Puppy Enrichment

Puppy Enrichment

Here are a few ways for puppy enrichment from my book Puppy Socialization – An Insider’s Guide to Dog Behavioral Fitness. Check it out to discover hundreds(!) of suggestions on puppy enrichment, socialization, and habituation both for the breeder and the pet parent.

Food

• Hide food in boxes of all shapes and sizes.

• Put his food in food dispensing puzzle toys.

Sensory

• Take you cushions off the sofa. Or stack them up.

• Rearrange the chairs from your dining room table

Social

• Invite some puppies and dogs over for a puppy party. Make sure they are healthy, vaccinated, and like puppies.

• Invite some people over for a puppy party. Make sure they are healthy and vaccinated – just kidding!

Novel Items

• Give him different toys of different textures to play with.

• Put a laundry basket on its side for him to go in and out.

In Your Yard

• Landscaping of different heights and textures

• Floating toys, frozen treats, or ice cubes in a wading pool that he can go diving for

Outside your Yard

• Several years ago, I was looking through a catalogue for dog supplies and burst out laughing because there was a puppy stroller! How ridiculous. Now I don’t think it’s so ridiculous. In fact, it’s my favorite thing to introduce your puppy to many things safely.

• Take him for a ride in the car.

Thanks for visiting Puppy Enrichment. I make a small commission on any products or books I recommend.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It does not replace a consultation with a dog trainer, dog behavior consultant, or veterinarian and may not be used to diagnose or treat any conditions in your dog.

If you need help with puppy or dog training, we do both private in-person and virtual lessons via Zoom. Please contact us by calling or texting (310) 804-2392 or sending an email to caryl@DoggieManners.com . We look forward to working with you.