Got a puppy with too much energy and no way to run it off? This will help...
Rain, snow, or a busy schedule can make outdoor walks tricky — but that doesn’t mean your puppy has to bounce off the walls. The good news is you can provide just as much stimulation indoors. In fact, learning how to tire out a puppy without going outside is a lifesaver for new dog parents. With the right mix of mental games and quick activities, you’ll have a calm, content pup in no time.
🐾 Short Bursts of Training Games
Training isn’t just about obedience — it’s one of the easiest ways to use up puppy energy indoors.
- Keep sessions short: just 1–3 minutes to match their attention span.
- Focus on simple cues like sit, down, stay, come, or leave it
- Need help on how or where to start? Grab my Puppy Training Cheat Sheet & Trackers
- Reward instantly with tiny treats or kibble pieces.
- As a puppy nutritionist and Waffles' mom, I recommend these.
These mini training games double as mental workouts, which can be more tiring than physical play.
Do a few sessions throughout the day and you’ll notice your puppy’s energy levels drop.
🧩 Puzzle Feeders or Treat-Dispensing Toys
When you want to know how to tire out a puppy without going outside, puzzle toys are your best friend. Mental stimulation challenges your pup’s brain, leaving them satisfied and ready for a nap.
- Try a stuffed Kong, snuffle mat, or rolling treat ball.
- Rotate toys daily so your puppy stays interested.
- Bonus: slows down fast eaters and helps prevent destructive chewing.
Think of puzzle feeders as brain exercise — a powerful way to calm an active pup indoors.
🎾 Tug-of-War & Hide-and-Seek
For a quick energy release, try play-based games.
- Tug-of-war: Burn energy while building your bond. Use a rope toy and add a release cue like “drop it.” Remember to let them win often for confidence.
- Hide-and-seek: Cue your puppy to stay while you hide, then call them to find you or a favorite toy.
Both games work on impulse control and provide fun exercise — no backyard required.
If you’re wondering how to tire out a puppy without going outside, remember it doesn’t take hours of exercise — just the right activities. Rotate short training games, puzzle feeders, and play sessions to create a routine that leaves your pup happy, calm, and ready to rest.
⭐ Pro Tip: A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy — and that’s a win for the whole family
✨ Want to make training easier (and more fun)?
Download my Puppy Training Cheat Sheets & Trackers — printable guides with step-by-step instructions for teaching the 5 basic commands and keeping your puppy on track.
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