Build Better Habits, Bonding, and Brainpower from Day One
Bringing home a new puppy is so exciting — and a little overwhelming! Between house training, socialisation, and puppy-proofing your home, it’s easy to fall into the habit of simply filling their bowl with whatever the breeder has recommended and calling it a day. But here’s a secret many experienced dog owners swear by - transforming mealtimes into a learning experience is crucial for your puppy’s development and your relationship.
Teaching your puppy to work for their food isn’t about being strict — it’s about helping them develop healthy habits, a strong magnetic bond with you and a calm, focused mind.
Why Should Puppies Work for Their Food?
Puppies are little furry sponges. Every interaction is a chance for them to learn how the world works including where food comes from. Making them earn their meals in small, simple ways helps:
- Build focus and patience - learning to concentrate and wait when asked will help in a multitude of different ways
- Makes you more magnetic and important to them as primary resource provider
- Burn off energy - for puppies, mental stimulation can tire them out just as much as physical exercise
- Reinforces basic obedience - simple cues and requests lay the foundation for good behaviour
- Prevent boredom and behavioural issues, keeping them engaged to minimise unwanted behaviours
- Create a positive training routine - building good habits from the start
Easy Ways to Start: Puppy-Friendly Food Games
1. Use Kibble for Training
Instead of using treats all the time, hand-feed your puppy small amounts of their regular kibble during short training sessions throughout the day. Practice simple cues like:
Sit
Down
Look at me
Come / Here
Your puppy will quickly learn that listening to you leads to their reward, fostering a foundation of trust.
2. Introduce a Food Puzzle or Snuffle Mat
For young puppies, start with very simple puzzle toys or soft snuffle mats where they can sniff and search for kibble. This taps into their natural instincts and keeps their brain busy.
Start with easy wins so your pup doesn’t get frustrated or lose interest — you can make things harder as they get the hang of it.
3. "Find It" Game (Nose Work for Puppies)
This one’s fun for you and your puppy. Take a small handful of kibble and toss it gently around the room or garden. Say, “Find it!” and let your puppy sniff out the pieces.
It’s a natural way to teach scenting skills, and it helps slow down fast eaters.
4. Hand Feeding for Bonding
Spend 5–10 minutes each day hand-feeding your puppy. This builds trust, especially for shy or nervous pups. You can also gently pet or touch their paws, ears, and collar while they eat to help with desensitization and future grooming.
Bonus: Hand-feeding often prevents food guarding issues later on.
5. Basic Food Manners: Wait for It
Even young puppies can begin learning patience. Hold their bowl, ask for a simple “sit,” and then slowly lower the bowl. If they jump or break the sit, lift it back up. Lower again once they’re calm.
Eventually, they’ll understand: sitting politely = food comes faster.
Keep It Fun and Positive
The key to teaching puppies anything is consistency and encouragement. Keep training sessions short (2–5 minutes), use a cheerful voice, and always end on a high note. Avoid frustration — if a toy or game is too hard, simplify it or help them succeed.
Remember, the goal isn’t to make your puppy “earn” every bite — it’s to show them that engaging with you and using their brain is worth it.
Your puppy’s mealtime is more than just a chance to fill their belly — it’s a powerful tool to shape their behaviour, strengthen your bond, and set them up for a lifetime of good habits. Teaching them to work for their food is simple, fun, and incredibly effective.
Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy watching your puppy grow into a smart, calm, motivated and confident dog.
