If you’ve got a high-energy puppy zooming around your home like a tiny tornado, you’re not alone. Puppies are full of curiosity, wiggles, and an endless supply of energy—but all that excitement needs an outlet (or five!). Whether you’re working from home, commuting across Austin, or just trying to drink your coffee in peace, here are our favorite ways to tire out a high-energy pup.
As a trusted Austin pet sitting and dog walking company, we’ve helped lots of local pet parents keep their pups happy, healthy, and totally tuckered out.
1. Take a Sniffari
A “sniffari” is a slow, scent-focused walk that gives your puppy a chance to sniff, explore, and investigate their surroundings. Letting your pup stop and sniff trees, grass, hydrants—you name it—is mental exercise, which is just as important as physical play.
🦴 Austin tip: Choose quieter neighborhood spots or one of our many greenbelt trails for a relaxing sniffari. Shoal Creek (external link) is one of our favs! Don’t have time to take your pup out? Book one of our Austin dog walkers to do it for you!
2. Hire a Dog Walker (Hi, That’s Us!)
If your pup is bouncing off the walls while you’re at work or running errands, consider hiring a professional dog walker in Austin. A mid-day walk helps release that pent-up energy and keeps your pup on a healthy routine.
We offer customized dog walking services right here in Austin, so your energetic furball can burn off steam—and you can come home to a calm, happy dog.
3. Frozen Enrichment Toys
Stuff a Kong with peanut butter, canned pumpkin, or your puppy’s favorite treats, then freeze it. This turns snack time into a stimulating game that can last up to an hour depending on your pup’s persistence.
These toys keep your pup mentally engaged and encourage problem-solving—all while giving you a much-needed break. Win-win.
4. Mini Training Sessions
Puppy brains are sponges, and short training sessions help focus their energy while teaching good habits. Try 5–10 minutes of commands like sit, stay, and come. Reward with treats and tons of praise!
Training is mentally tiring and helps build a stronger bond with your pup, too.
5. Try Puzzle Games
Interactive puzzle toys are designed to challenge your puppy’s mind and reward them for figuring it out. Hide kibble in compartments or use beginner-level treat dispensers to get started.
Many local Austin pet stores carry great options—support local and grab one next time you’re out!
6. Book a Pet Sitter for Extra Playtime
If you’re out of town or have a long day ahead, a professional Austin pet sitter can stop by for play sessions, potty breaks, and snuggles. We tailor visits to your pup’s personality—whether that means tug-of-war, fetch, or just some goofy belly rubs.
We know how important it is to keep high-energy puppies engaged, even when life gets busy.
Tired Puppy = Happy Home
The key to keeping your puppy calm and content? Regular activity, mental stimulation, and a little help from your friends (that’s us!). With options like sniffaris, enrichment toys, and trusted Austin dog walkers and pet sitters, your pup will be too tired to dig holes in the backyard—or your carpet.
Jane is the owner/operator of See Jane Walk, a 5-star pet business in Austin, TX. Jane left corporate life in 2019 to follow her passion – dogs. She’s Tulane graduate with a B.A. in Communications. View Jane’s Full Bio.
