Indoor Activities for High-Energy Dogs: Keep Your Pup Happy at Home
Got a dog with enough energy to power a small city? You’re not alone! Many New Zealand pet parents know the challenge of keeping up with high-energy dogs, especially when the weather isn’t on our side. Whether your furry family member is a Border Collie, Labrador, or Jack Russell, that pent-up energy can lead to chewed shoes, scratched doors and lots of zoomies.
Luckily, there are plenty of fun, enriching ways to keep your active pup mentally and physically satisfied indoors. At Petdirect, we get pets — which means we understand the importance of supporting your dog’s wellbeing, no matter the weather.
1. Create A Stimulating Indoor Play Zone
Interactive play is a brilliant way to beat boredom. Set up an indoor play zone with a variety of dog interactive toys that get their brain working, like puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys. Toys from brands like Nina Ottosson and KONG are perfect for keeping curious minds entertained.
Don’t forget about tug toys and plush toys for fetch or solo play. Mix up the toy selection regularly to keep things fresh — consider browsing our Great Value Toy collection to stock up without breaking the bank.
2. Turn Mealtime Into Mental Play
Use mealtime as another opportunity to burn off energy. Instead of a standard bowl, try smart feeders or puzzle feeders that make your dog work a little harder for their food. This encourages natural foraging behaviours and keeps their mind active.
You can also add mental stimulation by using lick mats or hiding food around the home for a DIY scavenger hunt. Bonus: this slows down fast eaters too!
3. Train Their Brain With Short Sessions
Training isn’t just about good manners it’s a fantastic outlet for brainy dogs. Short, 5 to 10-minute sessions of basic training or new tricks can tire them out just as much as a walk. Have high-value training treats on hand to motivate and reward your pup as they learn.
If your dog is a quick learner, why not advance to more challenging activities, like scent training or teaching the names of their toys? It’s a great way to bond and tire out that busy brain.
4. Use Calming Support For Extra Energetic Days
Sometimes, even with the best efforts, your dog’s energy can feel off the charts. This is where supportive tools come in. Our range of calming essentials can help manage high excitement or anxiety, especially when routines are disrupted (hello, rainy weekends!).
From calming chews and natural supplements to soothing sprays and anxiety wraps, there’s a support option to suit every pup’s needs. Always consult your vet if you’re considering a new supplement or if your dog’s behaviour changes suddenly.
5. Consider Indoor-Friendly Training Games
Need a quick win when your dog’s bouncing off the walls? Try games that work in tight spaces. Hide and seek (with you or a toy), stair sprints (if safe), or hallway fetch are high-excitement activities that don’t require a backyard.
You can also explore tech-based training tools like treat-launching cameras or timing feeders for independent play when you’re busy. A few minutes here and there throughout the day can make a world of difference.
We Get Pet — So We Get Active Dogs
At Petdirect, we know your dog isn’t just a pet, they’re part of the whānau. That’s why we make it easy for you to give them the mental and physical enrichment they crave, even when stuck indoors. Our expert-approved toy ranges, smart feeders and Pet Perks loyalty deals make stocking up as easy as a tail wag.
Explore our Pet Tech range or browse all of our indoor pet essentials to make rainy days more ruff-fun than ruff-tough!
Happy, Healthy, Indoor Energy
High-energy dogs need more than just a run in the park — they need daily mental and physical stimulation to thrive. With a bit of creativity and the right tools, your home can become a canine playground that encourages learning, play and calm downtime.
Ready to upgrade their indoor enrichment game? Browse Petdirect’s collection of top-rated toys, nutritious treats and hydration solutions to support your pup's daily needs. Because when it comes to energy-packed dogs, We Get Pet.