How to Keep Your Energetic Puppy Happy
- maggiebixler
- Dec 8, 2025
- 3 min read
A lively puppy can quickly become a challenge. Puppies have boundless energy and curiosity, which often leads to barking, chewing, and constant demands for attention. If you find yourself struggling to focus on your work while your puppy is busy turning your home into their playground, you’re not alone. Maggie, a professional dog trainer based in Denver South Metro, shares practical tips to help you keep your puppy happy and yourself sane.
Feed Your Puppy Through Puzzles and Frozen Containers
One of the simplest ways to engage your puppy’s mind and slow down their eating is to ditch the traditional food bowl. Instead, use food puzzles or frozen treat containers for their meals. These tools make your puppy work for their food, providing mental stimulation and keeping them occupied longer.
Food puzzles challenge your puppy to figure out how to get the kibble out, which taps into their natural problem-solving instincts. Maggie's favorite product: https://a.co/d/9HYOKr6
Frozen containers filled with wet food or broth can keep your puppy busy licking and chewing for extended periods, especially on warm days. Maggie's favorite product: https://a.co/d/hAlJlxE
This approach not only slows down their eating but also tires them out mentally, which can reduce hyperactive behavior later in the day.
Teach Your Energetic Dog to Tug and Play Daily with Clear Rules
Playing tug is a fantastic way to burn off your puppy’s energy while building a strong bond. Maggie emphasizes the importance of teaching your puppy how to play tug properly and setting clear rules around the game.
Start by introducing a sturdy tug toy and encouraging your puppy to grab it.
Make sure your puppy understands that play starts only when all four paws are on the ground.
Set boundaries such as no jumping, barking, or pawing to initiate play.
End the game if your puppy breaks the rules.
Daily tug sessions provide physical exercise and mental engagement, which helps reduce destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or barking excessively.
Begin Every Morning with a Long Leash Walk For a Happy Puppy
Starting the day with a walk on a long leash (10 to 15 feet) gives your puppy a chance to explore and expend energy before settling down. Maggie recommends a 10 to 20-minute walk each morning to set a calm tone for the day.
A long leash allows your puppy to sniff and investigate their surroundings safely. Maggie's favorite long leash: https://a.co/d/3zLtqrd
This exploration satisfies their natural curiosity and tires them out.
Walking first thing helps regulate their energy levels, making it easier for them to relax during work hours.
Try to keep the walk consistent in time and route to build a routine your puppy can anticipate.
Additional Tips to Manage Puppy Energy
Beyond feeding, playing, and walking, there are other strategies to help your puppy stay happy, calm and entertained:
Create a safe space: Set up a cozy area with toys and a comfortable bed where your puppy can retreat when you need to focus.
Rotate toys: Keep a variety of toys on hand and rotate them regularly to maintain your puppy’s interest.
Schedule breaks: Take short breaks during your workday to check in with your puppy, offer a quick play session, or bathroom break.
Why These Strategies Work
Puppies need both physical exercise and mental stimulation to stay balanced. Without enough activity, they often resort to barking or chewing to release pent-up energy. Feeding through puzzles challenges their brain, tug play provides controlled physical exertion, and morning walks satisfy their instinct to explore. Together, these activities help your puppy feel fulfilled and less likely to display destructive and undesirable behaviors.
Level Up by Training with Maggie
You wouldn't not send your child to Kindergarten, right? Your puppy needs to learn the basics as well. Call Maggie today at 785.633.4939 to start dog training and set your entire household up for success early. Explore puppy training services here: https://www.maggiescanineconnection.com/about-9
Let the Training Begin: https://www.maggiescanineconnection.com/contact-8
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