11/28/2025
Energy to burn? 🔥
Time to think outside the box.
Actually, it's time to think about them!
Dig in your cardboard recycling for some dog safe items for you to hide some special little morsels.
The trick with this?
There is a sweet spot.
Not too hard for them so they just "give up".
Not too easy either or we can miss giving them true enrichment.
Many dogs that are just starting with these enrichment activities do need encouragement from us at first, but then we need to grab a coffee, sit down and watch them figure it out.
Let them just go for it.
That's half the fun for them and for you !
That rolled up towel can get boring too!
Do it lengthwise and then add a loose knot. Too easy still? Put that towel in a box, or let them smell around the whole house and find where you have "hidden it".
Do a "double burrito" where a smaller rolled up towel is tied up in a larger one.
Set up an obstacle course with appropriate and safe "jumps" to go over and then think about using a kitchen chair on its side so your dog can safely crawl under the gap too.
Variety is key here and if you have a few dog puzzles, kongs or lick mats lying around, hide them and make them a challenge to even get to.
What have you always wanted to try with them?
Maybe a full circle "roll over"?
Maybe targeting an object or even beginning scent work?
Keep these ideas up your sleeve for those rainy days, well worth remembering.
