Winter Energy Burners: 6 Indoor Games to Tire Out Your Dog Fast

Canine Health
Written By Emma Marshall

Cold weather is cozy for us… but not so much for dogs who still have an entire tank of energy to burn. Shorter days and chilly temps can leave even the calmest dog feeling restless.

Before your pup decides the zoomies are their personality, here are six fun, easy indoor training games that tire your dog out fast — both mentally and physically.



⭐ 1. “Find It” — Nose-Work Magic

Nose work is one of the fastest ways to drain energy, especially on cold or rainy days.

How to play:

  • Let your dog sniff a treat

  • Hide it under a cup or behind a chair leg

  • Say “Find it!”

  • Gradually increase difficulty

This is safe, stimulating, and perfect for all ages and sizes.


Recommended product:
👉 AWOOF Snuffle Mat — ideal for scent-based enrichment.




⭐ 2. Tug + Release (Impulse Control Game)

Playing tug doesn’t make dogs “aggressive” — it actually teaches them:

  • control

  • engagement

  • confidence

  • patience

Make sure to add a “drop it” cue to build manners.


Recommended product:
👉 KONG Tug Toy — durable and perfect for indoor play.





⭐ 3. Indoor Fetch (With Rules!)

Fetch inside? Absolutely — when done safely.

Use:

  • soft toys

  • a hallway

  • non-slip floors

Add structure:

  • Sit

  • Wait

  • Fetch

  • Drop

The mental rules + physical movement = double workout.

Recommended product:
👉 Chuckit! Indoor Ball — soft, lightweight, perfect for indoor tossing.




⭐ 4. Treat Toss Recall Game

This is a fast, fun way to reinforce recall and burn energy.

How to play:

  • Stand on opposite sides of the room

  • Toss a treat behind the other person

  • Dog runs back and forth

  • Add your recall word

Ten minutes of this = a very tired dog.

Use soft, healthy treats for best results.

Recommended product:
👉 Natural Rapport Treats — perfect size and low-calorie.



⭐ 5. DIY Obstacle Course

Use what you have at home:

  • pillows

  • couch cushions

  • laundry baskets

  • broom handles

  • blankets

Teach:

  • over

  • under

  • around

  • through

It’s confidence-building and great for cold-weather boredom.



⭐ 6. Training Circuits (The Secret to Mental Fatigue)

Combine a few obedience skills into a circuit:

Example flow:

  • sit → down → stand

  • spin

  • touch

  • stay

  • recall

Repeat 3–4 times with high-value rewards.



❤️ Final Thoughts

Even on the coldest winter days, you can keep your dog’s mind and body happy with just a few minutes of structured indoor play. These games build confidence, improve manners, and strengthen your bond — all while keeping them from bouncing off the walls.




Recommended Products:

Here are the indoor play essentials from this article:

Every purchase through our links supports WCK and helps us keep creating free resources for our community. Thank you for loving your pets — and letting us love them too. ❤️

 







References

Training & Behavior Authorities

Scientific & Evidence-Based Sources

General Behavior & Training


Emma Marshall
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