While spring is just starting to peak its head through the clouds, cold weather, gloomy skies and rainy days are still hanging around, meaning going outside isn’t always an option for our dog.
This is when you need to get creative indoors, because a bored dog can be a mischievous one – think: chewing, garbage diving, counter surfing, and more.
The good news is that you can keep your dog engaged indoors with treat-based activities that provide mental stimulation and enrichment. Our Trail Treats are perfect, as these sticks can be broken up into pieces – small bites for the little pups or larger ones for bigger breeds.
Below we dive into the importance of mental stimulation for dogs, and provide easy and fun ways to entertain your dog indoors.
Mental stimulation through enrichment activities is just as important as physical exercise for dogs. Engaging their brain helps improve focus, calm the mind, and channel energy into productive behaviors. Indeed, research has shown that mental challenges can provide an outlet for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety and other behavioral issues. It can also improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and curb destructive behaviors like excessive chewing or barking. Plus dog enrichment activities can also keep your dog on his toes (er paws) when it comes to critical-thinking skills, while giving them an appropriate outlet for their energy.
Puzzle toys are an amazing way to stimulate your dog's brain and reward them with tasty treats. Options like interactive treat dispensers, snuffle mats, and puzzle feeders encourage problem-solving and provide a great mental workout.
A classic rubber Kong or similar treat-dispensing toy can keep your pup busy for hours. Stuff it with a mix of their favorite treats, peanut butter (xylitol-free), yogurt, or mashed banana or pumpkin. For an extra challenge, freeze the stuffed Kong overnight for a longer-lasting reward.
Engage your dog’s natural hunting instincts by hiding treats around the house. Start with easy hiding spots and gradually increase the difficulty to keep your pup challenged.
Our Trail Treats are perfect for this activity, as one stick can be broken up into small sizes, allowing you to hide them all over your home. Plus, made with limited, all-natural, human-grade ingredients they are not only delicious but nutritious.
Many dog trainers recommend turning mealtime into an activity in which dogs have to earn their food. This can be through scattering dog food, like Elevate’s Air-Dried Dog Food, on the floor (keep it close, so you can ensure your dog eats her entire meal), or using an interactive toy, like the Kong Wobbler. Not only does it encourage your dog to think with her mind and use her keen sense of smell, but it also stops her from inhaling her food. If your dog needs some assistance, always be there to give her a helping hand.
Indoor time is a great opportunity to reinforce obedience and teach new tricks using positive reinforcement. Use Elevate Trail Treats as rewards for commands like sit, stay, come, and roll over. This not only helps with learning and building confidence, but keeps dogs engaged and strengthens your bond.
When in a bind on what to do with your dog, this is a simple but effective game. Place a treat under one of three cups and shuffle them around. Encourage your dog to sniff out the correct cup, and reward them when they get it right.
If cold weather prevents you from going to the pet store for toys, don’t stress. You can easily create your own treat dispenser by placing treats or dog food inside a plastic bottle. Cut a few holes in it – large enough for the treats to escape the bottle. As your dog rolls the bottle, treats will fall out, rewarding their persistence and keeping them entertained.
Set up an indoor obstacle course using household items like chairs, pillows, and tunnels. Help your pup through the course using small treats, encouraging them to jump, weave, and crawl for their reward. And if your dog loves it, consider enrolling in more difficult dog agility training in your area.
Keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged indoors doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right activities and a handful of our treats, you can turn indoor time into one where mental and physical stimulation occurs.
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