Pups Just Wanna Have Fun! 4 Activities to Try with Your Pup | Pupford

Dogs bring so much joy to our lives, so why not return the favor? Whether you’ve got a bouncy puppy or a more mellow adult dog, incorporating fun, enriching activities into your daily routine is one of the best ways to strengthen your bond and support your pup’s mental and physical well-being.

Playtime and enrichment isn’t just about wearing your dog out (although that’s a nice bonus). It’s also a powerful opportunity to tap into your pup’s natural instincts, like sniffing, chewing, chasing, and problem-solving, in positive and constructive ways. When we let dogs be dogs through structured, fun activities, we help them feel more confident, relaxed, and fulfilled.

So if you’re looking for new ways to bond with your best friend, we’ve got you covered. Here are four fun activities to try with your pup!

1. Frozen Bully Stick Puzzle Time

Chewing is a natural, calming behavior for dogs, but sometimes we need it to last just a little longer. That’s where freezing a bully stick inside a food puzzle or chew holder comes in. It turns a simple chew into a cooling enrichment challenge, helping pups self-soothe and stay occupied for longer stretches.

Perfect for hot afternoons, post-walk downtime, or crate training, this activity combines the comfort of chewing with the mental stimulation of problem-solving.

How to do it:

• Grab a Pupford Bully Stick and insert it into a chew-safe holder like a Kong, West Paw Toppl, or bully stick clamp.
• Surround the stick with a mix of dog-safe add-ins like unsweetened pumpkin, plain Greek yogurt, bone broth, or wet dog food.
• Freeze for several hours or overnight.
• Give it to your pup to enjoy! 

Why We Love It

Freezing adds a new level of challenge that slows down chewing, promotes mental engagement, and provides cool relief for teething puppies or hot weather. This is especially helpful for dogs who need help transitioning into calmness after an exciting activity 

Pro Tip

Always supervise chew time, especially when trying a new activity with your pup!

2. Snuffle Mat On the Go

Your dog’s nose is their superpower and activating it in new or overwhelming environments can be a game-changer. That’s why bringing a snuffle mat with you to unfamiliar places is such a smart strategy.

Whether you’re headed to a hardware store, a new park, a pet-friendly cafe, or even the vet’s office, using a snuffle mat helps your dog shift from anxious to curious by encouraging calming sniffing behavior. 

This is ideal for puppies, under-socialized dogs, or pups who get overwhelmed by new sights and sounds.

How to do it:

• Pack your Pupford Snuffle Mat and a small bag of treats or kibble.
• At your destination, find a low-traffic spot where your pup can observe at a safe distance.
• Sprinkle some food in the snuffle mat and invite your dog to “find it.”
• Let them sniff and forage at their own pace!

Why We Love It

Sniffing is one of the most effective natural behaviors for lowering a dog’s stress levels. Just 10–15 minutes of foraging can have a similar calming effect to a long walk. Plus, providing something familiar and rewarding (like their mat) builds confidence in unfamiliar places.

Pro Tip

Use your snuffle mat as a portable "safe zone" during socialization outings. Over time, your dog will associate it with positive, calming experiences, even in busy or noisy settings.

3. The “Say Cheese!” Trick Training Game

What’s more fun than a selfie with your pup? Let’s teach your dog to pose with their paws on your shoulder for the perfect pic.

With Pupford’s low-calorie, high-value Cheddar Crunchies, this trick becomes a super fun way to train focus, build body awareness, and rack up the cutest selfies ever.

How to do it:

1. Start with a lure:
   Position yourself on the floor or on a low stool with your dog behind you, if you have a small dog they can stand or sit on a sofa or chair for better height. Use a treat to gently lure your dog to bring their head over your shoulder. As soon as they reach forward or make contact, mark with “yes!” or a click and reward.
   
2. Build duration:
   Once your pup consistently brings their head over your shoulder, begin to increase the time they hold the position. You can reinforce with multiple small rewards to keep them engaged and comfortable.
   
3. Add a rest cue (optional):
   For a more relaxed pose, encourage your dog to gently rest their chin or head on your shoulder. Mark and reward as soon as they make contact.
   
4. Introduce a cue:
   Use a cheerful verbal cue like “say cheese!” or “selfie!” once your dog is reliably offering the behavior. Practice pairing the cue just before the action.
   
5. Capture the moment:
   When your dog is comfortable and holding position, it’s time to snap that adorable photo! Keep it short and positive to end on a high note.
   

Why We Love It

This trick encourages your dog to focus, maintain balance, and develop comfort with gentle handling. Plus, it’s a great party trick and a surefire way to rack up those Instagram likes.

Pro Tip

It may take some dogs longer to get this than others depending on how comfortable they are with touch and handling. 

4. Hide-and-Snack Recall Game

Recall is one of the most important behaviors you can teach your dog. And turning it into a game makes it way more effective (and fun!).

Using Pupford’s Beef Liver Training Treats, which are packed with flavor yet low calorie enough for rapid rewards, you’ll build a lightning-fast recall through a game your dog will love.

How to do it:

• Start by having your dog wait (or be gently held with another person) while you hide in another room or behind furniture.
• Call your dog with a cheerful “Come!” or their name.
• When they find you, celebrate BIG! Give treats and praise, make it feel like a little party. 
• Repeat from different spots, increasing difficulty as they improve.

Why We Love It

The game builds positive associations with the recall cue and teaches them that coming when called = party time. The high-value beef liver treats keep your dog laser-focused on finding you fast.

Pro Tip

Once your dog gets the hang of it indoors, try it outdoors in safe, enclosed areas. You can also involve family members to hide and rotate calling your dog, great for recall practice and bonding!

Recap: Pups Just Wanna Have Fun!

So many pup parents focus on obedience, behavior, and structure, and while those are important, we can’t forget one essential aspect of raising a pup: Dogs need to have fun! 

A playful dog is a happy, healthy, and emotionally balanced one.

When you set aside time each day for enrichment and connection, you’re not just managing your dog’s energy, you’re building trust, reducing stress, and creating joyful memories together.

With the help of Pupford’s thoughtfully designed products, like Bully Sticks, Snuffle Mats, and irresistible training treats, you’ll be amazed at how easy and enjoyable it is to keep your dog engaged and satisfied.

So go ahead: prep that frozen chew, bring the snuffle mat on your next adventure, teach a selfie trick, or play a recall game around the house. Your dog will thank you with tail wags, cuddles, and a deeper bond than ever before.

Because at the end of the day… pups just wanna have fun. 🎶🐾