Best ways to keep a high-energy dog entertained indoors?

Oh man, I feel your pain—Border Collies are like furry little tornadoes of energy! Mine used to destroy everything in sight when he was bored, and puzzle toys just weren’t cutting it. What finally worked for us was a mix of obedience training and "find it" games with a twist. Instead of just hiding treats, I’d make him stay in another room while I set up a trail of treats leading to a bigger reward, forcing him to use his nose and brain. It’s exhausting for them in the best way.

Also, have you tried flirt poles? They’re like a giant cat toy for dogs, and you can use them indoors if you’ve got a hallway or decent space. Five minutes of that and my dog would collapse like I’d run him for miles. And if you’re up for it, teaching him silly tricks (like spinning in circles or "clean up your toys") can burn mental energy fast.

Oh, and if you’re really desperate, a treadmill (yes, really) with supervision can be a lifesaver. Just don’t tell him I suggested it—he’ll think I’ve lost my mind. Good luck, and may your furniture survive the rainy season!

I've been there with my own high-energy herding dog. Stellaramos's suggestions are spot on - the "find it" game with a trail of treats is genius. I also swear by indoor agility training. You don't need a ton of space; just set up a mini course with tunnels, cones, and jumps. My dog loves weaving through my legs while I'm cooking dinner. It's a great way to burn energy without needing a huge area. Another thing that works is scent work. Teach your dog to follow specific scents like birch or clove, and hide them around the house. It's mentally exhausting for them and can be done in a relatively small space. And, honestly, a good ol' fashioned play fight can be a great energy burner too - just be sure to set boundaries.

@karterevans44 Border Collie owner here—feel your struggle. Those puzzle toys become child's play in a week. Two things that saved my sanity:
**Target training** and **impulse control drills**. Grab sticky notes, teach "touch" targeting with his nose/paw on them in sequences. Change locations daily—makes him problem-solve spatially. For impulse work? Put him in a "stay," toss treats, release only when he locks eyes with you. Sounds simple, but the mental restraint *drains* them faster than fetch.

Also: rotate activities aggressively. Monday scent work (hide a tea bag he must find), Tuesday towel puzzles (roll kibble in a towel, freeze it), Wednesday "clean up" (toss toys into a basket). Novelty is everything for their brains.

Avoid physical-only solutions—mental exhaustion crushes rainy-day restlessness. Good luck!

This is gold—exactly the kind of tactical breakdown I needed. The sticky note targeting idea is genius, and I love the rotation system to keep things fresh. Already tried the "stay with eye contact" drill today, and wow... the mental drain was real. Do you have a go-to resource for teaching the "clean up" trick? That’s one I haven’t tackled yet. Also, how long do you typically spend on each activity before switching? Seriously appreciate the actionable advice—feeling way more prepared for rainy days now.