Week 6 · around 5 to 6 weeks of age

By now puppies are steadier on their feet, their noses are working overtime, and everything goes in the mouth. The mistake is answering that with a basket of toys and a noisy afternoon. One easy new thing at a time works much better.

Enrichment just means letting a puppy do dog things: sniff, chew something safe, walk on a new surface, hear normal life. It isn’t a class.

Textures

Put a towel or a piece of clean cardboard next to where they sleep. Let them step on and off. Some will pounce. Some will sniff the edge for ages. Both are fine. A cool tile floor can be another day. If a puppy backs off, that one’s done for now.

Smells and easy puzzles

Scrunch up a towel and hide a few pieces of the food they already eat in the folds. Show them the first piece and let them find the rest. When it gets frustrating instead of fun, stop.

A shirt that smells like a calm person in the house is another nice one. So is the air at an open window. Skip anything strong or spicy, and stick to the food they already eat. This isn’t the week for new food.

Safe things to chew

Chewing is enrichment. Give one safe thing and sit nearby.

• A soft rubber toy too big to swallow, with no parts that come off
• A knotted cloth you can wash, only while you’re watching
• A cardboard roll, thrown out once it’s in shreds

Strings, hair ties, cables, plastic bags, and the slippers by the door are not toys. Put them away. If the puppy mouths your fingers, trade: offer the toy, praise the toy, take your fingers back. It’s not a fight. You’re just showing a better option.

Sound stays in the background

The washing machine, rain, someone talking in the next room. That’s already plenty. If you play something on purpose, keep it low and short, and stay relaxed where the puppy can see you.

How long?

A few minutes, then a nap. End while the puppy still wants more. That makes the next game easier to start. Two new things in a week is plenty. Rotate, don’t pile up.

Same plan for every size at this age. Just make sure the toy is too big for that mouth to swallow.

Week 6 checklist

• One new texture or game at a time
• Food games use only their usual food
• Chew items are too big to swallow, and you’re watching
• Slippers, cables, and plastic bags are out of reach
• Sessions end while the puppy still wants more
• Naps are part of the plan

Next week

Week 7 is about confidence, and why small wins matter more than a brave-looking photo.