Every week when I switch our her toys she gets excited ? just like she did when she got them for the first time. And the best part of it is you can do these activities at home ? including some mini obstacles in your living room. Depending on how fast you move the lure this activity can be extremely tiring for your dog. (if you?re crafty this is another great option) If they solve it right away by knocking the whole thing over (like my dog) you might want to opt for a more cat tree complicated puzzle that has multiple solutions. Keep it fun and encouraging for your dog by praising them every time they find a treat. Praise them when they use their designated digging area, and pair it with a phrase such as ?go dig. The Benefits of Canine Enrichment Games We?ve all heard that a ?tired dog is a good dog,? and for the most part it?s true ? if I play a 10 minute game of frisbee with my dog she will get tired. If you?re not convinced that your dog will love sniffing out treats there?s a simple way to gauge their interest ? try . And you know what? It made a huge difference. Watching her enthusiasm as she figures out how to solve it is contagious; I think I enjoy it just as much as she does. The problem is she doesn?t stop to actually play with any of them ? she just gets stuck in the ?I don?t know which one I want to use? mindset.? You can use your creativity here. Does your dog go bonkers for anything that squeaks? Do they love anything that smells like food? Are they obsessed with anything that has stuffing? Will a chew toy keep them busy for hours? Do they love toys that bounce? Don?t be like me and buy 10 different chew toys thinking you?re finally going to find the one your dog actually likes. It?s just as tough and easy to clean, but it is much smaller. I love puzzle toys because they give my dog a chance to use some of her natural problem solving abilities. I give her access to 4 or 5 toys each week, and I leave the rest in her toy box. At first your dog may be relying on visual cues, but after a few rounds they should be able to start figuring out that they can smell it in your hand as well. We?ve had ours for years and my dog hasn?t been able to put a dent in it. As with other food related games they give your dog a chance to use some of their natural scavenging abilities in a fun and challenging way. Tell them to ?go sniff? and let them move on from one interesting smell to another. Most frozen dog treats are made with a ?base? of yogurt, peanut butter or pumpkin puree. Pick up their ball and start bouncing it around, and watch as it immediately peaks their interest. If your dog likes to dig there is a way to let your them do it without having to worry about your tulips ? give them a designated to use. And when it comes to getting your dog new toys focus on ones that you know will able to hold their interest for more than 5 minutes. (here?s a of one being used) Flirt poles let your dog use some of their natural instinct to chase in a non destructive manner. Want to teach your dog to bring you something specific? Teach them the names of a few toys and have them ?bring you red bird. I don?t know about your dog, but if I dig at anything with my hands my dog will gladly join in. Some scientists argue that we?re doing a to our animals by not acknowledging the importance of smell for their well being. Give them a little extra time to sniff around. Here?s 10 of my favorite canine enrichment games & activities. Focus on quality rather than quality. The rotation technique helps keep your dog interested in toys they get bored with ? it?s not necessary for the ones they use all the time. She?ll play with it for 5-10 minutes, and then she moves on. The next day you?ve got an interactive toy that should keep your dog busy for at least 20 minutes. Rather than bugging me every 20 minutes for more things to do she started settling down for an hour or two at a time. If they choose the wrong hand open up your fist to show them the treat isn?t there and ask them ?which hand? again. Now keep in mind not all puzzle toys are loved equally by all dogs, and not all of them take a long time to solve. I?m no expert in agility, but I can tell you that making your own homemade obstacle course?isn?t quite as daunting as it sounds. If the treats coming out aren?t enough to keep your dog?s interest keep up the praise ? let them know how awesome they are by using it. If I was smart I would have realized sooner (and stopped after buying chew toy #3) that my dog just isn?t that into chew toys. My dog Laika gets her dinner out of a food dispensing toy nearly every day. You can tire out your dog?s body, but don?t forget that your dog?s mind needs a workout as well. Put it on the floor in front of your dog and encourage them to ?find the treats,? and praise them every time they find one. If your dog has a chew toy they never touch try putting a dab of peanut butter on it and encouraging them to use it.? If your dog gets it right away and signals to the correct hand open up your fist and let them have the treat. (if your dog destroys stuffed toys make them a ) Some dogs love toys that make noise, while others could care less. For more information please see our . She loves it; having to ?work? for her food makes her