Training & Play
Building Skills Through Fun and Connection
Training and play go hand-in-hand when raising a Tibetan Terrier puppy. These smart, sensitive dogs are quick learners and thrive on interactive, engaging activities that challenge their minds and build trust with their humans. When training is fun, consistent, and positive, it lays the foundation for a confident, well-mannered adult dog—and play is a big part of that process, too!
How Long Should Training Sessions Be?
Puppy training should always be short, upbeat, and age-appropriate. A good rule of thumb is 3 to 5 minutes per session for young puppies, 2–3 times per day. Keep it light, fun, and end on a positive note.
Watch for signs that your puppy is getting tired or frustrated—like turning away, yawning, or disengaging. At that point, take a break and switch to something lower-key, like cuddles or quiet play.
Focus on one skill at a time and build slowly: sit, down, stay, recall (come), and name recognition are great starting points. You can build from there into leash manners and fun tricks as your puppy matures.
👉 Cloud Star Tricky Trainers
👉Dog Treat Pouch and Clicker
Enrichment Toys to Keep Puppies Engaged
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise—especially for intelligent breeds like Tibetan Terriers. Enrichment toys encourage your puppy to problem-solve, explore, and burn off energy in constructive ways. Rotating toys every few days also helps keep things interesting.
Here are some of my favorite go-to toys for training and play:
Snuffle Mats
Great for slowing down mealtime and encouraging natural foraging behavior.
👉Pet Snuffle Mat
Lick Mats
Perfect for calming anxious puppies or giving them something to do during crate time. Spread with plain yogurt, pumpkin purée, or peanut butter (xylitol-free!).
👉 Lick Mat with Suction Cups
Interactive Puzzle Toys
Toys that hide treats or move unpredictably keep your puppy’s brain active and build confidence. Here are some of our favorites!
👉Starmark Bob-A-Lot
👉Outward Hound Dog Treat Puzzle
Soft Tug Toys and Fetch Toys
Gentle tug games and short fetch sessions are a great outlet for energy—but always supervise, especially with puppies who are teething.
👉Flirt Pole
👉 Tuffy Soft Dog Toy
Training Resources
Looking for trusted guidance and creative ideas? These are some excellent resources to support your training journey:
- Books:
“The Puppy Primer” by Patricia McConnell
“Clever Canine Solutions” by Julie Hindle (especially great for TT owners!)
“Don’t Shoot the Dog” by Karen Pryor (a classic on positive reinforcement)
- Online Training:
Puppy Culture video series – great for early socialization and handling
Susan Garrett’s “Recallers” program – focused on building solid recalls and engagement
- In-Person Help:
Find a positive reinforcement trainer or puppy class near you. Look for certifications like CPDT-KA, and avoid anyone using harsh corrections, choke collars, or dominance-based methods.
Final Thoughts
Training and play should feel like a conversation between you and your puppy—not a chore. Keep sessions short, use rewards your puppy loves, and celebrate small wins. And don’t forget the power of play: tug games, puzzle toys, and enrichment activities are all ways to teach, bond, and have fun together.