Rainy Days in LA: 5 Ways to Tire Out a Puppy Indoors
Let’s be honest: living in Los Angeles, we aren't exactly built for rain. And neither are our puppies.
When the forecast in Glendale calls for rain, every dog owner knows the dread. You can’t go to the park, the backyard is a mud pit, and your puppy has a level of energy that is bordering on destructive.
We call this "Puppy Cabin Fever." Symptoms include:
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Random "zoomies" across your couch.
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Chewing on table legs they usually ignore.
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Staring at you and whining while you try to work.
At Puppy Island Care & Spa, we know that a bored puppy is a naughty puppy. Since you can’t always go for that 3-mile hike, here are 5 Ways to Tire Out Your Puppy Indoors (plus the ultimate cheat code at the end).
1. Brain Games > Physical Exercise
Did you know that 15 minutes of mental work is equal to a 1-hour walk? If you can’t run their body, work their brain.
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The Muffin Tin Game: Put treats in a muffin tin and cover them with tennis balls. Your pup has to figure out how to knock the balls off to get the snack.
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Puzzle Toys: This is the perfect time to use that Kong or Snuffle Mat.
2. Hallway Fetch (The Carpet Savior)
If you have a long hallway, you have a gym.
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Clear the obstacles (shoes, rugs that slip).
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Toss a soft toy—avoid heavy balls that might crash into drywall!
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Pro Tip: Do this before dinner so they are burning calories for their meal.
3. "Find It" (Scent Work)
This is essentially Hide-and-Seek for dogs, and it is exhausting for them.
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Put your puppy in a "Stay" (or have someone hold them).
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Hide a few smelly treats around the living room (behind a chair leg, under a rug corner).
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Say "Find it!" and watch them sniff.
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Sniffing lowers a dog's heart rate and calms them down while using massive amounts of brain power.
4. Tug-of-War (The Energy Burner)
Tug is a great game because it doesn't require much space.
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The Rule: You start the game, and you end the game. This teaches impulse control.
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If teeth touch your skin, the game stops immediately.
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It’s a great way to bond and burn energy without needing a backyard.
5. The Ultimate Solution: Indoor Daycare
Let’s face it: sometimes you just don’t want a wet dog shaking water all over your white walls. And sometimes, "Hallway Fetch" just isn't enough.
If you want to skip the mud and the madness, Puppy Island Daycare is the answer.
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100% Dry Fun: Our indoor play areas are climate-controlled and mud-free.
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Socialization: Instead of being bored at home, your pup plays with their best friends.
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The "Puppy Island" Guarantee: You drop off a ball of energy, and you pick up a tired, happy, sleeping dog.
Don't let the rain ruin your rug. Rainy days are our busiest days, so make sure to book your spot early!