Do you have a new puppy that goes from asleep to a tiny tornado that destroys everything in its path? And you can’t take them out for walks yet as they haven’t had all there vaccinations? Well I have put together a list of activities and games to help tire out your new ball of energy and also help create a better bond with your puppy!

The first thing you can do is buy your puppy toys. There are lots of puppy safe toys for your new pet. Now the trick is to rotate your puppies toys. Breakup all the puppies toy into two (or even three) groups and every few days swap them out. This will be like Christmas for you puppy and give you a chance to wash toys.

Here are some great tips to help tire out your puppy:

• Kong – fill the kong with puppy treats or even a little natural peanut butter and let your puppy entertain them selves. If you feel your puppy finishes it to quick try freezing kong for a longer lasting treat (also great for summer)

• Bubbles – I have a bubble gun from Woolworths and its so much fun watching them chase the bubbles. Keeps them active and you don’t have to do much – great after work game (be mindful if your dog has allergies to soaps)

• Snuffle mat – a snuffle mat is an oversized mat that you hide treats in. Puppy has to use there nose to search for the treats and this stimulates the pup which make them tired – yay. These can be purchased, made or I like to use natures snuffle mat – grass.

• Play time – this might sound simple but this has so many benefits. Sit on the floor with a ‘new’ toy and make them chase the toy over your legs, throw toy a short distance and call puppy back. This game is strengthening puppies interaction with toys and there bond with you; win win.

• Training – there are so many training activities you can do with your puppy. If your currently taking your pup to puppy classes, practise the things you’ve been doing in class at home. I love doing recall or for new pups learning there name. Find a hall way or small room that you can block off. Sit at one end of the hall and if you have someone else get them to sit the other end, have toys and/or treats and call pups and name reward when they come. This will train recall/puppies name and wear them out.

• Puzzles – these can we bought online or made, but either way so much fun to watch your pup workout how to get the treats. I like to use their food bowl and stand toilet rolls in side, then sprinkle treats inside for them to get.

I hope these have helped you with your puppies. These also work for older dog, my 2 year Aussie still loves chasing bubbles. Let me know which one your pup likes and lets me know if you have any other activities you do.

Until next time, the treat lady. Sarah