Sniffing and problem-solving create a different kind of effort from walking.
Enrichment and outlet menu
| Type | Examples | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sniffing | Scatter feeding on grass, snuffle mat, food hidden in boxes, indoor treat search | About 5–15 minutes | Let the nose set the pace; easy searches should finish successfully. |
| Problem-solving | Treat ball, frozen stuffed toy, folded paper tube, food rolled in a towel | About 5–15 minutes | Begin easy enough to prevent frustration; frozen toys are especially useful during teething. |
| Shaping and tricks | Nose-to-hand touch, spin, weave through legs, toys into a box, switch a light on or off | Up to 10 minutes per session, with breaks | Use shaping and split the skill into tiny, winnable steps. |
| Scent-search retrieve | Hide a soft dummy in one room and cue the dog to find and carry it back. | Three to five finds, then a calm break. | Keep hides easy enough for success and trade for the item rather than chasing the dog. |
| Supervised shallow-water play | Wade beside the dog or retrieve a floating toy from paw-deep water. | 5–10 minutes in suitable cool conditions. | Direct supervision throughout; use a fitted flotation aid where conditions or the individual require it. |
| Food problem-solving | Use a wobble feeder, rolled towel or nested open boxes for part of a meal. | 5–10 minutes, replacing part of a regular meal. | Supervise chewing and count all puzzle food within the daily food allowance. |
| Structured trade-and-return retrieve | Send to a stationary soft toy, call back, trade, then return the toy. | Four to six repetitions, no more than two sets. | Use low throws or placed items; avoid repetitive high-impact ball chasing, especially during growth. |
| Chewing | Veterinarian-approved chew, a small amount of frozen carrot | Puppy-led and supervised | Ask your veterinarian which chews suit your puppy; remove damaged pieces. |
One-week enrichment rotation
| Day | Main block | Recovery block |
|---|---|---|
| Mon / Thu | Easy sniffing search, then one group outlet at the dog's current stage. | Quiet chew and protected sleep. |
| Tue / Fri | Food puzzle plus two minutes of shaping or cooperative handling. | Scatter feed or slow sniffing. |
| Wed / Sat | Signature protocol at easy criteria; stop while cues still work. | Mat settling and uninterrupted rest. |
| Sun | Recovery audit: repeat only an easy favourite if the dog is ready. | Plan the next week from recovery, not exhaustion. |
Teething
Prepare cold outlets before four to six months
Chewing demand rises sharply at about 4–6 months. Prepare frozen stuffed toys in advance; increased chewing at this age is a developmental need, not a training regression.
Independent ability
Let the dog solve ten minutes alone
Offer a safe puzzle or chew and let the dog work independently for ten minutes. Without opportunities to practise independent settling, some dogs may find alone time harder.