Keeping the pup entertained but not v mobile?

[Cinnamontoast]

Having been diagnosed with dysplasia on Saturday, Zak needs to be entertained. He's a very lively, low boredom threshold puppy of 9 months. New experiences keep him happy and tire him out, I suppose because he has to think about them.

So far, we've tried:

1. buying and filling a kong with low fat foods (froze it and OH was thrilled that it kept him happy for so long and immobile on his bed!)

2. taking him everywhere in the car when we go out if feasible

3. empty lemonade bottle with top screwed on hard-takes him ages to get the top off (may add low fat kibble/treats)

4. whole carrot-didn't take long but was funny to watch!

5. gentle lead walks, not too far but not stupidly short, he needs to build muscle round his hip (hydro next!)

Please add any ideas for keeping him entertained and not running round. I can't stick him in his crate all the time, it's OK when I'm in the kitchen with him, but I don't want him isolated

 

[CorvusCorax]

I didn't see any mention of training him anything in there
Has he got a wee ramp for the car or are you lifting him in and out?
A thinking dog is a tired dog.
Get him to indicate certain things 'ball' 'teddy' 'keys'.
Teach him wait/stand, speak, touch, high five, out/leave it, go to bed etc.
'Watch' or 'focus' is a very important one too.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

All three get lifted in and out of the car-concrete drive, don't allow the pups to jump down or up cos we both have 4x4s and Brig has a touch of arthritis in one knuckle.

I had thought of lots of training (Lord, no paws, the neighbour taught this to Jake and we had to hold his paw all night, I kid you not!)

He knows the basics like leave, sit, stay, walk on, stop, bed. He's a very high drive type so needs lots of stimulation-currently asleep with his nose in my trainer that he nicked.

You're so right about tired dog is thinking dog-new experiences seem to wear him out completely. I keep forgetting how young he is and he just gets knackered with new things.

Training is the way forward, I think. Someone recommended the interactive games from here http://www.vetuk.co.uk/dog-toys-nin...tosson-finder-dog-interactive-toy-game-p-4845 but I think it would be hard with three of them desperate to play!