The toys themselves are the key. Every puppy should have a Kong, Planet Dog, Buster Cube, Gallileo Nylabone, sterilized hollow natural bones, cow hooves (but don't mind the smell), a tug toy (rope or ring) and squeaky toys. These are toys that will keep your dog busy when you can't be there. They are interactive toys that will entice and stimulate your dog. You can make these toys more enticing with some easy and quick adjustments. For example, get out that electric drill that's collecting dust in your garage and drill a couple of small holes in your dog's nylabone. Then, fill these holes with something smelly and tasty, like peanut butter or cheez whiz. Your dog will spend the afternoon hunting down that treat.

Or, why not place your dog's favorite plastic ball into a bag with last night's leftover pork chops. You could also boil your dog's nylabone or Gaillileo bone in beef boullion. Make sure that your dog does not always have the same old toys in front of him/her. Rotate them so that after a couple of days, when you bring out that tasty bone, it's a new experience. Always remember to praise your dog when he/she is playing with or chewing on his/her own toys. Make sure that these toys are given as rewards and are readily available to your dog. They should not be used when your dog is into something you don't want him/her into. In other words, don't bring out the buster cube as a bribe if your dog has one of your favorite slippers in his/her mouth.

Oh, and one last thing - play with your dog! It's why you have him/her. Enjoy!