1. Home
  2. Dog
  3. Health & Wellness

8 Sure-Fire Ways To Tire Your Dog Out

Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA
By Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA
Updated
Apr. 30, 2025

Photo by Chewy

Is your dog in constant motion? Is it impossible to calm her down, no matter how many walks she gets? Your high energy dog needs to channel her drive into appropriate outlets and fortunately, it might be easier and less time consuming to do than you realize. It’s important to try to tire out your dog physically, but remember that dogs have creative, active minds that need stimulation as well.

The following are tips and tricks that address the body and brain, and will turn a can’t-stop canine into a chilled-out companion:

Invest in Tug Toys


Playing “tug of war” with your dog was once considered taboo because of concerns that it might lead to aggressive behavior. While the game can encourage a passionate response from canine players, instilling a few rules keeps it positive and engages your dog physically and mentally. Tug is appropriate for dogs of all ages, and can be played inside or out. To get started, find an appropriately-sized dog toy to use as your tug item (one that puts at least six inches between your hand and your dog’s mouth). You should always be the one to begin and end the game, and your dog should know how to drop the toy when you ask. Make time during the match for quick training breaks. Ask your dog to sit and stay, take a few moments to rest, then get back to the action.

Go Hiking


Your everyday walk around the block is a fine way to get your dog’s business done, but if you’re looking to put a dent in her energy levels, you need to get her on the road less traveled. Taking your dog to a wooded path and letting her explore the unique environment will stimulate her senses in a way that your everyday walk can’t. The novel terrain and new sights, sounds and creatures you’ll encounter will tap into all of your dog’s senses and will drain much of her pent-up energy by the end. And if you keep up the pace, you’ll get a workout as well!

Utilize Her Natural Skills


“Find the toy” is a fantastic energy-burning game because it taps into one of your dog’s incredible but underutilized senses – her amazing nose. This game doesn’t require much space, can be played inside or out and is a great game for dogs of all ages because it’s low impact. Teach your dog to seek out her favorite toy first by hiding it in an obvious spot and encouraging her to “find it.” After a few repetitions your dog will understand what “find it” means, so take her out of the room and hide the toy so she can’t see where it is. She’ll have to use her sense of smell to locate the toy, which doesn’t seem like much work, but will tire out your dog more quickly than you might imagine.

Play Hide and Seek


This game is similar to “find it,” but instead of looking for a toy, your dog will sniff you out. Hide and seek is an easy teach-as-you-go game, so begin by hiding in an obvious place (for example, behind a door) and tell your dog “come find me!” Have a celebration when your dog locates you, either with praise or a quick game of tug. Then hide again in a more challenging location and repeat the process. This game is a scaled-down version of search and rescue work, and once again taps into your dog’s powerful sense of smell. It’s a fast-paced, low-impact game suitable or all ages that will put a dent in your dog’s energy levels, and will increase the bond between you at the same time.

Try Trick Training


Adding tricks to your dog’s repertoire will not only make her a cute show-off, it’ll totally tire her out as she goes through the learning process. Clicker training is a great way to teach your pooch new skills because it turns training into a game. The more complex the behavior, the more tiring it will be, so teaching a multi-step trick like “roll over” or “play dead” will do wonders to mentally exhaust your pooch.

Have Playtime with Other Dogs


Nothing quite compares to the full body exhaustion that results from an intense dog play session. Not only is the body very obviously engaged, the social nuances that happen during the play date require that your dog engage her brain as well. This type of interaction takes more effort on your part because you have to find appropriate play partners. Pairing up dogs that are a similar age, size and enjoy the same types of interactions (for example, both like to wrestle or both enjoy a game of “catch-me”) helps to ensure healthy and constructive play. By the end of the get together, you’ll have a tired and happy pooch.

Volunteer Together


There are so many different ways that you and your dog can team up and spread some positivity in the world while taking the edge off your dog’s energy levels. Is your dog a social butterfly? Try volunteering in hospitals or nursing homes, where your dog can interact with many different kinds of people. Is your dog happy to hang out with friends? Enroll her as a reading therapy dog, which helps children improve their reading and speaking skills while your dog acts as an impartial listener. Engaging with new people in a volunteer situation transforms dogs, because it’s almost as if they understand that they’re helping. Plus, these feel-good vibes apply to you as well – both you and your dog will be fulfilled through volunteering!

