When the clocks change and the days get shorter, our routines inevitably change—especially when it comes to our dogs. If your daily walks are cut short or become less frequent due to the lack of daylight, you might find that your dog is bouncing off the walls with pent-up energy. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to manage your dog’s energy levels with a combination of mental and physical activities that can help maintain calm and contentment, even when long walks aren’t possible.
I know this struggle all too well. Living in Scotland, where winter means it gets dark by 4 pm, it’s often hard to find the time and daylight for proper walks. And with four dogs in the house—Siri, Mungo, Emba, and Dexter—it can get a little wild when they don’t get their usual outdoor time. My Spaniel, Mungo, in particular, has boundless energy. If he doesn’t get the right outlet, he’s bouncing around the house like he’s powered by Duracell batteries! Over the years, I’ve developed some effective strategies for managing their energy when outdoor time is limited, and I’d love to share those with you.
1. Enrichment, Not Just Exercise
It’s important to remember that mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical exercise for your dog. In fact, I’ve found that my dogs often get more worn out from using their brains than from running around. I remember a time when my Dalmatian, Siri, had to be on restricted exercise after a minor injury. Instead of our usual walks, I kept him busy with puzzle games and nose work. To my surprise, he was even more settled than usual—just from having to think a little harder!
Activities like puzzle toys, training sessions, or sniff-and-find games are fantastic ways to burn off energy without needing to go outside. These activities challenge your dog to think, problem-solve, and engage their brain, which helps to tire them out mentally. Mungo, for instance, loves it when I hide treats around the for him to find. I’ll scatter them in different places, and he’ll happily sniff them out for ages. You’d be amazed at how exhausting this can be for dogs!
2. Structured Playtime
Playtime can be a great substitute for long walks, but it’s important to make it structured and purposeful. This was a game-changer for me with my Pomchi, Emba. She has so much energy packed into her tiny body that he can easily start zooming around uncontrollably. Structured games like tug-of-war or indoor fetch have become lifesavers. The key is to keep playtime controlled and interactive, so your dog is engaging with you rather than just running wild.
Mungo, for example, loves a good game of tug-of-war. It’s a great way to burn off some of that energy, and because the game involves me too, it helps him stay focused. Emba, my Pomchi, prefers gentler games of fetch with soft toys. By keeping these games short and sweet, I can make sure they’re getting a good workout without overstimulating them.
3. Incorporate Rest Days
Believe it or not, dogs benefit from rest days just as much as we do! When I first started training and walking my dogs, I thought I needed to keep them active every single day. But over time, I realised that incorporating rest days into their routine made a huge difference in how calm and balanced they were. Rest days give dogs the chance to recharge physically and mentally.
For example, on days when the weather is particularly grim or I’m busy, I focus on low-impact activities. I might give them a new chew toy to work on, or we’ll have a lazy day with lots of sofa snuggles. It’s amazing how a day of quiet can actually prevent the hyperactivity that sometimes builds up when walk time is cut short. For my Dalmatian, Siri, who’s usually full of beans, a rest day does wonders for helping him stay calm.
4. Teach a New Trick
Teaching your dog something new is a brilliant way to tire them out while deepening your bond. I’ve spent many winter evenings teaching new tricks to my dogs, especially when it’s just too dark and cold for a proper walk. Trick training is a great way to engage their minds and challenge them without needing a lot of space.
I remember my daughter teaching Dexter to ‘sit pretty’—it’s a trick that looks adorable but also requires balance and focus, which makes it quite tiring for him. Mungo, on the other hand, has been learning how to weave between my legs, and it’s become a fun little routine we do indoors. These tricks don’t take long to teach, but the mental workout they provide is invaluable, especially on days when exercise is limited.
5. Incorporate Short Training Sessions into Daily Life
This is one of my favourite techniques because it fits seamlessly into your daily routine. I often turn everyday moments into opportunities for training. For example, before I feed the dogs, I’ll ask them to sit or lie down and wait patiently. It’s a simple exercise, but it helps focus their energy and reinforces good behaviour.
Siri and Mungo, in particular, are always up for these short training sessions. By asking them to perform a small behaviour before they get their meal or a treat, I’m not only helping them burn off some energy but also keeping them mentally engaged throughout the day. These little moments add up and can make a big difference when you’re managing a high-energy dog.
Managing your dog’s energy when walks are shorter doesn’t have to be difficult. With a bit of creativity and structure, you can keep your dog calm, content, and mentally fulfilled—even during those long winter evenings. I’ve been through it all, from juggling four high-energy dogs to managing the busy schedule of a single mum. And through it all, I’ve learned that enrichment, structured play, and a balanced routine are key to keeping both my dogs and myself sane!
Looking for even more ways to manage your dog’s energy during the winter months? Check out my Wags without Walks membership for a toolkit full of games and activities to keep your dog busy, even when the walks are shorter. And don’t forget to visit my freebies page for extra resources and ideas to keep your dog entertained indoors.
Let’s keep those tails wagging, even when it’s dark outside!
With over 15 years of experience in dog training, Laura Carter has dedicated her career to enhancing the bond between humans and their canine companions.
Based in Scotland, Laura lives with her twin daughters, four dogs, and a variety of other animals.
A member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and a certified Scentwork UK instructor, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work.
Her expertise in dog care and rehabilitation is showcased in the book The Vet Says Rest, a valuable resource for pet owners navigating their dogs’ recovery.
Laura also brought her passion for dogs to a wider audience as a trainer on Channel 4’s Superstar Dogs alongside John Barrowman.
Her work continues to inspire and support dog owners everywhere, helping them build happier, healthier relationships with their pets.