Best Indoor Games For High Energy Dogs In Winter
Winter has arrived, and your high-energy dog is bouncing off the walls. Shorter, colder walks just are not cutting it anymore, your pup is bored, restless, and probably staring at you like, “When are we doing something fun?”
I have been there with my own border collie mix, so I know exactly how quickly cabin fever can turn into chewed shoes and midnight zoomies.
The good news? You do not need a big yard or perfect weather to tire out a high-energy dog. The secret is focusing on mental stimulation, games that make your dog think, problem-solve, and use their brain.
These indoor activities burn just as much energy as running around outside, and they are actually better for restless winter pups.
Let us dive into the best indoor games that will leave your dog happily tired (and you with a peaceful house).
Why Mental Games Work Better Than Physical Exercise Alone in Winter
Most high-energy breeds (think Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Huskies, Jack Russells, etc.) need both physical and mental work.
In winter, physical exercise is limited by weather, short daylight, and ice. But mental games? They work perfectly indoors and actually tire dogs out faster than running laps.
A 20-minute brain game can leave your dog as exhausted as a 45-minute run, because thinking uses a surprising amount of energy.
Plus, mental work reduces boredom, which is the real reason most winter behavior problems start.
Read also: 6 Highlighted Signs Your Dog Is Mad At You: Watch Out For These!
Game #1: Snuffle Mat Treasure Hunt
A snuffle mat is a fabric mat with lots of fleece strips tied into knots. You hide treats or kibble inside the folds, and your dog has to sniff, nudge, and dig to find them. It is like a giant nose-work puzzle.
Why it works: Sniffing is mentally exhausting. Studies show dogs can burn up to 10 to 15% of their daily calories just from intense sniffing sessions. It also calms anxious energy and satisfies their natural foraging instinct.
How to play:
- Sprinkle kibble or small treats into the mat
- Let your dog sniff and search (takes 10–30 minutes)
- Start easy, hide treats in the top layer, then make it harder
Pro tip: Freeze the mat overnight with wet kibble for a longer-lasting challenge. My dog goes crazy for this on rainy days.
Game #2: Puzzle Toys & Treat Dispensers
Puzzle toys are a game-changer for high-energy dogs. They force your dog to figure out how to get the food out, pushing, spinning, sliding, or lifting pieces.
Best options for winter:
- Kong Wobbler: Rolls and dispenses kibble when pushed
- Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel: Plush tree with squeaky squirrels to pull out
- Level 3–4 Nina Ottosson puzzles: Sliding tiles, flipping lids, spinning wheels
Start with easier puzzles and gradually increase difficulty. A dog that masters a Level 1 toy in 5 minutes can spend 20 to 30 minutes on a Level 4 puzzle.
Game #3: Indoor Scent Work / Nose Games
Scent work is one of the most tiring activities you can do indoors, and dogs love it. You do not need fancy equipment.
Simple versions to try:
- Hide treats under overturned cups and let your dog find them
- Scatter kibble across the carpet and say, “Find it!”
- Play “shell game”; hide a treat under one cup and shuffle
- Use cardboard boxes; hide treats inside different boxes
These games tire dogs out mentally and give them a job to do. Start with easy hides and gradually make them harder (behind furniture, in drawers, etc.).
Game #4: Tug-of-War with Rules
Tug is perfect for high-energy dogs, it burns physical energy and satisfies their prey drive. The key is teaching rules so it stays safe and controlled.
Rules that work:
- Only tug when you say “take it.”
- Drop the toy immediately on “drop it.”
- End the game before your dog gets overexcited.
Use a strong tug rope or toy. A 10 to 15 minute session can tire most dogs out nicely, especially if you mix in obedience commands between tugs.
Game #5: DIY Obstacle Course
Turn your living room into a mini agility course, no fancy equipment needed.
Ideas to try:
- Crawl under chairs
- Weave through table legs
- Jump over the cushions
- Balance on a yoga mat
- Tunnel through cardboard boxes
Use treats or a toy to lure your dog through the course. Start simple, then add more obstacles. It is physical exercise plus problem-solving, perfect for winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should Indoor Games last for High-Energy Dogs?
Most dogs tire out after 15 to 30 minutes of focused mental games. Quality matters more than quantity; better a good 20-minute session than an hour of unfocused play.
Can Mental Games replace Walks in Winter?
They cannot fully replace physical exercise, but they come very close. Combine short, safe walks with strong mental games, and your dog will be much calmer than with walks alone.
What if My Dog gets Frustrated with Puzzle Toys?
Start with easy puzzles and gradually increase difficulty. Always end on a win, so they stay motivated. If they’re too frustrated, go back one level.
Are Snuffle Mats Safe for All Dogs?
Yes, for most dogs. Supervise at first to make sure they do not chew the fabric. For heavy chewers, choose durable models or use a towel with knots instead.
Read also: Why Does My Dog Drag Its Bum On The Floor? (Causes & Remedies)
Conclusion
Winter does not have to mean a bored, restless dog and chewed furniture. With the right indoor games, especially those that challenge your dog’s brain, you can keep high-energy pups happy, tired, and well-behaved even when the weather keeps you inside.
Start with one or two games from this list. Watch your dog’s energy shift from frantic to calm and satisfied. You will be amazed at how much difference mental work makes.
Which game are you going to try first? Grab a snuffle mat, a puzzle toy, or just a handful of kibble for a nose game, and let me know how your dog reacts. I would love to hear which one becomes your winter favorite!
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