how sad my dog looks, a walk this evening is out of the question. Even if I wanted to brave it, it is dangerous for him, even with dog boots and a dog coat. But we need to do something.

If you live in colder climates, you may be used to braving the weather, but there just are times that you and dog should stay inside. You can still exercise your dog. Even a larger dog. Even if your home isn’t that large.

One of our favorite indoor dog games we call “Mountain climber”. Basically it’s just running up and down the stairs combined with ‘Money in the Middle’. My little trick, name the game so the kids are interested in playing too. We have someone at the top of the stairs and someone at the bottom.  We throw one of his toys up and down and try to keep it from the dog. If you are good at throwing and keeping the toy away from the dog, let him catch it once in a while. Then you, can start over with a new toy or chase him to get the toy or wrestle the toy from him.  Our dog likes all three.

Our other favorite game is wrestling. Yes, wrestling. OK it’s not my favorite to play (I refuse to wrestle) but it’s my favorite to watch my husband play. For larger, playful dogs like ours it works well. You are actually giving your dog three things at once: physical activity, personal attention and physical contact–all things most dogs love. And works for the husband too–he is always panting after 15 minutes.

This game is not for every dog. You need to know if your dog’s personality can handle it as a game, not a serious defense. And after the game, you need to bring the dog down and reinforce your position as caring owner (not fellow dog) with firm, gentle conversation and some affection petting.

Cesar Milan, Dog Whisperer, has some of the same ideas in this article on Indoor Activities on his Web site.

Often lack of exercise is not the dog’s fault.

No diet, however superior will provide the kind of health necessary to live a long life without adequate daily exercise. He may be kept inside all day while you are out, and there is only so much activity he can do at home alone. In any case, you’ll need to make sure he has plenty of supervised exercise.

If you don’t know where to begin, Renee at Small Dog Paradise lists nine simple dog exercises you could start with Rover. You don’t have to do them all at once, but letting your dog out into the yard to exercise himself is just not good enough.

2. Fetching: If you’re no that keen on long walks, learn the tricks by which the dog gets more exercise than you do. “Fetch…

Read all 9 Exercises here.

Yes, exercise is good for your dog’s physical health, but it is also very good for her mind as well. In fact, exercise is a fundamental way to foster your dog’s happiness. Here are eight ways how exercise is good for your dog’s mental well-being.

1. Exercise can help with the pain of arthritis, dysplasia, and other mild to moderate conditions. Besides strengthening muscles around the joint and keeping joints flexible, a fun game or an interesting walk takes your dog’s mind off the discomfort.
2. Exercise helps your dog blow off steam that would otherwise be acted out as grumpiness, aggression, nervousness or insomnia.
3. Exercise helps high-energy dogs get rid of some that energy that might otherwise may be used to chew shoes or door jambs.
4. Too much confinement can result in stress, which dogs can turn into shoe chewing and anxious behavior with company. Getting out of the house for a walk provides a change of scenery.
5. Dogs need something to do. They get bored. If you don’t engage them in constructive activity, they often will find something to do, possible something you find destructive.
6. Your dog will rest and sleep better when exercised regularly – and we all know that good sleep is crucial to your attitude.
7. Many dogs’ metabolisms are geared for work:pulling sleds, retrieving game, digging for vermin or other vigorous tasks. Being able to satisfy these natural tendencies will make your dog very content. You should try to understand the natural instincts of your dog’s breed and incorporate them into activities and exercise. For instance, for a working breed, performing a task would be naturally satisfying, possibly pulling a wagon or carrying a pack with your water bottle. For a retriever breed, engage your dog in ball or disk throwing and retrieving.
8. Unhappy dogs result from inconsistent interaction with their owners, along with a lack of exercise. Your dog interprets the time you spend with him as love, and exercise time is fun time for a dog. A loved dog is a happy dog.

You don’t always have to go for a 2 mile walk just to exercise your dog (but you could and you dog would probably love it). With simple toys like a ball or easy tools like a Petflex, you can give your dog a great work out in the backyard and work off some of her energy.