You know that wild-eyed zoomie look? The one that shows up right before your puppy starts sprinting laps around the living room like a furry maniac? Yeah, that one.
Puppies are cute, sure, but they also come with an endless supply of energy, like they’ve mainlined espresso behind your back.
Trying to tire them out feels like chasing your own tail sometimes. You throw the toy, they fetch it… then somehow come back with double the energy. What sort of wizardry is that?
If you’ve been staring at your hyper fluffball wondering how you’re meant to keep up, don’t worry. You’re not the only one muttering “please nap” under your breath at 8 in the morning.
The Classic Rookie Mistake
Picture this. A well-meaning dog parent takes their 10-week-old pup on a two-mile walk, hoping to “wear them out.” Puppy comes home sleepy, sure… for twenty minutes.
Then they wake up cranky and start chewing the couch leg like it insulted their mother.
Why? Because little joints aren’t built for that sort of mileage yet, and overstimulation makes them nuttier, not calmer. Puppies need exercise, yes, but the right kind. Bit of a balancing act, really.
Short and Sweet Is the Name of the Game
Young pups shouldn’t be walking marathons or playing fetch for hours. Their bones are still growing and you don’t want to stress those baby hips and elbows.
Think of it like toddler rules. Short play sessions, frequent naps, and enough mental fun to wear out their brain.
A good general rule folks toss around is five minutes of walk time per month of age, once or twice a day.
So, if your pup is three months old, that’s around 15 minutes. Don’t overthink the maths, just use common sense and watch how your pup’s reacting.
Mental Work = Secret Weapon
Physical exercise is half the story. The other half? Making their little puppy brain do some heavy lifting.
Mental stimulation doesn’t just tire them out, it teaches them how to focus, builds confidence, and cuts down on naughty chewing or digging.
Ever played hide-and-seek with a sock and a treat stuffed inside? Or taught your pup to “touch” your hand with their nose? These things seem simple, but they work their brains like a proper puzzle.
Five minutes of training is often more tiring than thirty minutes of fetch.
Sniff Games Are Pure Gold
One of the easiest wins? Let them use their nose. Sniffing is like reading a novel to dogs, it’s enriching, it’s calming, and it burns energy in a sneaky way.
Try scattering kibble around a room or in the garden and letting your pup sniff it out. Hide treats in a snuffle mat, under plastic cups, or in cardboard boxes.
You can even trail a bit of kibble around furniture legs and let them follow the trail like a mini detective.
Cheap, easy, and a total hit.
Tug and Chase Without Going Bonkers
Tug is a great way to burn energy indoors, especially when the weather outside is proper rubbish. Plus, it helps teach impulse control if you do it right.
A good tug session with breaks for a “drop it” command? Chef’s kiss.
Chase games are fun too, but here’s the trick: you do the running, not the puppy. Let them chase a toy on a rope or flirt pole rather than your ankles.
That way they get the zooms out without nipping you in the process. Those puppy teeth are no joke.
DIY Obstacle Courses (No Fancy Gear Needed)
You don’t need a full agility setup. Grab some couch cushions, a laundry basket, and a broomstick, and make a puppy-friendly course in the lounge.
Crawl under chairs, step over low objects, climb onto safe platforms. Keep it fun, not frantic.
This sort of low-impact play builds coordination and tires them out while also giving their mind something to chew on, besides your shoes.
Puzzle Toys Are Worth Their Weight in Kibble
There are loads of puzzle feeders out there, from fancy spinning trays to simple rubber toys you stuff with peanut butter or kibble.
These toys keep puppies busy and make them work for their food, which is great for energy burn.
Don’t want to spend loads? Take a muffin tin, put a bit of kibble in each cup, and cover them with tennis balls. Let your pup work out how to move them. Boom, instant puzzle toy.
Training That Doesn’t Feel Like Homework
Basic obedience can feel a bit stiff sometimes, but there are loads of fun ways to sneak in training. Teaching tricks like “spin,” “paw,” or “find it” not only engages your pup, it strengthens your bond too.
Use tiny treats, keep sessions short, and throw in silly stuff just for fun. Even working on a calm “sit” before meals or before going outside adds structure to their day and gives them a little mental challenge.
Stick to a Rhythm (But Don’t Expect Perfection)
Puppies thrive with a bit of structure. Short walks, play breaks, meals, naps, more play, more naps. Don’t feel like you’ve failed if they still get the zoomies at bedtime. It happens.
But a good mix of physical and mental stuff through the day will slowly shape a calmer, more focused dog. They won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. They’re still learning how to dog.
Puppies are chaotic little bundles of joy and madness, but they’re not un-tireable. You just have to outsmart them a bit. Keep things short, fun, and varied. Don’t forget to use that brilliant puppy brain to your advantage.
So, what game are you going to try with your pup today?