How To Keep Your Puppy Active

Young puppies can have seemingly boundless energy.  If you don't want that energy turned to more destructive pursuits, like chewing on your furniture, it is important to keep your puppy active, both physically and mentally.

One of the most obvious ways to have an active puppy is to play with it.  Games of fetch, tug of war, or even a simple game of chase around the backyard are all physically stimulating and will help deepen your bond with your pet.  For the times when you can't be home, a durable rubber toy, like a Kong toy, with peanut butter or a few treats hidden in the middle will keep your puppy occupied for hours.

Going for walks is another great activity for your puppy.  Not only does it provide the physical and mental stimulation of exploring, it also provides opportunities for socialization with neighbors and other dogs.  Always keep your puppy on a leash and be aware of traffic and other animals.  Not all dogs are friendly, and it's important to ask the owner and size up the situation before letting them interact.  You may also want to bring along some water and a small dish if it's especially hot outside.

Teaching your puppy a few basic commands will not only keep him busy, but can also make life easier on you.  Sit, stay, come, and heel can all be quite useful in day to day life.  Training is a very interactive process that will teach your puppy to focus and keep his mind active.  Once you've got the basics down it can be fun to teach a few tricks as well.  You should probably limit each session to about fifteen minutes however, since young puppies have short attention spans.  Remember to be patient and have fun.

If your puppy is up-to-date on his vaccinations, dog parks can be a good option.  This is especially true if you don't have much of a yard at home.  These areas are usually contained by a double fence, meaning you can let your puppy run without fear of him getting away.  Most dog parks will have posted rules about who can enter the park and what kind of behavior is expected inside, so be sure to read these first.  Dog parks provide a great opportunity for your puppy to socialize and for you to trade stories and advice with other dog owners.

The more time you spend with your puppy, the deeper your bond will become.  As an added perk, if you keep your puppy active during the day he will be too worn out to get into trouble at night.  If you put in a little extra time now you will enjoy many years with a happy, healthy dog.