Inexpensive, hands-off puppy boredom cures?
I have a 6 month old puppy who seems bored, even with lots of exercise (walks, hikes) and playtime with us ("fetch," tug, chase, etc). We're told she's part German shepherd (she has the look, too) and is very smart. Can anyone recommend games or puppy puzzles to help with mental stimulation. It would be REALLY great if they were homemade or super cheap, since I can't afford the fancy ones you buy for $20-$50! So far I've tried putting a treat under a frisbee so she has to find a way to flip the frisbee, but she's really good at it already. The other idea I've used with great success is rotating her toys, which helps for a time.
Get him a playpal/another dog. They play with each other and not you. Playpal another dog/gerbil whatever. Another body helps.
My dog has a lot of allergies and to keep him distracted from lickin and itching we get him raw bones to chew on as well as got him dog puzzles. Make sure the bones are a good size to keep him occupied and UNCOOKED. The puzzles I got on amazon they have plastic and wooden.
KONG brand toys have tons of different play toys for dogs! They're durable rubber, and can have treats inserted to keep the dog's interest. The toys are more than just a few dollars, but they are durable enough to last.