Puppy Mental Stimulation Games

My puppy is about 11 weeks old now. It has been a while since I have had a puppy in the house.

Any fun suggestions for some mental stimulation/growth activities I can do with him?

He already knows sit and is getting a bit better at the stay thing. I am in the process of teaching him to lay down but that one is taking a little longer.

Put his kibble in a Buster Cube or similar treat dispensing toy.

Take him outside to explore the world. He needs to meet new and different people as well as dogs, bicycles and trash cans.

Puppy class!

But I agree with Maura, socialization should be the main focus at this age.

I'd also suggest teaching behaviors using the method of shaping, it really makes puppies think and problem solve. After a shaping session, my dogs are usually ready for a nap!

This link just about covers it, from Susan Garrett's blog and Say Yes Dog Training.

Enjoy

Puppy One Hundred (and thirty five) | Susan Garrett's Dog Training Blog

I agree with socialization, but he hasn't had all his shots yet. I will start bringing him for walks and such in busy places once he gets his next shot.

Before my pup had all the shots, I would bring the pup to the pet stores, but not let the pup on the ground. I would hold the pup the whole time so people who talk, pet, etc..

Mine would love it if I put some small treats in a Kong so they had to try to get them out.

That is a great link. Thank you!!

Nina Ottoson toys are the bomb dot com. They are like board games for dogs.

You are very welcome! I was very pleased when I counted what my little girl can do (61) at 6 months old. lol Didn't realize I had taught her so much, however there are many things on that list that I will never teach her.

Do you have a fenced backyard or a grassy area where you can be sure the dog will not ingest pesticides or fertilizers? If so, measure out your dog's kibble in a bowl and go outdoors with him. Throw the kibble into the grassy area, making sure to spread it as far as possible. Then let your dog go find them Teach dog a number of silly tricks and functional obedience behaviours like sit/down/stay/stand and then ask the dog to do them throughout the day when they want something like petting, going outside, leash walks, ball games etc. Teach a variety so that you can ask for different things, always keeping the dog guessing what's next.