What are good puppy activities?

Puzzle Toys & Food Dispensers – Toys like Kongs, snuffle mats, and treat-dispensing balls challenge dogs to work for their food, engaging their problem-solving skills. Scent Work & Nose Games – Hide treats around the house or yard and encourage your dog to sniff them out. Training Sessions – Teaching new tricks or practicing basic obedience keeps your dog’s brain sharp and strengthens your bond. Agility Courses – Set up a mini obstacle course with tunnels, cones, and jumps in your backyard. Flirt Poles – A great way to mimic the chase instinct, flirt poles allow dogs to engage in a fun, interactive game of catch. Hiking & Exploring New Places – Taking your dog to different locations provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation from new sights and smells. Tug-of-War & Fetch – Classic games that cater to your dog’s natural instincts while burning energy. Doggy Playdates – Meeting up with other friendly dogs provides socialization and fun exercise. Different Walking Routes – Change up your regular walking path to expose your dog to new scents, surfaces, and sights. Car Rides – Many dogs love a good car ride.

Fetch is a classic game that can supplement your command training as it teaches your puppy the important skill of coming when called. From fetch to tug-of-war, these tried-and-true activities can be fun for both you and your canine companion. Find-the-toy activities teach your pet to rely on their sense of smell while using their brain. Tug-of-War is a favorite puppy training game among pet owners; it can be a useful tool for teaching your dog to drop a toy on command. Agility games—a fancy name for games that get your puppy moving and thinking—burn off calories and energy, and they increase your puppy’s coordination and confidence. Structured play promotes focus, agility and obedience, all of which are especially important for puppies. Plus, games teach your pet special skills. Puppies love the challenge of jumping, negotiating obstacles and receiving praise when they do well.