one happy pup. You hold onto the pole and move it around, in turn making the lure move around and enticing your dog to chase. Food Dispensing Toys Another fun canine enrichment activity for dogs is . It only took a few tosses before she was jumping in and catching the ball herself. So if you?re dog is bored with their toys you?re not alone ? it happens to all of us. A frozen will keep my dog busy for 30+ minutes, while a simple puzzle toy will only last 1 minute. When you take your dog out for their daily walk set aside some time for designated sniff breaks. To use a food dispensing toy you simply fill it up with some treats/food, and encourage your dog to engage with it. Give Your Place a Dog to Dig Does your dog love to dig? If so you?re not alone. It?s like doggie ; too many options leave her indecisive. When I leave them all out for her she?ll grab one, move it a few feet away, and then move onto the next one. Snuffle Mats If you?re wondering what the heck a is you?re not alone. Have your dog sit in the stay position while you go off and hide some of those treats around the house. That?s the strategy I used to . Extend both of your hands out with closed fists and ask them to pick ?which hand. If you?re not sure how long a puzzle toy will keep you dog busy (or how much they?ll enjoy it) I suggest making one out of a to gauge their interest and skill level. Not sure what treat to make for your dog? Some of my favorite frozen dog treats include , , , and the . I kept adding more and more physical exercise in hopes of tiring her out, yet she kept bouncing back and waiting for more. After they start to get the hang of it and they know exactly what ?go find it? means you can start hiding them in harder to find spots, further encouraging them to use their nose more and rely less on visuals. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys are an easy way to keep your dog entertained. If you?re not the crafty type (like me) they?re also available from . Stuff some yummy treats in that Kong that?s sitting in their toy box (bonus points if you freeze it overnight to make it last longer). Conclusion In conclusion don?t be like me ? don?t keep adding more and more physical activity to your dog?s routine and expect them to just tire out, settle down, and act like a complete angel for the rest of the day. Want to teach your dog to jump over something? Prop up a broomstick with some books on either side. (you can also teach your dog to ) Use items that you?ve already got on hand, and work on teaching your dog to use them in specific ways. ? List of activities to enrich your dog?s life.? After a few sessions your dog will know exactly what ?go dig? means, and where they?re expected to do it. Most of them have holes that the food will come out of as your dog starts to move it around. They?re not always a great choice for indoor use (they can be quite messy) ? so for those of us that have cold winters they may not be a great option all year round. Pick up the flirt pole and start moving it around for your dog. Some dogs love chew toys, while others find them dull. (I keep tug and puzzle toys out of my dog?s reach, though they do get used daily. Can you use that toy in a game of fetch? Can it be used for tug? Can you put some yummy treats in it? Find ways to make those toys your dog finds boring more engaging, whether it?s through human interaction (a game of fetch) or yummy treats (). If your dog loves digging create a designated digging area for them. The benefit of putting these obstacles together like this is that it?s a really big mental workout for your dog. And because these activities alleviate boredom they decrease the likelihood of our dogs developing behavioral issues such as excessive chewing or barking.? Want to teach your dog to weave? Have them walk through objects you place on the ground. I like those ones because they?re easy to clean and big enough to use for my dog?s dinner. It gives them a chance to do something they love in a controlled environment.What To Do If Your Dog Is Bored With Their Toys Last updated on February 27, 2019 By Puppy Leaks Did you know that dogs get bored with their stuff just like we do? Researchers tested them a few years back, and they found that when dogs were presented with two items ? one new and one old ? for the new one. I?m not crafty enough to make my own , so I opted for using alternatives at home. Do you want your dog to get excited about their toys just like they did the first time you gave it to them? Try putting it away for a week or two and then presenting it to them. And with those objects I?ll have my dog ?go to your blanket,? ?bring me blue bear,? and ?weave through the cones. You can make old toys ?new? and exciting again by rotating them, but it?s nearly impossible to hold their interest in a toy that they never cared for to begin with. Recommended Reading 10 Canine Enrichment Games & Activities Last updated on April 16, 2019 By Puppy Leaks Looking for some ways to keep your dog happy, healthy and busy? If so try adding in a few mentally stimulating canine enrichment games & activities to your dog?s daily routine. You?re not just asking them to do one thing, you?re asking them to do one thing after another. Pick an area where