10 Boredom Busters for High-Energy Dogs

A bored dog can quickly become a destructive dog. Chewed furniture, excessive barking, and constant pestering often aren’t “bad behavior”—they’re signs your dog needs more physical and mental outlets. High-energy dogs especially need activities that challenge both body and mind.

Here are 10 ways to tire out your dog (without spending all day at the park).

1. Puzzle Feeders & Treat-Dispensing Toys

Transform mealtime into an engaging challenge with food puzzles, snuffle mats, or treat dispensers that stimulate your dog's mind and slow down their eating. I like using slow feeders by adding water or broth and freezing it, turning mealtime into a 30-minute interactive session. I also highly recommend treat dispensing games. Devices like the PET GEEK enable my dogs to get their daily exercise indoors when it's too hot outside for a walk, as they move back and forth between the button and the treat dispenser.

2. Scent Work Games

Dogs have an innate love for sniffing. You can hide treats or toys around your home or yard and prompt your dog to "Find it!" This activity engages their natural hunting instincts. Interestingly, 40% of a dog's brain is devoted to its sense of smell. Using other scent games like the Nosey Nose kit can provide indoor fun, helping you beat the summer heat while offering a healthy way to calm your dog by engaging their sense of smell.

3. Training Sessions as Mental Exercise

Practicing new tricks or obedience drills for even a short duration of just 10 minutes can significantly contribute to burning off mental energy and enhancing overall behavior in pets. Engaging in focused training sessions provides a structured environment where pets can learn and apply new skills, which is vital for their cognitive development.

4. Tug and Fetch with Rules

These games foster bonding and expend energy, while incorporating commands such as “Drop it” and “Sit” to enhance impulse control. Tug-of-war can alleviate frustration and simultaneously serve as an enjoyable activity that boosts impulse control when combined with training.

5. Doggy Playdates or Daycare

Social dogs benefit from play with other pups, which can help drain their energy while providing social enrichment. We recommend visiting A Dog's Way Inn for your daycare needs. Run Free K9 also offers Adventure Trainings, Group Classes and Pack Walks to enhance proper socialization skills.

6. Indoor Agility or Obstacle Courses

Use chairs, broomsticks, and blankets to create tunnels, jumps, and weave poles for a DIY course. Providing outlets to jumping is the best way to prevent unwanted jumping behaviors.

7. Frozen Treat Challenges

Stuff a KONG with peanut butter, yogurt, or kibble and freeze it. It keeps your dog entertained and satisfied for longer periods. I also like to stuff and freeze hooves or tracheas as a cool refreshing boredom buster.

8. Adventure Walks (Not Just Exercise)

Change up your walking route, visit a new park, or let your dog sniff and explore more freely. New scents are mentally stimulating. An excellent way to add variety to your walking routine is by visiting a new park. Parks often offer diverse environments, including lush greenery, serene lakes, and well-maintained walking paths. Each park has its own unique atmosphere and flora, which can provide a refreshing change of scenery. You might encounter different types of wildlife, such as birds, squirrels, or even rabbits, which can enhance your experience. Additionally, many parks have amenities like picnic areas or playgrounds that can make your visit even more enjoyable. Taking the time to explore a new park not only benefits you physically but also promotes mental well-being by allowing you to connect with your dog in nature.

9. Interactive Toys with You

Flirt poles (dog-safe “cat toys”) or chase games let your dog burn energy while still following your cues to start/stop. Using a flirt pole allows your dog to burn off excess energy effectively, which is particularly beneficial for high-energy breeds that require more physical activity than others. The act of chasing the lure not only provides physical exercise but also engages your dog's mental faculties. As they respond to your cues for start and stop, they learn to focus and follow commands, reinforcing their training and improving their overall obedience. Flirt pole training allows your dog to chase and engage in their prey drive instincts in a safe manner while you tackle building their impulse control.

10. Teach “Work to Earn”

Have your dog perform simple behaviors like “Sit,” “Down,” or “Spin” before getting toys, treats, or affection. It channels energy into focus and manners.

For high-energy dogs, mental stimulation is just as important as exercise. By mixing these activities into your dog’s day, you’ll not only curb unwanted behaviors but also strengthen your bond and create a happier, calmer companion.