What You Need To Know About Indoor Dog Parks

by Kate Barrington

Published: August 22nd, 2021

what you need to know about indoor dog parks

There’s no excuse to sit on the couch with your dog all winter – get moving and check out indoor dog parks near you!

When the cold winds of winter start to blow, it can be difficult to ensure that your dog gets enough daily exercise. Even if the cold is bearable, heavy snowfall may make it harder for you to take your dog out for a walk. What many dog owners don’t realize is that there is an easy solution to this problem – indoor dog parks! Indoor dog parks are a great option when outdoor exercise isn’t possible. We’re going to go over the basics about indoor dog parks, and we’ll point you in the direction of a few around the country.

What is an Indoor Dog Park?

An indoor dog park is exactly what it sounds like – it is an option for recreational exercise available to dogs that is indoors rather than outdoors like a regular dog park. For a per-visit fee, you and your dog can take advantage of dog-friendly indoor activities such as agility obstacles, tubes, toys, and more. If you plan to visit the dog park often you may be able to pay a monthly membership fee rather than paying a per-visit fee. This can save you a great deal of money while providing your dog with excellent opportunities for exercise and play during the cold winter months.

Related: Tipping The Scale For Fat Dogs

Why Choose an Indoor Park?

If you have a high-energy dog that needs plenty of daily exercise, you may find it difficult to meet those needs in the winter time when the weather is cold and the sidewalk is covered in snow. Rather than letting your dog suffer, consider taking him to an indoor dog park. Not only is an indoor dog park a great way to exercise your dog in the winter, but it is also a great place for him to make friends. Taking your dog to an indoor dog park is an exercise in socialization and it may also help to strengthen your bond with your dog.

Indoor Dog Parks Near You

Fetch Club – NYC: The fetch club is conveniently located near Wall Street in Manhattan and it functions as a full-service pet spa and hotel as well as an indoor dog park and doggie nightclub. Members receive a certain number of visits in exchange for an annual fee and each additional visit is $8.

Fido’s Indoor Dog Park – Portland, OR: This indoor dog park was built in an old warehouse, outfitted with artificial turf and plenty of activities including a doggie pool. Fido’s Indoor Dog Park features art from local artists on the walls and has perks for humans as well such as free Wi-Fi and a coffee café.

Canine to Five – Detroit, MI: Located in Detroit, Michigan, this indoor dog park is primarily a boarding or day care option but it offers several events throughout the winter where owners and dogs can gather in a social setting.

Zoom Room – Multiple Locations: This indoor dog park facility features a full-scale agility course as well as a variety of obedience and agility classes available for members and their dogs. For a $5 membership fee and a $10 per-visit fee, you and your pooch can play all day.

If you are looking for a solution to the problem of giving your dog enough exercise when outdoor exercise isn’t an option, consider your local indoor dog park!

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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While bringing a puppy home can be such a joyful and exciting event, it doesn’t mean it’s without challenges –especially for first-time dog owners. One of the (many) burning questions new puppy parents have is why their pet is whining and if it’s a sign of distress. Simply put, just like human babies, puppies need to communicate with the brand-new world around them. They do this by whining, which is their number one tool for expressing fear, hunger, frustration, or anything in between. The nuances can be difficult to spot when you’re not experienced with puppies, but once you know what to look for, it will be easy to differ when your puppy is whining because they are looking for a second breakfast or if it’s a more serious cause.Why Is My Puppy Whining? 5 Most Common Reasons for Puppy WhiningOne of the most common reasons why a puppy would whine is attention seeking. When faced with a new environment and away from their parents, puppies will usually feel scared and lonely, particularly if you are away. So, when they whine, they ask for comfort and company. Remember that these are social creatures, especially at such an early age, and if they feel neglected, they will whine until someone reacts. That is why it is crucial not to underestimate this need and to provide your puppy with lots of attention, playtime, and dog toys that would keep them engaged and feeling secure. Of course, it is not always about attention. Puppies will often whine to communicate that they are hungry or thirsty. Unlike adult dogs, puppies need multiple meals throughout the day, so make sure that you keep a regular feeding schedule that suits your puppy's developmental needs. In case your puppy is whining when it's close to meal time, it might just be their way of reminding you that it’s time to eat. Sometimes, the reason for a puppy to whine might be super simple, like fear and anxiety. After all, new environments, unfamiliar people, and loud noises are enough to scare anyone, let alone a fragile little puppy. One of the particular sources of anxiety for them is separation. They will quickly build a connection with you, and as soon as you leave, they might feel abandoned. To relieve this anxiety and minimize their whining, you should provide them with a source of comfort, like a favorite plush toy, a blankie, or even a piece of your clothing.

Expert Shares Tips on How to Exercise Your Dog on Hot Summer Days

Summer is here, but hot weather shouldn’t be an excuse not to exercise your pooch. Walking and exercising your dog daily is great for their mental and physical health and helps create an everlasting bond between you and your canine companion.But, as temperatures rise, dog owners need to understand the risks of walking their dogs in hot weather and look for alternative ways to exercise their pets safely in the heat. A clinical professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Lori Teller, shared some tips on recognizing signs that it may be too hot to take your pooch for a walk and alternative ways to exercise them more safely during summer.When it comes to dogs and summer, the most important thing is to pay attention to your dog and recognize when it’s too hot to take them out for a walk.“When it’s hot outside, many dogs can be adversely impacted and suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” said Teller. “Dogs cannot sweat, and panting is not an effective mechanism for cooling off, so dogs don’t have efficient ways of handling excessive heat.”Although there isn’t a specific temperature that is too hot for all dogs, a good rule of thumb is to avoid walking and exercising dogs during the hottest times of the day. Walk and exercise your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature has dropped. Consider buying doggy booties to protect your pup’s paws from the scorching pavement.Teller advises, that in addition to being mindful of the time of the day they walk their dogs, owners should also be very careful with young puppies, senior dogs, as well as those with chronic medical conditions. Obese dogs, those suffering from heart and respiratory conditions, as well as flat-faced breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, are more likely to suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion.Another thing to keep in mind is how adapted your dog is to the climate. For example, if your pooch is used to cooler climates and has recently moved to a warmer area, they are less likely to adjust and tolerate warmer temperatures. While hot summer months may prove difficult to keep a dog active, it’s important to stick with a regular exercise routine all year round to keep your dog healthy.Exercise is a great way for more active and working breeds, which can easily become restless, bored, and destructive, to burn off excess energy. It can also ease stress in anxious dogs. Regular exercise also promotes joint and heart health and helps with weight management.According to Teller, there are many alternatives to walking your dog during hot summer days. These activities can get you outside of the house without jeopardizing your dog’s health.“Dog owners can explore indoor areas such as places to participate in flyball, agility, or even doggy social events,” said Teller. “Swimming and dock diving is also a great activity for dogs that enjoy water.” If it seems too hot to take your dog outside, there are many ways you can exercise your pup at home. Use a long hallway to play a game of fetch with your pooch or create a dog-safe obstacle course. Some dogs will also like chasing a laser point, like those used to play with cats. Finding safe ways to keep your pup exercised during summer may seem challenging, but it’s worth it. Regular exercise will keep your furry friend physically and mentally stimulated without putting them at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If at any point your dog shows signs of overheating, such as anxiety, restlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive panting, drooling, unsteadiness while walking, and collapse, call your vet right away.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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