Good mental games?

Kongs and Busy Cubes are really good - they make the dog think to get his treats. They have a wide assortment of different kinds that you can choose from. You can also take a simple PCV pipe, drill a hole in it - and put some kibble inside. The dog has to roll it around to get the food out - we use these at the shelter, dogs love them and it takes them forever to get the food out.

When my girl was a pup I used to like to play hide and go seek in the house, yard or enclosed area. Its great to help teach them to stay and come. Even if you are just in your home and she can hear where your hiding she still has to stay while you hide, come when you call and find you. It helps relate the "come" command with fun times.

Then we used to play hide the treat. I'd make my dogs wait in one room as I hid the reat in another room, called them when I was ready and tried to get them to find the treat with as few clues as possible. It was helpful in teaching them to follow my finger when I pointed and to sniff things out.

You can teach your dogs all sorts of fun stuff like "touch". I got a hot purple post it note and would say "touch" as I put Rory's paw on the post-it and rewarded as I did so with treats. It took about 15 minutes for her to get that down so I would then put the post it in easy to reach places all over the house, on cabinets, couches, furniture, anywhere within her reach and for a week or so I would have her walk around touching things. Then you can teach them to close doors that way too!

But if you want a fun no hassle mind game check these out.....they are awesome and I'm hoping to get one soon

http://www.pawlickers.com/products/manufacturers/nina-ottosson

if you go to you tube and search "dog smart games" there are a ton of videos of dogs using them, its pretty cool

Clicker training would do exactly what you want.  See the post below:

http://community.dog.com/forums/p/78763/614617.aspx#614617

As much as you may want to start teaching puppy games to develop brain and body activity...be cautious...don't rush it.  Simple play and bonding with your pup at this age is the best avenue, IMO.  All I mean is don't be too expectant with your pup at 9 weeks of age.  Kongs, busy cubes, other puppy toys are great.

Put him on a light leash, let him run around with it on with no expectations.  Call him over to you and praise like a crazy person.  Good mental activity (at this age) is to get him to bond with you, want to be with you, come to you.

You could start marking (vocally) his postures...in other words, when he sits down, say the word "sit"; when he potties, mark the action with the word "Potty" or whatever word you will use.

You could play the "which hand" game.  Have a kibble in one hand...show him both your closed hands.  Let him sniff and pick which hand the kibble is in.  Praise like a crazy person when he touches the right hand with the kibble. 

Just keep it light and simple at this age is my point.  I'm sure you'll get other suggestions. 

As much as you may want to start teaching puppy games to develop brain and body activity...be cautious...don't rush it.  Simple play and bonding with your pup at this age is the best avenue, IMO.

I disagree. Very young puppies respond to clicker free-shaping with incredible results. Just do very short sessions and realize that at this age your most important priority is exposing the pup, in a non-scary way, to as many different locations, people, sounds, and animals as possible. Walk the pup over different surfaces, show the pup people in hats, bearded men, canes, wheelchairs, a wide assortment of dogs- all in a non-scary positive way.

Mud, I agree with what you say wrt short sessions and introducing pups to different new things, especially the examples you give here: surfaces, people, sounds, etc. in a non-frightening way.

I feel like some folks get their young pups into a regimen too early.  I just think taking it slow and forming a relationship with the baby is very important in the beginning.  

You disagree that at this young age, its most important to bond?  Interesting, but OK.