Participate in Dog Sports


If you and your high-energy dog are ready to level up, give organized dog sports a try. Most dog sports require a solid obedience training baseline, so polish your basic stays and recalls, then dive into some of the most energy-draining options available. Dog sports tap into dogs’ natural drives, so if you have a champion sniffer, check out earthdog trails. If your dog loves to retrieve, give flyball or dock diving a try. And if your dog wants to herd the world, look into a newer dog sport called treibball. A dog that’s driven to chase small creatures will enjoy having a turn on the lure coursing field. And if you want to get in on the high speed action alongside your dog, consider agility or canine freestyle, both of which require a healthy level of fitness on the human side of the equation.

Attributions


Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA

Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA

Victoria Schade is a dog trainer, writer and presenter known for her unique way of communicating with animals. She’s lucky to spend her days
Related articles
  • What Are Cataracts in Dogs?
    What Are Cataracts in Dogs?

  • My Senior Dog Sleeps All Day—Is This Normal?
    My Senior Dog Sleeps All Day—Is This Normal?

  • What Is Liver Disease in Dogs? What Are the Signs?
    What Is Liver Disease in Dogs? What Are the Signs?

  • What Is a Pet Microchip?
    What Is a Pet Microchip?
  • Our experts are available 24/7:We're here 24/7:
  • 1-800-672-4399
  • United States
  • About
  • Investor Relations
  • Affiliates
  • Jobs
  • FAQs
  • Learn
  • Give Back
  • Gift Cards
  • Sell on Chewy
Download iOS appDownload Android app
Go to ACHC pharmacy accreditationLegitscript ApprovedCompounding Pharmacy Approved
  • Copyright © 2025, Chewy, Inc.
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy (Updated Oct 8, 2024)
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility
  • California Supply Chains Act
  • Vendor Compliance
Download phone image
Get the Chewy app
Download iOS appDownload Android app
We're here 24/7
1-800-672-4399
United States
Copyright © 2025 Chewy, Inc.
Terms-Privacy (Updated Oct 8, 2024)-Accessibility
California Supply Chains Act-Vendor Compliance
About-Investor Relations-Jobs-Learn
Give Back-Gift Cards-Sell on Chewy
Skip to searchSkip to main content
Not in the U.S?

Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

Continue to Canada site
Use App
24/7 HelpHelp
Get help from our experts 24/7
1-800-672-4399
    • Track Order
    • -
    • FAQs
    • -
    • Contact Info
    AccountAccount
    Sign InNew Customer? Start here
    • Account
    • Orders
    • Manage Autoship
    • Favorites
    • Buy Again
    • Prescriptions
    • Pet Portal
    • Connect with a Vet
    • Pet Insurance Dashboard
    • My Rescues
    • Create a Pet Profile
    CartCart
    Your cart is empty.
    Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
    Not in the U.S?

    Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

    Continue to Canada site
    Use App
    24/7 Help
    Get help from our experts 24/7
    1-800-672-4399
      • Track Order
      • -
      • FAQs
      • -
      • Contact Info
      AccountAccount
      Sign InNew Customer? Start here
      • Account
      • Orders
      • Manage Autoship
      • Favorites
      • Buy Again
      • Prescriptions
      • Pet Portal
      • Connect with a Vet
      • Pet Insurance Dashboard
      • My Rescues
      • Create a Pet Profile
      CartCart
      Your cart is empty.
      Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
      Food
      • Dry Food
      • Wet Food
      • Fresh Food & Toppers
      • Veterinary Diets
      • Shop by Health Condition
      • Puppy Food
      Treats
      • Bones, Bully Sticks & Naturals
      • Soft & Chewy Treats
      • Dental Treats
      • Biscuits & Cookies
      • Long-Lasting Chews
      • Jerky Treats
      • Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated
      Toys
      • Plush Toys
      • Chew Toys
      • Fetch Toys
      • Treat Dispensing Toys
      • Puzzle Toys
      • Rope & Tug Toys
      Supplies
      • Crates, Pens & Gates
      • Beds
      • Leashes, Collars & Harnesses
      • Bowls & Feeders
      • Clothing & Accessories
      • Carriers & Travel
      • Training & Behavior
      Dog DealsNew Dog SuppliesPet Parent SuppliesShop all Dog
      Grooming
      • Brushes & Combs
      • Shampoos & Conditioners
      • Grooming Tools
      • Paw & Nail Care
      • Ear Care
      • Skin Care
      Cleaning & Potty
      • Pee Pads & Diapers
      • Poop Bags & Scoopers
      • Cleaners & Stain Removers
      • Vacuums & Steam Cleaners
      Health & Pharmacy
      • Flea & Tick
      • Anxiety & Calming Care
      • Allergy & Itch Relief
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Heartworm & Dewormers
      • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
      • DNA Testing Kits
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Purina Pro Plan
      Hill's
      Blue Buffalo
      Frisco
      Royal Canin
      Bark
      Elevate your puppy's diet. Get adventure-ready with ORIJEN puppy. Shop now.
      Food
      • Wet Food
      • Dry Food
      • Everyday Favorites
      • Shop by Health Consideration
      • Veterinary Diets
      • Highest Quality Food
      • Food Toppers
      Litter
      • Clumping
      • Scented
      • Unscented
      • Natural
      • Lightweight
      Treats
      • Crunchy Treats
      • Lickable Treats
      • Soft & Chewy Treats
      • Dental Treats
      • Catnip & Cat Grass
      Toys
      • Interactive & Electronic Toys
      • Teasers & Wands
      • Balls & Chasers
      • Catnip Toys
      • Plush & Mice Toys
      Cat DealsPet Parent SuppliesShop all Cat
      Supplies
      • Litter Boxes & Accessories
      • Cat Tech & Smart Home
      • Beds
      • Carriers & Travel
      • Bowls & Feeders
      • Collars, Leashes & Harnesses
      • Grooming
      Trees & Scratchers
      • Trees & Condos
      • Scratchers & Scratching Posts
      • Wall Shelves
      • Window Perches
      Health & Pharmacy
      • Flea & Tick
      • Anxiety & Calming Care
      • Allergy & Itch Relief
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Urinary Tract & Kidneys
      • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
      • Test Kits
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Tiny Tiger
      Shop Blue Buffalo
      Shop litter robot
      Shop Temptations
      Shop Hill's Science Diet
      Shop Purina Pro Plan
      Help support their urinary health with Royal Canin Urinary nutrition. Shop now.
      Horse
      • Feed
      • Treats
      • Health & Wellness
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Fly Control
      • Prescription Medications
      • Vaccines
      Chicken
      • Feed
      • Treats
      • Nesting & Egg Supplies
      • Coops & Runs
      • Feeders, Waterers & Deicers
      Farm Animal
      • Cattle
      • Goat
      • Pig
      • Sheep
      • Llama & Alpaca
      Wild Bird & Wildlife
      • Wild Bird
      • Squirrel & Critter
      • Duck & Waterfowl
      • Deer
      Small Pet
      • Rabbit
      • Guinea Pig
      • Hamster
      • Ferret
      Pet Bird
      • Food
      • Treats
      • Toys & Perches
      • Litter & Nesting
      • Cages & Accessories
      Fish
      • Tanks & Aquariums
      • Food
      • Filters & Media
      • Decor & Substrate
      • Water Care
      Reptile & Amphibian
      • Live Feed
      • Food & Treats
      • Tanks & Terrariums
      • Heating & Lighting
      • Substrate & Bedding
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Shop Buckeye
      Shop Animed
      Shop Cosequin
      Chewy Chick Days deals. Save on feed & supplies for every life stage. Shop now.
      Prescriptions
      Order your pet's prescription items.
      How it works
      Shop all Pharmacy
      Health Services
      Chewy Vet Care
      Chat free with our vet team
      CarePlus Insurance & Wellness Plans
      Compounded Medications
      Choose from a variety of flavors, strengths, and forms for your pet or horse.
      Learn about compounding
      Dog
      • Flea & Tick
      • Heartworm
      • Pain Relief & Arthritis
      • Antibiotics
      • Allergy Relief
      • Anxiety & Calming
      • Ear & Eye Care
      • Diabetes Care & Insulin
      Cat
      • Flea & Tick
      • Dewormers & Parasiticides
      • Ear & Eye Care
      • Antibiotics
      • Allergy Relief
      • Urinary Tract & Kidneys
      • Pain Relief & Arthritis
      • Diabetes Care & Insulin
      Horse
      • Anti-inflammatory & Musculoskeletal
      • Vitamins & Electrolytes
      • Skin & Coat Care
      • Antibiotics
      • Metabolic & Endocrine
      • Allergy & Immune
      • Behavioral Support & Sedatives
      • Reproductive Care
      Expert Health Tips
      • PetMD
      Connect with a Vet
      Free chat or live-video advice from our licensed veterinary team.
      Learn more
      CarePlus Insurance & Wellness Plans
      Give your pet the best possible health coverage with wellness and insurance plans.
      Learn more
      Chewy Vet Care
      Exceptional in-person routine and urgent care from our compassionate veterinary teams.
      Schedule a visit
      Learn
      How We Give Back
      We've donated more than $100M in products to rescue animal centers.
      Learn more
      Donate to a Rescue
      You can help us make an impact by donating items to your local shelter.
      Find a Rescue
      Find Pets to Adopt
      Search thousands of pets from shelters and rescues in Chewy's network.
      Find Pets
      Join Our Network
      Join our network to access benefits and resources that’ll help more pets.
      Join Now
      Today's Deals