Energetic puppies - how to keep them entertained

This month marks the beginning of puppy and kitten season, and we couldn’t be more excited to talk all things tiny!

If you are considering becoming an owner to a new puppy or kitten, you’ll already be aware of the responsibilities that come with the new role. That being said, it’s a truly rewarding and pleasurable experience, too. With care, attention and training your new pet will quickly become a well-balanced part of the family.

Training

All puppies big and small are known to be excitable, happy and cheeky by nature, but it’s important to set ground rules and a structure right from the beginning to avoid naughtiness. First of all, make sure you set aside quality time for training. Puppy classes are a great way to not only learn obedience and skills, but also to socialise with other dogs. On the other hand, training your own dog at home can be a great way to build a happy connection. Keep in mind that common commands like sit, down, wait, come and off are largely the most important, and it’s vital that puppies learn the meaning of a stern ‘no’! Getting kids on board with the learning experience is a great idea for both pet and family, and will ensure you’re all on the same page.

Mental stimulation

Energetic puppies get bored easily, and that could see them getting up to mischief! Instead of worrying about your favourite pair of shoes, keep your pup busy with plenty of exercise, chews and ‘smart toys’. These toys are developed to keep dogs occupied for longer; some require attention, some are interactive, and others are simply stuffed with treats! If you are planning on leaving the house, make sure you leave plenty of fun things to play with. For prolonged trips away, ask a friend or member of the family to pay frequent visits in order to break up their day. Did you know that dogs have no sense of time, and miss you when you’re gone?

Rewards

Pups are so adorable, how could we ever stay mad at them?! Try to avoid rewarding your dog for excitable behaviour, opting instead to praise calmer moments and ignoring bad behaviours. Having fun at play time should be encouraged, but your bundle of fluff should also understand when it’s time to wind down. Make sure your pup has a bed somewhere safe and quiet in the house, where they can be taken in order to calm down. They will soon learn that this area is ‘the quiet zone’.

So, are you ready to bring your puppy home? Congratulations! Don’t forget it’s now law to microchip your pet – read our advice here – and if you need pet insurance simply head over to our website.

Have you got any stories or tips to help other dog owners? We’d love to hear them! Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter or Instagram and join our Paws & Claws community. Plus, if you’d like to subscribe to our monthly newsletter, full of news and competitions, just click here.