Best "keep 'em busy" toys???

[Boone & Susan]

Boone turned 12 weeks old today and this past week has been quite a challenge. I think he has turned the rowdiness up a notch or two and, unless he's just extremely exhausted (which isn't often), he's constantly searching for the next thing to get into. He has toys of course and I try to redirect him when he goes for something he's not supposed to. He'll play with them for about 12 seconds until he's bored and goes back to trying to pull the door stoppers off the walls (among many other favorite past times). 

My question to you is - what is the best toy you've used with a puppy that kept them busy and held their interest for longer than 2 minutes? He has a Kong and I put treats in it and he does like that until he gets the treat out and then he's done. And he's pretty doggone quick at getting the treat out.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Jolene, Sassparilla & Josie]

Is that the big kong that holds the food treats? We used that to feed them and they'd have to keep rolling it around to get their food then the other kong you can add kibble, yogurt or peanut butter and freeze. Play hide and seek, to tire them out you need to tire their mind! It's tough when they have that much energy but you can't take them out. We'd go out in the backyard and gently roll a ball and play fetch, it was a learning process at first but kept them busy. Start simple commands, sit, lay down, paw, etc. Create a concentration puzzle with Dixie cups, you can use treats, kibble or toys. Good luck, and don't worry this time goes by really fast.

[Boone & Susan]

It is the Kong that you can stuff food in. I didn't realize you could put other foods in it and freeze it. I will definitely be trying that since he is very food driven. Thanks so much for your help!

[Daniela Horth]

Hi there! Agreed it's a tough phase when your pup has so much energy. Lucy always loved water bottles! She would play with them forever. Just be watchful when he punctures it and maybe take the cap off. We also got Lucy a toy that you put water bottles into. She loves loves the crunchie sound. And squeakie things. Short little training sessions are also great. We taught the sit command right away and started leash training in the house; fetch and high five. These sessions don't have to be long to tire a puppy out. Oh and when you feed him, try distributing his food in about 6 compartments of a 12 tin muffin pan with tennis balls placed on top and make him search for his kibble. Good luck!!

[Boone & Susan]

I bet he would like a water bottle because he got hold of a plastic Solo cup once and he went crazy. I love the idea of feeding him in the muffin tin since he gobbles through his food in about 3 minutes and then runs off with the bowl, lol.

[Beth & Cheddar]

Food puzzles/toys are a great way to mentally tire them out. I use the Kong wobbler and a few different treat balls to feed Cheddar (he is 13 weeks). Quick games of tug o war, fetch, and short training sessions help too. I have tried different toys, but he doesn't care about them for long unless his brother is here to compete with.

[Boone & Susan]

I've seen some puzzle type toys I may have to invest in. Thank you for the advice!