Games to help your dog burn off some energy

A dog with pent-up energy will always find a way to burn it off — whether by chewing the sofa, barking or digging in the garden. The solution is rarely ‘going for longer walks’: it’s about going for walks and playing in a more stimulating way. A dog that is tired in body and mind is a calm and happy dog.

Scent games (the most underrated)

A dog’s sense of smell tires them out more than running. Hide bits of treats around the house or in the garden and let them search for them. Ten minutes of ‘treat hunting’ is worth a long walk.

If you want to up the ante: scatter the treats over a rolled-up towel, hide them under upside-down glasses, or let him watch you hide one and send him to look for it in another room. The aim isn’t to make it difficult — it’s to get him to use his nose, which is the sense that tires him out the most.

Fetch, but with rules

The classic ‘fetch’ game remains unbeatable for burning off physical energy. A ball or a toy to throw in an open space, with breaks for water, and your dog will come home satisfied. If you’d rather not run after the ball yourself, an automatic ball launcher will do the job for you.

A word of warning that few people mention: avoid long sessions of repeated running with sudden stops, especially on slippery surfaces. It’s better to do three short bursts with breaks than twenty minutes of non-stop running and stopping.

Puzzle toys and dispensers

Interactive dog toys — such as an interactive ball and treat dispenser or a self-moving ball — release food as the dog manipulates them, forcing them to think. A licking mat works in the same way at mealtimes. They’re perfect for days when you can’t get out much, or to keep them entertained whilst you’re busy.

A simple trick: instead of serving the meal in a bowl, put some of the kibble in the dispenser. He’ll eat the same amount, but it’ll take him twenty minutes to work for it instead of thirty seconds.

Walks with ‘time to sniff’

Let him stop and have a sniff during the walk. To us, it’s just a lamppost; to him, it’s the local newspaper. A slower walk with the freedom to sniff around tires him out more than a hurried stroll.

Short and fun training sessions

Five minutes teaching a new trick or reinforcing ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ uses up a lot of mental energy. Always end on a successful note and with praise — training should be a game, not a punishment.

How much exercise does he need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, and be wary of anyone who claims otherwise. It depends on the breed (a border collie and a French bulldog don’t have the same needs or the same tolerance), age, physical condition and health.

Instead of counting minutes, learn to read your dog. Signs that he’s not getting enough stimulation include restlessness at the end of the day, destroying objects, barking for no apparent reason, digging, or that excessive excitement whenever someone stands up. Signs of too much exercise: becoming exhausted well before the end of the walk, limping or hesitating when climbing stairs the next day, refusing to go out. If pain, lameness or disproportionate tiredness occurs, speak to your vet before increasing the exercise load.

Dogs: less is more

In puppies, the growth plates in their bones are still open, so strenuous and repetitive exercise — long runs by your side, high jumps, or running up and down stairs repeatedly — is not advisable whilst they are still growing. Free play, where they stop of their own accord when they get tired, is different and is what’s recommended at this stage.

When your dog can start joining you in more demanding activities depends on their breed and size — large dogs take longer to reach full growth. This is a specific question for your vet, who knows your dog’s individual circumstances.

Senior dogs: adapt, don’t eliminate

An older dog still needs to keep moving — stopping does so accelerates the loss of muscle mass and stiffness. What changes is the format: shorter, more frequent walks instead of one long one; surfaces with good grip instead of slippery ones; and a greater focus on mental stimulation, which doesn’t put strain on the joints.

Scent games are ideal here, precisely because they tire the dog out without requiring physical exertion. If you notice that he hesitates to get up, has difficulty climbing onto the sofa or becomes stiff after resting, it’s worth mentioning this at your next vet’s appointment.

Rainy days and small flats

A lack of space is no excuse — most of these games can be played indoors:

• Hunting for treats in the corners of the room, or on a snuffle mat.
• Training tricks in five-minute sessions, several times a day.
• Food dispensers instead of a bowl.
• The cup game — hide a treat under one of three cups and let them choose.
• Name toys and ask them to fetch a specific one. It’s harder than it looks and will tire any dog out.

Two common mistakes

The laser pointer. It seems like fun, but with dogs it often backfires: they chase a light they can never catch, and this frustration can lead to obsessive behaviours, such as staring at shadows or reflections long after the game is over. If you want a game of chase, use a toy that he can actually bite and ‘win’.

Exercising in the heat. In summer, the tarmac burns the pads of their paws and the risk of heatstroke is real — especially in brachycephalic breeds. Go for a walk early in the morning or at the end of the day and always take water with you. We’ve written in detail about this in our guide to looking after dogs and cats on hot days.

Vary their activities throughout the week. A mix of physical and mental stimulation is the secret to a well-balanced dog — and to keeping your sofa in one piece. 🐾

Informative content, revised in August 2026. This is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation.