You want to spend some time in pup space, but what do you actually do when there’s nobody there to play with?
Maybe you’ve put your gear on and then found yourself scrolling through your phone. Or you like the idea of solo puppy play, but sitting on the floor waiting to feel like a pup hasn’t done much for you.
Having something to do helps. A toy to investigate, a little game to get absorbed in, or something that gets you using your senses.
Here are five ideas to try. Pick whichever sounds fun today and see how you get on.
Before you start
Get comfortable somewhere you won’t be disturbed. Put some water nearby and clear enough space for whatever you’re planning to do.
You can do all of these seated, on your bed or on a padded floor. Use your hands, keep objects out of your mouth and give your wrists and knees a break whenever they need one. Gear and sounds are optional.
If it feels a bit awkward at first, that’s fine. You can laugh and carry on.
1. Who’s in my spot?
A scene about curiosity, company and deciding whether your favourite place is big enough for two.
The Setup
Choose a stuffed animal and place it where you usually settle: on your bed, sofa or play mat. Leave enough space beside it for you to sit comfortably. Put a favourite toy nearby.
The Prompt
Someone has made themselves comfortable in your spot. They seem quite happy there, too.
You haven’t decided how you feel about this visitor yet. They might become a friend, but you should probably inspect them first.
Immersive Action
Take a look at the newcomer before approaching. Move closer and pause beside them. Touch a paw, gently nudge their side or have a closer look at those ears.
Notice how you want to respond. You might settle beside them straight away, or keep a little distance while you work out whether you want company.
Bring your toy over and put it between you. Leave it there for a moment. Perhaps you’re happy to share. Perhaps you’d rather take it back and find your visitor something else.
Finish by finding a place for both of you. Tuck your visitor beside you, give them a cushion of their own or move them a little further along so you can have your spot back.
If you enjoy this scene, invite the same visitor next time. Your pup might develop a favourite way of greeting them.
2. What was that?
A listening scene for following your curiosity and giving your attention somewhere to land.
The Setup
Find a short audio clip with gentle sounds, such as birdsong, rustling leaves or soft squeaks. Listen to it first so you know there are no sudden loud noises.
Play it quietly through your phone or a speaker placed securely nearby. Alternatively, use a squeaky toy and make the sounds yourself.
The Prompt
Something nearby has caught your attention.
You hear it once, then it stops. You wait. There it is again. You’d better find out what’s making that noise.
Immersive Action
Sit comfortably and listen. When a sound interests you, lift your head or turn towards it. Pause through the quiet parts and notice when it happens again.
Move a little closer if you want to. Look around the source of the sound, or give it a gentle tap with one hand.
If you’re using a squeaky toy, press it once and wait. Turn it over and inspect it. Try another part. Tuck it partly beneath a cushion, then uncover it for a closer look.
Let yourself repeat whatever holds your interest. You might listen quietly, react with an enquiring huff or become thoroughly occupied with finding the squeaky bit.
When you’ve had enough, leave the noisy object where it is and settle nearby. You can always investigate again later.
3. The ball that won’t stay put
A simple game for a pup who wants something to chase, catch and keep under control.
The Setup
Choose a soft, lightweight ball and sit comfortably on a padded floor or at a table. Use cushions or a rolled towel to mark a small playing area within easy reach.
The Prompt
You’ve got your ball exactly where you want it.
Then one small movement sends it rolling away. Clearly, this ball needs supervision.
Immersive Action
Give the ball a gentle push with one hand and stop it with the other. Hold it for a moment, then send it back.
Follow it with your eyes. Let it bump into a cushion before drawing it towards you again. Try small paw taps, or hover your hand nearby before catching it.
Once you’ve found a rhythm, change the game. Make a gap between two cushions and roll the ball through. Try stopping it beside a particular marker, or keeping it close with a series of little touches.
Let your pup get absorbed in the movement. You can be patient and watchful or eager to catch it as soon as it starts rolling.
If it escapes beyond comfortable reach, pause and collect it normally. When you’re ready to finish, draw it close and rest your hands beside it.
4. The blanket dig
A tactile scene for pups who enjoy digging, pulling and getting their paws into things.
The Setup
Loosely fold a soft blanket or large towel into a shallow cardboard box, leaving one corner sticking out. Remove any tape or staples from the box.
You can also pile the fabric on your bed. Choose something you’re happy to play with and keep it away from your face and neck.
The Prompt
There’s a loose corner sticking out of that pile.
You give it a little pull, and more appears. How much blanket is in there? There’s only one way to find out.
Immersive Action
Take hold of the corner with one hand and draw it towards you. Pause as another fold slips loose.
Put your hands into the pile and work through it. Push one fold aside, pull another closer and dig beneath the fabric. Notice its texture against your fingers and the weight as it gathers in your lap.
You can empty the box a little at a time or pull out a larger section and spread it around you. Push some back in if you want to keep digging.
Try gathering the loose blanket beneath your hands, then pulling it apart again. Follow whichever movement feels satisfying.
When you’re finished, leave it in a comfortable pile. Rest your hands or your chin on it and enjoy what your busy paws have produced.
5. A portrait of your pup
A creative scene for exploring your pup’s expressions and personality.
The Setup
Choose a comfortable spot and set your phone securely on a timer. Check the background for anything you’d rather keep private. Bring a favourite toy if you want one in the pictures.
You can also explore the poses without taking photographs.
The Prompt
It’s time for your pup’s portrait.
You could sit beautifully and look straight at the camera. But there’s a toy beside you, something has caught your attention, and staying still may take a few attempts.
Immersive Action
Begin in a position that feels natural. Look towards the camera and take one photograph.
Then give your pup something to respond to. Hold your toy close, glance towards an imaginary sound or rest your chin on a cushion after a busy afternoon.
Try a curious pose, a sleepy one and one where your pup has clearly been up to something. Change the tilt of your head, the position of your hands or how closely you hold your toy.
Take a few photographs before checking them so you have time to enjoy the scene without judging every picture.
When you’re finished, look through them. Is there an expression you recognise as your pup? A pose you’d like to try again?
Keep whichever pictures you like. They can stay entirely private.
When you’re done
Put your props aside, have a drink and get comfortable. Take off any gear you want to remove and give yourself a moment before moving on.
Think about what you enjoyed. Maybe the sound game held your attention, or perhaps you spent most of the session pulling a blanket out of a box. That gives you something to return to.
You don’t need a new idea every time you play. Having favourites makes it easier to begin.
Want more ideas?
I made the Solo Puppy Play Guide for those moments when you want to explore on your own but could use a starting point.
Inside are 25 guided scenarios, each with a setup, a story prompt and actions to try. There’s a mix of mischief, sensory exploration, training, curiosity and quieter play, plus guidance on easing into pup space and winding down afterwards.
Stay curious, stay safe,
HBJ
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