Fun ways to exercise a puppy indoors

Alright, let’s talk puppies. Little bundles of boundless energy, right? And if you’re stuck inside because of lousy weather, or maybe your little furball hasn’t finished their shots yet and can’t hit the streets, you might be thinking, “How am I gonna tire this thing out without tearing the house down?” Believe me, I’ve seen enough frantic puppy owners in my ten years as a vet and running my sanctuary here in Jersey to know the struggle is real. Letting them just bounce off the walls isn’t good for anyone. So, let’s get serious about some fun, indoor exercises that’ll keep your puppy sane, and your sanity intact.

Brain Over Brawn: Mental Games That Tire ‘Em Out

People always think exercise means running miles. Not with a puppy, and especially not always outdoors. Mental stimulation is huge for tiring out those little brains, and it’s way safer than letting them get hurt.

• Indoor “Find It!”: This is a lifesaver. While your puppy watches, hide small, high-value treats (think tiny pieces of cooked chicken or cheese) in easy spots around a room. Start with just a few, openly placed. Say “Find it!” and encourage them. As they get the hang of it, make the hiding spots progressively harder – under a blanket, behind a chair leg, tucked into a crinkle toy. This game forces them to use their nose and their brain, which is surprisingly exhausting for them.
• Puzzle Toys and Treat Dispensers: Don’t just hand ’em their food in a bowl. Make them work for it! Get a good, sturdy puzzle toy or a KONG. Stuff it with their kibble, maybe a smear of xylitol-free peanut butter, and let them figure out how to get the food out. Freezing a stuffed KONG makes it last even longer. This keeps them focused and mentally engaged, preventing boredom from setting in.
• “Which Hand?”: Simple, effective. Hold a treat in one closed hand. Present both closed fists to your puppy. Let them sniff and paw. When they choose the hand with the treat (even if it’s a gentle nudge), open it up and reward. This teaches discrimination and gets those little gears turning.

Puppy Parkour (Safe Edition): Controlled Movement

You can absolutely get them moving indoors without chaos. It’s about controlled, short bursts of activity that also build their confidence and coordination.

• Mini Obstacle Course: You don’t need fancy agility equipment. Use what you’ve got! Lay a broomstick or mop handle flat on the floor for them to step over. Weave them through the legs of chairs. Have them crawl under a blanket draped over two dining chairs. Lure them with a treat and praise them enthusiastically for each successful “obstacle.” This builds their body awareness and teaches them to navigate different environments.
• “Chase the Toy” (Supervised): Use a flirt pole (a stick with a rope and toy attached to the end) or simply drag a favorite toy on a rope. Let them chase and pounce, making sure you control the speed and direction. This taps into their prey drive in a safe, controlled way and burns off energy quickly. Keep sessions short, just a few minutes, to avoid over-exertion on developing joints.
• Stair Climbs (Carefully!): If you have stairs, and your puppy is old enough and physically ready (check with your vet first on joint development), you can do very short, controlled repetitions. Lure them up one or two steps, then back down. This builds strength in their hindquarters. Emphasize slow and controlled, never letting them bound up or down unsupervised. This is not for every puppy, especially very young or large-breed puppies.

My Jersey Straight Talk: Don’t Skimp on the Basics

Listen, with a puppy, patience is key. These sessions should be short – five to ten minutes, a few times a day. Always end on a positive note, even if it’s just for a simple “sit” or a “touch.” Use high-value treats and enthusiastic praise. Never push them too hard, especially physically, while they’re still growing. And never, ever get frustrated. That’ll just make them scared or shut down.

Indoor exercise isn’t just about burning energy; it’s about building a confident, well-adjusted dog. It reinforces your bond and teaches them to look to you for guidance, even when they’re bursting with energy. You put the work in now, indoors, and you’ll have a much calmer, happier, and healthier dog ready for when they can hit the great outdoors. And that, my friend, is worth every minute.