Entertaining puppy during the day

[opalescent]

I have a 16 week old cocker spaniel puppy. We currently walk her morning and evening, and occasionally at lunchtime too, if we have time.
She naps in the morning and afternoon, but gets bored very quickly when awake.

Any suggestions of ways to keep her busy at home (while I work!) would be much appreciated 😊. I feel under a lot of pressure to keep taking her out, as she will stand and bark at my feet if left to her own devices. We have never cracked crating her in the day, she sleeps beautifully in her crate at night.

She spends her time in the kitchen/diner, and has access to the garden. I will throw a ball for her in the garden when I have time, but I really need to knuckle down and get some work done, after 8 weeks of settling her in!

Puppies take hours of your time every day. Otherwise they will get bored and do naughty things to get your attention. When my dog wants my attention when I’m working she will bring me something she is not supposed to have. A toy, pair of socks, a shoe the game is for me to chase her, catch her and remove item. If I don’t it gets shredded. They are clever animals and need stimulation.

play hide and seek with a toy, scatter some treats and let her find them. Do lots and lots of mental work, teach her tricks. You should be walking for no more than 5 minutes per month, need to be careful not to overwalk while her bones are developing.

I am sure you are going to have years of such fun with your pup

I feel your pain.

We used kongs - I cooked a load of carrot and courgette and blended with a big of meat, stuffed in Kong then frozen.

Or lick mats with peanut butter on (no sweeteners)

Or treat balls with chicken pieces stuffed in the sides and frozen. A stuffed Kong might buy me 25 minutes.

A bone from the butcher buys me an hour or so.

It's like toddlers - all about the snack.

Then a toy basket for them to root around in works too.