idk if this blog is still active, but do you have any petreg enrichment activity recs? I'm a handler trying to set some up for my pup to do for when I'm busy or to have fun with together, but there's not exactly a community for taking care of ur pup in this way, so i figured this would be a good spot to go ^^ totally fine if no recs! i have enough as is, but i thought you might have some new concepts as well regardless.
My apologies, no this tumblr hasn't been active in a long time, I felt like the community was too small so I've moved onto other things and places. I keep the blog up because I might want to do something with it at some point, or move it to it's own account so I can actively interact more but the scene on here seems to be a little too geared towards minors for my comfort so I'm unsure.
Anyway, I'll still answer your question because I appreciate helping out where I can and I definitely agree about our community having some issues with lack of information and support between handlers and pets.
Honestly it will depend a lot on personal preference, as with most things. As a general advice I'd say to always start by checking out ideas for actual pup or dog activities, a lot of it can be done even for human pups and it makes it a little more special for your pup if it's something they can really feel puppy about doing. Here's a few of my thoughts.
Things like giving them toys to bite and play with, which you also can jump in and do with them might be a little cliche or feel like it's obvious but this works well.
You can hide their favorite toys somewhere on ground level and let them search for it, if it's possible you could even scent it with something safe to make it smell nice so your pup can use their sniffing skills to locate it.
If you have the possibility to get a big dog bed for your pup then filling it with extra blankets and soft toys will be an excellent way to let them rummage around and get settled into the perfect chill spot, using their heads to get everything in place just the way they like it will get some energy out of them. Doing this in a corner of the couch works too.
During summer frozen treats are a fun activity and helps with the heat, get something they enjoy like berries or fruit and freeze them into an ice cube or block so your pup can lick and maybe carefully bite a little to get to their treats. If ordinary ice doesn't sound fun then any other liquid that freezes works as well.
If your pup is a little more dependent and you're outside you can give them commands to run and fetch things for you, tell them to get a big stick, a funny rock or anything else that lets them run around and search for something specific. This can also be a good activity if you have to stay a little discrete but still need to get those puppy feels out.
This may not be as simple for everyone but get your puppy a friend, pup play dates is a great way to build community. The pups can play and the handlers can either sit and talk or work on their separate choirs while the pups help entertain each other. Just keep an eye out for any mischief!
If your pup is full of energy then the easiest way to help them calm down a little is usually to just take them on a good walk, let them run around or maybe fetch something for you for around 30 minutes and then when you get back you can put on a movie to let them doze off in your lap or by your feet while you get your work done. Just remember to give them a reassuring pet or scratch every now and again.
Something else that might be a fun activity if it's applicable in your dynamic is to give your pup a bath. This will either be a fun play time for them or an exciting struggle to try and escape. You will get wet and your pup may need plenty of pets and a treat once you're done to sooth the betrayal of horrible bath time but you'll both be spent and ready for some calmer activities after. Unless your pup enjoys bath time and being pampered, then this might not work as well.
Letting your pup dig is another good one if you have access to a beach or a sandbox, you could let them burry something or just dig holes to their hearts content.
There's probably a ton of more fun ideas to come up with and only you and your pup sets the limits. Every puppy likes different things, look to their strengths and what fits their style and try to build off of that. If they're full of energy focus on activities that tires the body, if they're a little lazy then something more stationary might be enough and if they enjoy using their paws more then activities like games, painting or puzzles might suit them best.
Make it fun, try to make it pup themed or maybe find something they really like so they feel cared for and let's you see that tail wag!
