Puppy School at Home: Fun Training Games for Smart Dogs

Is your pup bursting with energy and eager to learn new tricks? Great news — you don’t need to sign up for formal classes to train your dog. With just a few simple tools, tasty treats, and a bit of patience, you can turn everyday moments into brain-building fun. Welcome to puppy school at home, where learning meets playtime right in your living room!

In this guide, we’ll share dog training games designed for clever canines of all ages. From confidence-building games to mental challenges, we’ll help you keep your four-legged student happy, engaged, and well-behaved – all without stepping outside your garden gate. Because at Petdirect, We Get Pet.

Why Play-Based Training Works Wonders

Dogs are natural learners, especially when they’re having fun. Using games to teach commands, impulse control and problem-solving makes learning feel like a reward in itself. It strengthens the bond between you and your pup, while giving them a healthy mental workout.

Here in New Zealand, our dogs thrive in both outdoor adventures and quiet time with their humans. Training games give you the flexibility to learn indoors, on rainy days or when popping out for a walk isn’t an option. Plus, games are a great way to introduce puppy training essentials in a stress-free way.

Top Training Games For Smarter, Happier Dogs

1. Muffin Tin Puzzle

This DIY enrichment game is a simple hit. Grab a muffin tin, place a few high-reward training treats in some of the cups, and then cover each cup with a tennis ball or toy. Your pup will need to use their nose and paws to uncover the rewards – a great confidence-booster for nervous pups.

2. Find It!

Perfect for scent-loving breeds like the Beagle or Labrador, this "nosework" game encourages focus and patience. Start by letting your dog watch you place a treat under a cup or towel. Say "Find it!" and encourage them to use their nose. As they improve, make hiding spots trickier. You'll be amazed how much brain work goes into a good sniff session!

3. Obstacle Course at Home

Turn your home into a mini agility course! Use broomsticks, chairs, boxes, and cushions to set up simple jumps or crawl tunnels. Encourage your pup to follow you through the course, reward with praise or a treat, and gradually increase difficulty. For a techy twist, add smart training tools like clickers or treat-dispensing toys for automatic rewards.

4. Touch and Target Training

Target games teach your dog to touch their nose to your hand (or training stick). Start by holding your open palm out and rewarding the moment they touch it. Once they master this, you can use the “touch” command to redirect behaviour or guide them around obstacles — no tugging on leads needed!

5. Shell Game (Cup Shuffle)

Here’s a brainy challenge. Hide a treat under one of three cups and shuffle them while your pup watches. Let them nudge the right one with their nose or paw. This improves memory, focus and determination. Use slow transitions to begin with, then increase speed as they get the hang of it.

Pawsitive Reinforcement Essentials

Treat games rely on timing, consistency, and really great dog treats. Keep training sessions short and upbeat — young pups can tire quickly. Use tiny bits of high-value treats (think something extra tasty) so you can reward often without overfeeding.

We recommend keeping puppy-safe snacks on hand from brands like ZIWI, K9 Natural, or Pro Plan. For gentle tums or dogs with allergies, browse our range of everyday pet supplements to support digestion and wellbeing through training.

Make Training Easier With The Right Gear

While your energy and encouragement are key, having the right tools helps training take off. Consider adding:

• Interactive toys and puzzles to keep your dog focused
• Calming products for easily distracted or anxious pups
• Clickers, leads and puppy pads for new learners

And remember – all Petdirect training tools and treats can be delivered straight to your door with our handy Autodeliver service. That’s one less thing to think about while your pup perfects their “sit stay”.

Make Every Day A School Day

Whether you’ve got a high-energy Border Collie or a curious Cavoodle, every dog can benefit from a bit of daily brainwork. With creativity, rewards and consistency, you can build good habits from the comfort of your home — no formal obedience school required.

At Petdirect, we believe learning should be as playful as it is practical. Ready to kickstart puppy school at home? Explore our range of dog training games and tools to set your pup up for success.

We Get Pet, so we get how important smart play and patient training are for dogs of every age.