For you and your dog
Enrichment
Here is a library of different food and NON food enrichment ideas for your dog. These are great for mental stimulation for bad weather days, mental health days, or sick days. I do not own any of these pictures and they belong to their rightful owenrs
Lick Mats
A lick mat is a flat silicone mat that usually has raised edges to create different textures and designs. Lick mats can be purchased online or in your local pet store. You can cover them in healthy and dog safe foods and even freeze them for twice the fun. The action of licking release happy hormones for your dog and can a great little activity. Some safe foods for your lick mat are: xanthiol free peanut butter, plain Greek yogurt, pureed canned pumpkin, your dogs kibble soaked in water, cottage cheese, strawberries, blueberries, green beans
Food Stuffed Toys
Stuffing hard plastic toys is a great way to feed a meal or a snack. You can use Kongs, off-brand Kongs, WestPaws and so many other brands. Freezing these is another great way to double the fun and make it last longer. Some safe foods for your lick mat are: xanthiol free peanut butter, plain Greek yogurt, pureed canned pumpkin, your dogs kibble soaked in water, cottage cheese, strawberries, blueberries, green beans
Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat is a fleece toy that has a lot of different knots to create an elaborate puzzle for hiding kibble. These encourage sniffing and scavenging for treats hidden in the folds
Agility Course
You can make an agility course in your own backyard and don't need any fancy equipment. Just grab what you have around the house to create obstacles for your dog to conquer.
Flirt Pole
This is a fantastic option for any dog who likes to chase. You can buy these online or even make your own at home. Just find a sturdy stick or pole, and attach a toy with some rope then drag the toy around
Trick Training
Teaching your dog a new trick is perfect as an indoor or outdoor activity. There are so many different tricks that you and your dog can work on together. Looking up different Youtube videos can also help get you started.
Walks
Dogs experience the world around them through scent. Take them down a different neighborhood you don't usually walk down, find a local trail nearby or even just hide toys/treats around your backyard. Encouraging your dog to sniff and explore the outdoors is a great way for them to use their brains and tire themselves out.
Toys
It might sound obvious but there are so many different dog toys on the market and its easy to take what you have at home and create a whole new game. Hide your dogs toy under a box, hide treats under tennis balls in a cupcake tin, or even just soak a chew toy in broth then freeze it.
