Calming Activities For Your Puppy
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Puppies are full of energy and enthusiasm. Their boundless energy can be a joy to behold, but there are times when their energy levels need to be managed. This is where active calming activities come into play. These are activities that keep your puppy engaged, but at a low level of arousal, helping them learn to relax while still being alert and occupied.
Let's explore some of these activities in detail:
Kong Stuffing: Kong toys are a common toy in many puppy toy boxes. These hollow, rubber toys can be filled with delicious, healthy fillings like mashed banana or frozen peanut butter. The challenge of licking out these tasty treats provides an excellent outlet for your puppy's mental energy, promoting calmness and contentment. The longer it takes your pup to get the goodies, the longer they stay engaged and calm.
Click here to get your puppy kong!
Lick Mats: Lick mats, with their textured surfaces, are another fantastic tool for promoting active calmness. Simply spread a delicious paste—think pureed pumpkin or mashed sweet potato—on a lick mat and let your puppy lick away. The act of licking is soothing for puppies, and the textured surface provides an extra layer of mental engagement, helping to calm your puppy.
Click here to get your puppy lick mat!
Stuffable Toys: Stuffable toys are like Kongs but usually come in different shapes and sizes. You can stuff these with soft food or treats, and watch as your puppy trying to lick and chew their way to the delicious filling. This activity not only keeps them occupied but also promotes calmness through the soothing actions of licking and chewing.
Click here to get your k9 connectable toy!
Snuffle Mats: Snuffle mats are fabric mats with multiple folds and crevices where you can hide treats and food. Letting your puppy sniff out these hidden treasures not only provides mental stimulation but also mimics their natural foraging instincts. The act of sniffing is calming for dogs and can help to reduce your puppy's heart rate, promoting a state of relaxation.
Scatter Feeding: A fun twist on mealtime is scatter feeding. Instead of simply dumping kibble in a bowl, scatter it around the room, on a snuffle mat, or even in your garden. This requires your pup to use their excellent sense of smell to find their food, providing mental stimulation while also adding an element of fun to mealtime. The act of sniffing out their food promotes calmness and can help to tire out an overly energetic puppy.
Food/Treat Balls: Food or treat balls are interactive toys that can be filled with your puppy's favorite treats or kibble. Your pup must then work out how to nudge or roll the ball to release the treats. This not only provides great mental stimulation but also keeps them occupied at a relaxed, steady pace, helping to promote calmness.
Click here to get your puppy treat ball!
Natural Chews: Chewing is a natural calming behavior for puppies. Providing your pup with safe, long-lasting chews like bully sticks or carrot stick can be a great way to help them unwind. Always make sure the chew you offer is suitable for your puppy's age and size to ensure they don't choke.
Click here to get your puppy natural chews!
When introducing these activities, remember that the key is to keep frustration levels low. Choose activities that are appropriate for your puppy's age and skill level. If an activity is too difficult, it could lead to frustration, which can actually increase arousal levels, the opposite of what we're aiming for.
Also, remember to rotate these activities to provide variety. Just like humans, puppies can get bored if they do the same thing every day. By offering a range of activities, you'll keep things interesting for your pup and promote a more rounded mental development.
Importantly, always supervise your puppy during these activities to ensure they're safe.
By incorporating these active calming activities into your puppy's routine, you'll be promoting relaxation, reducing unnecessary hyperactivity, and helping to build a happy, well-adjusted pup.
