Tips & Tricks
The simple things that make all the difference!
If your puppy still seems full of energy no matter how much exercise they get, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common frustrations we hear—and the solution might not be what you think.
Tuesday Tip: More exercise isn’t always the answer.
It’s easy to assume that a hyper puppy just needs longer walks or more playtime. But here’s the catch: puppies can build physical endurance quickly. The more you rely on exercise alone, the more your puppy may need to feel tired.
Even trickier? An overstimulated or overtired puppy can actually look more wild—think zoomies, nipping, and inability to settle.
👉 What’s often missing is mental enrichment.
Mental work taps into your puppy’s brain—and it can tire them out faster and more effectively than physical activity alone.
Here are a few simple ways to add it into your day:
· Short training sessions (5–10 minutes)
o Practice basics like sit, down, come, or leash skills.
· Ditch the food bowl
o Use puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or scatter feeding to make mealtime engaging.
· Sniffing games
o Hide treats and let your puppy “find it.” Sniffing is powerful brain work!
· Problem-solving play
o Let your puppy figure things out—like getting a treat from under a cup.
· Practice calmness
o Reward your puppy for relaxing. Learning to settle is a skill.
A balanced puppy day looks like this:
Train → Enrich → Move → Rest
So next time your puppy feels “too energetic,” pause before adding more exercise and ask: “Have I worked their brain today?” You might be surprised how much of a difference it makes.
Need more ideas? We have an entire page filled with Games & Activities you can do with your puppy to give them the mental exercise they are craving. Check it out!
Happy Training,
Amy & Team
