Need to tire out a puppy without walking?
Busy days happen for a ton of reasons. Sometimes you can’t take your puppy on a walk, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a day of zoomies and chewed-up slippers. A few weeks ago, our normal dog-walking route was upended by roadwork. In my area, the only other option would be playing Frogger to get to the other side of the road. If you’re too young to remember Frogger, look it up – it was a great arcade game in its heyday.
Here’s how to tire out a puppy without walking, because let’s face it, even puppies need a break from their leash.
1. Play Tug-of-War
Grab a rope toy and let your pup go wild. Tug-of-war works out their body and brain while also giving them a great outlet for natural instincts. Bonus: it’s a bonding activity too. A word of caution: try to avoid tug-of-war with puppies, as their teeth and gums are still developing.
2. Teach New Tricks
Mental stimulation can be even more exhausting than physical exercise. Teach your puppy a new trick like “roll over,” “high five,” or “spin.” Use treats and short, positive sessions to keep them engaged.
3. Create a DIY Obstacle Course
Use couch cushions, chairs, tunnels (or even Amazon boxes) to build a puppy obstacle course in your living room. Lure your pup through the course with a treat and give lots of praise when they finish.
4. Try a Food Puzzle Toy
Toys like Kongs, snuffle mats, or treat-dispensing balls challenge your puppy to work for their food. It keeps them mentally engaged and slows down their eating.
5. Play “Find It”
Hide a treat or toy in a room and let your puppy sniff it out. Start easy, then make it harder as they get better. This taps into their natural scent-tracking skills and tires them out mentally.
6. Use a Flirt Pole
A flirt pole is like a giant cat toy for dogs. It’s a stick with a string and a toy attached, and your puppy will go nuts chasing it. It burns energy quickly and requires little space.
7. Invite a Pup Friend
Invite a vaccinated, friendly pup over for a controlled play session. Puppy energy is best burned with other puppies, and you’ll both get a break afterward.
8. Bubble Chase
Yep, dogs can chase bubbles too! Look for dog-safe bubble solutions and let your pup pounce away. It’s silly, safe, and surprisingly tiring.
9. Frozen Treat Time
Stuff a Kong with peanut butter, banana, or their favorite kibble mix and freeze it. Chewing and licking engages their brain and keeps them busy for up to an hour.
10. Training Games Like “Red Light, Green Light”
Make training fun with games. “Red Light, Green Light” can reinforce “sit” and “stay” while giving your pup a little workout in between.
11. Massage and Wind-Down Time
Once your pup is tuckered out, give them a light massage to calm their nervous system. Teaching them how to wind down is just as important as wearing them out.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Always Need a Walk
Whether it’s pouring rain or you’re just worn out, you now have plenty of ways to tire out a puppy without walking. Rotate through these activities and keep things fresh to keep your pup happy, and your shoes intact.
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