We’ve all set New Year’s resolutions to help us work toward a happier, healthier lifestyle. Have you ever considered doing the same for your dog? This year, you can help your pooch get more physically and mentally fit by learning how to tire out a dog in healthy ways!
The challenge? In Arkansas, the early months of the year are some of the coldest and darkest, limiting outdoor activities. It’s not the most convenient time to increase your dog’s activity, but, with a little creativity and determination, you can do it – and you’ll be so glad you did!
Need a little help getting started? The Hounds Lounge team knows firstpaw what it takes to keep all types of dogs happy and fulfilled. We’re here to share our tips on how to tire out a dog – not just during the winter months, but all year long. Get the scoop below!
Why Dogs Need to Burn Energy
Much like a hooman, exercise and mental stimulation are impawtant for a dog’s overall health and happiness. A dog with no outlet for their energy may occupy themselves with boredom behaviors, like chewing, digging or barking.
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As dog lovers, we must find activities that keep our furry furriends in shape, both physically and mentally. While it takes time and effort to help your dog burn their excess energy, the end result makes your life so much easier! Think about it… once you know how to tire out a dog, you can enjoy lowkey evenings while your pooch rests. You can also help your dog be more relaxed for special occasions, like having company over, or for more mundane tasks, like driving to the vet.
Now, let’s get into how to tire out a dog inside and outside your home!
Quick Wins: How to Tire Out A Dog at Home
For the days you’re stuck indoors or short on time, try out these tactics to tire out a dog.
Interactive Games
Tug-of-war, fetch in the hallway, or hide-and-seek with treats are grreat ways to tire out your dog. Work in obedience commands like “sit,” “stay” and “leave it” to add a layer of mental stimulation to these physical games – it doubles the workout! Check out our list of 30 dog games and our guide to entertaining your dog in an apawtment for more ideas.
Brain Games
If your pooch can run around all day without ever getting tired, flexing their brain muscles might be what they need to calm down. Puzzle toys, nosework and trick-training are activities that require little space but offer big-time mental exercise. Try teaching Fido one of these five cool dog tricks!
Mini Obedience Training Sessions
If you’re wanting to learn how to tire out a puppy (or an adult dog), obedience training is an effective and productive option. Puppies need the training anyway, and it’s a good way to give them a physical and mental workout. Wondering what you should work on first? Reliable recall is a crucial skill that should be introduced in a low-distraction environment like your house, making it a good command to work on during colder months.
Go Big: Outdoor Adventures for Your Dog in Arkansas
Lucky for us, Arkansas usually gives us a handful of warmer days throughout winter! When the weather permits, you can use the grreat outdoors to burn your dog’s energy.
Explore Local Trails
Take your pooch on a nice walk or hike around Pinnacle Mountain State Park or Two Rivers Park in Central Arkansas, or one of the nature trails at Crystal Bridges in Northwest Arkansas. For added enrichment, allow your dog to sniff around and exercise their strongest sense: smell. Just make sure you don’t stray from the path! Check out some of our favorite trails in Little Rock, Bryant and Fayetteville.
Embrace the Season
Even when it’s chilly, you and Fido can still bundle up for outdoor activities, like fetch in open fields or agility training in your backyard. Read up on dog accessories – including outerwear – worth the price tag.
Join an Arkansas Tradition
If you’re wondering how to tire out a dog who’s a retriever…duck hunting is your answer! Typically from late November through late January, you can partake in Arkansas duck season. It’s a cold and wet sport, but it allows your pooch to fulfill their pawpuse!
When You Need a Break: Let Hounds Lounge Help
Every pet pawrent needs a trusted partner to help give their woof the best life pawsible. When you don’t have the time or energy to keep up with your pooch, let Hounds Lounge handle their zoomies with our engaging doggy daycare! Thanks to our 5,000+ sq. ft. indoor/outdoor play yards, Fido will be comfortable here no matter the season.
At Hounds Lounge, doggy daycare isn’t just about care; it’s about creating a personalized adventure for your dog. Our team tailors playtime to match your dog’s energy level and personality. We are constantly monitoring and interacting with our furry campers, and we group them by size and play style so they can make furriends. Our expert staff knows how to tire out a dog while simultaneously helping improve their socialization and independence!
After all day play at Hounds Lounge, your woof will come home with the #HoundsLoungeHangover and be ready for a good night’s rest. Schedule your FREE first day of daycare and see the difference an active, social day will make for your pooch.
Happy Dog, Happy Hooman, Happy New Year!
It’s never too late for a New Year’s resolution, especially if your goal is learning how to tire out a dog. Now’s the time to start discovering what works for your woof’s unique personality! Whether you’re trying new activities at home or giving your dog a day of adventure at Hounds Lounge, a tired dog is a happy dog – and makes for a happy owner too.
