Feeding time can be a fun and enriching experience for your puppy. Not only do they promote good eating habits, but they also enhance your puppy’s socialization and training. Remember, a well-fed puppy is a happy puppy! We have created a guide below to show some innovative ways to make mealtime fun and enriching.
1. Crate Feeding
Feeding your puppy in a crate can create a safe, cozy environment where it can enjoy its meals without distractions. Crate feeding also reinforces that the crate is a positive space, making it easier to crate-train your puppy.
2. Variety is Key
Incorporate variety into your puppy’s feeding routine by offering meals in different areas, especially during walks. This keeps mealtime exciting for your puppy and helps them learn to eat in various settings, which is a crucial skill for socialization. This practice also helps encourage positive associations with new experiences.
3. Hand Feeding with Kids.
Involving children in the feeding process can foster a bond between them and the puppy. Hand feeding can also encourage gentle behavior and create a sense of trust, making it a great training tool. It also allows every family member to help train your puppy, which is great for your puppy’s socialization.
4. Stuffed Kongs and Tops
A simple recipe involves wetting dry puppy kibble, stuffing it into these toys, and layering it with a bit of peanut butter (or a similar safe alternative) to hold it all together. For the best results, freeze them for a few hours and then let them thaw for about 30 minutes before serving.
5. Treats and Training
Use treats as rewards for potty training and kibble for everyday training to maintain a consistent diet and reinforce positive behaviors.
6. Socialization is Crucial
Feeding your puppy is not just about nutrition; it’s also an opportunity to engage their minds, encourage good behavior, and enhance their socialization skills. As our Co-Founder Sean Savage has discussed in a previous Vlog, socialization is crucial to a puppy’s development. The most critical time to get your puppy to meet new people and environments is in the “sensitive period” between 3-12 weeks of age. This is why it’s essential to start socializing your puppy early, as these experiences will have a lasting impact on their development.
For safety reasons, only feed your puppy by hand or in a bowl. Also, be sure to keep a safe distance from other dogs when giving your puppy food, as you can never be sure how other dogs will react.
We’re here to help
We hope that this guide allows you to reach your puppy’s socialization and training goals. For more puppy training tips, please visit our “Puppy Training Blog” which includes helpful blogs including “How to Puppy-Proof Your Home” and “How to Teach Leash Walking”. If your puppy is struggling to eat in any of these situations, you can book a free consultation with our Co-Founder, Sean Savage CDBC, CPDT-KA. Sean will offer expert training recommendations while listening to your specific training and behavior goals.
