mental stimulation for puppies

[Dimitri]

i've gotten my boy a few play toys, bones, and various chew snacks, but it seems that he only plays with them for a bit, then dumps them and moves on to another toy or chewing my shoe. how do you mentally challenge a puppy so it get tired both physically and mentally? (burn off all his energy)

[Gunsey'sMom]

Gunner loves cardboard boxes (supervised). They are usually free and make a great toy. Just make sure they are safe-no staples ect. and supervise in case he actually eats it. Also try a Kong for puppies. Put some treats in and a little peanut butter (too much gives some dogs he runs) and watch him try to get them out! It isnt too early to start on some basic commands either- I find that usually keeps Gunner busy and attentive, and he is also learning!

[murphydog]

hi you need to make your pup more interested in toys by controlling their use ie you control when he gets the toys to play with also have you tried kongs they are great for stuffing.use toys that promote mental stimulation kongs,activity ballls,buster cubes also rawhide chews! are you training this pup? i have a 12week old pup who knows all his basic commands plus a few extras remember puppies have a very small attention span ao keep all training to small bits throughout the day

[TR Young]

Tara reads the Wall Street Journal, then shreds it. Mental AND physical stimulation from one place. LOL!!!

I agree with Gunsey'sMom... Kongs are the stuff of both sources of stimulation. Watching your dog learn to 'throw' or paw the Kong to get the treats out is endless entertainment for you, as well.
Also, do some searches on 'tracking'. It is a great stimulus for both as well.

[Sharon Marples]

Originally Posted by Dimtiri

i've gotten my boy a few play toys, bones, and various chew snacks, but it seems that he only plays with them for a bit, then dumps them and moves on to another toy or chewing my shoe. how do you mentally challenge a puppy so it get tired both physically and mentally? (burn off all his energy)

You can introduce some fun games for him that will both educate him and tire him out One of them is called the "come and get it game"

Get some pieces of string cheese or other cheese or meat (something that he really likes and that is easy to chew). Do this game when he is hungry, not after he has just eaten.

Sit on the floor and hold his collar. Toss the piece of bait a couple of feet away, making sure he sees where it falls. Let him go and tell him "get it" or "fetch" or whatever you want to say to him. As soon as he runs to it and picks it up, call his name and say "come." (you can say "come" as many times as you need to). As soon as he starts to come to you toss another piece of bait in the opposite direction (again, making sure he sees it) and he will run to get it. As he gets better and better at it, you can toss the bait further and further until he is running at least 10 - 15 feet away to get the bait and then coming back to you.

This game will teach him how to retrieve and come at the same time. It is very positive and motivational, using the bait. And, at the same time, it mentally and physially stimulates him so it tires him out. Our puppies love to do it.

You want to quit as soon as you see him getting tired or bored. Don't overdo it, that way it will still be fun the next time you do it.

[summit]

Just played the "come and get it game". Love it Love it Love it

[Sharon Marples]

Originally Posted by summit

Just played the "come and get it game". Love it Love it Love it

Very good! And wait until the pups get really used to it, you can end up throwing the bait 20 - 30 feet. Watch out, they will barrel back to you once they get the hang of it, it is really fun for them!

[summit]

I feel it necessary to comment on this game one more time, I just played this again this time I had the whole family involved...it was a five minute laugh fest...absolutely brilliant!!!!!!

[llwaxan]

What a great game. I tried it tonight. One glitch on my part...Ester my 9year old girl sort of over powered her smaller competion, the pup. So tomorrow Ester will have to sit out.

What a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing it...