Indoor exercise for dogs

Fixit: Indoor parks for pooches offer wintertime exercise

By KAREN YOUSO, Star Tribune
Last update: February 2, 2010 - 11:24 AM

Q My dog can't take the cold, and I can't take the icy sidewalks. Is there a place where I can walk my dog indoors?

A Yes, said Ali Jarvis, founder of sidewalkdog.com, a website for dog-related doings in the Twin cities. Here are Jarvis' suggestions.

For on-leash or off-leash:

• Dog City Dog Park, a new membership-based indoor/outdoor dog park in New Hope. Indoor area is 27,000 square feet and includes areas for big and small dogs, with tunnels, balls and ropes. It's available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes a lap area for on-leash walking; 10 laps equal 1 mile.

For off-leash:

• Dog Day at the Metrodome. The final two events of the season are Thursday and March 4, with off-leash play in the concourse from 5 to 9 p.m. The cost is $1 per dog, but you can park free (enter at Gate B). Dogs must be licensed and tagged. Minneapolis Animal Care & Control sells licenses on-site. For more information, contact Adam Kocinski at adam@podiumsports marketing.com or call 651-238-2651.

• Indoor play groups. They have various dates, times and locations. Each has a unique spin, so check out a few before taking your pick: Just Paws Puppy Training's Mini Paws (justpawstraining.com/playgroups.html), the Canine Coach's Playtime (thek9coach.com), Pampered Pooch Playground's Tiny Tails (pamperedpoochplay ground.com) and Fresh Air Training's Pint-Sized Play (freshairtraining.com).