Keeping Puppies busy!!

[max2011]

This forum has been great at giving ideas to keep my busy cocker that never sits still quiet for a few minutes when I can't be giving him my full attention. Just thought I'd post the things that work for me and any other ideas would be gratefully received!!!

Hide the cheese - small cubes of cheese hidden araound the house that need to be sniffed out
Chase the ice cube - you need a wood/tiled floor for this but is great fun and free!
Treats hidden in cardboard boxes/tubes - prefer boxes that close so he has to work harder
Empty milk bottle cartons/water bottles - either to push around wooden floor, or with treats inside
kongs etc

[Kaz]

Thanks for the tips will try all of these, can't wait ( maybe not at the same time) 

[KellyT]

love the cardboard box with treats in idea!

Millie love cardboard toilet tubes - only she shreds them

I also use:
peanut butter / honey / jam in kongs
chicken stock ice cubes

You can freeze kongs too - you can make interesting popsicles for hot days

cut a hole in a tennis ball and fill it with treats - roll-y treat ball!

[RegalRustyCharm]

thank you for the suggestions! I was thinking about this myself today actually about how to keep a puppy entertained apart from the usual toy playing.

[Jan D]

one other tip - get a second one lol

[max2011]

Ooh Yes would love another one although not sure about OH. Is it easier with 2 or lots more work???

[Jan D]

Well - in many respects it's easier because my two do keep each other occupied (they are 20 months and 5 months). It was hard when Bobby was yournger but now he's house-trained I would say, on balance, that it's probably easier. I don't worry about having to occupy them as much as I did when we just had Roxy. Bobby learns from her too as she is a very good girl so in that respect it's good too.

Only bad thing is more muddy paws

[Jan D]

How old is your pup? Can you tire him out with exercise so that he sleeps more in the house?

[max2011]

Max is 7 months. He is so much easier these days and does usually settle after his walks for a sleep/lie down but the rest of the time potters around after me. I don't think upping his exercise would make him sleep anymore but may increase his stamina!!!! These are just ideas that I got from this site and have successfully used to keep him occupied when I can't be playing or doing training with him. I hope they will help the newer puppy owners too!!

Would love another one at some point but not until Max is much older.

[Dozy bird]

I freezes yoghurt into ice cubes (good for tummies) and either put it into a kong or let her chase it, messy tho!! And I chop an apple core in half and take the pips out then put that into a kong too (makes me eat more fruit!)
I also hide her kibble around the room, which is funny when she misses some and finds it the next day as we all wonder what she's got!
I will watch ith interest to see what other great ideas people have