there?s plenty of room for your dog to run around. My dog has a lot of toys; way more than she could possibly use every day. The next day you?ve got a yummy, frozen dog treat for your dog to enjoy. Until last year I had no idea what they were either, and I consider myself a pretty dog savvy individual. Turns out finding the right balance of physical and mental exercise for your dog makes a world of difference So if you?re looking for a way to help keep your dog happy, busy and entertained throughout the day add in a few activities that stimulate their mind aka canine enrichment games. So what can you do to keep your dog interested in their toys? Well, there are a few simple ways to help. That?s pretty much the story of raising Laika. Rotate Your Dog?s Toys I love seeing the excitement on Laika?s face when I come home with a new toy. Let them watch you as you place one treat in one of your hands. You can use a sandbox, a certain area of your yard, or if you?re handy you can of your own. I still use them in the winter, but I do encourage my dog to eat them in the kitchen (a room without carpet) for easy cleanup. And the best part? The only thing you need to get started is some treats. Stuffed Kongs I mention stuffed Kongs a lot on this blog, and for good reason ? they?re one of the easiest ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained with minimal effort. Your dog?s sense of smell is what helps keep them up to date on what?s going on in the neighborhood, and it?s a big part of how they around them. They encourage your dog to use their natural sniffing and scavenging abilities, and they?re a fun way to have your dog work for their food.? I?ll chop up a carrot or two into small bits and hide them throughout the house. Sniff Breaks One of the easiest ways to give your dog some more enrichment is by letting them do one of the things they do best ? sniff. There also available at many pet stores, including . It may seem weird to have your dog ?work? for their food, but remember that to them it?s natural. Figure out what sort of toys your dog prefers, and which ones they find boring. Physical activity is wonderful for your dog (and there?s plenty of ways to help ), but it?s not the only kind of exercise that dogs thrive on; they need mental exercise as well. Not sure where to begin? I?ve got your covered. They?re easy to make, and they?ll keep your dog busy for quite some time. It?s also pretty high impact. Frozen Dog Treats When it comes to canine enrichment it doesn?t get any simpler than using . So how do you get a snuffle mat? You can of your own with a rubber mat and fleece. Your dog will be running around like crazy trying to get that lure while you have the easy job of just moving the pole around. They come in a ? from single layer puzzles that lay flat on the floor (generally easier to solve), to ones with multiple layers and treat hiding spots that take longer to solve. They?re designed to mimic grass, and they?re used to give your dog a fun yet challenging way to sniff out food and treats. Digging is a natural canine behavior that they enjoy, yet it?s one we don?t often encourage because we don?t want them to dig up our entire garden. Flirt Poles A flirt pole (also called a ) is a long pole with a lure attached by rope to the end. You can use any treat you like, but when you?re first starting out I recommend sticking to something smelly to make it a bit easier on your dog. Nose Work Games One of my favorite indoor activities to play with my dog is some basic . Giving your dog a frozen treat may seem overly simple, but don?t underestimate the amount of effort it?s going to take for your dog to finish it. What Are Your Favorite Canine Enrichment Activities? What canine enrichment activities and games do you love? Does your dog have any favorites? Does your dog enjoy puzzles? Let me know in the comments. Grab a couple of treats and have your dog sit in front of you. Encourage your dog to use it by burying one of their toys, or by digging yourself to show them how it?s done. If you?re not a fan of Kong toys check out the ? it?s my favorite alternative. So now I?m left with 10 toys I have to ?flavor? myself with peanut butter or broth to try and keep her interest in them. It?s as simple as filling it up with treats in the evening and letting it freeze overnight. My personal favorite nose work game is called ?. For more information please see our . A snuffle mat is basically a rubber mat with lots of fabric strips (usually fleece) tied to it. And if you?ve never done any nose work games before I?d start with some easy spots that are in plain view. My favorite food food dispensing toys are the & the . A food dispensing toy is any toy that can be used to place food inside of, and one that requires your dog to engage with it to obtain that food. You?ll notice that the ?newness? in any toy comes back after your dog hasn?t had access to it for awhile. For this there is a rather simple solution ? give your dog a designated place to dig. If you?re not sure what to use check out our list of . It doesn?t take any extra effort from me, and it?s an easy way to give her some extra mental stimulation. You then fill up an ice cube tray or bundt cake pan with the base and put it in the freezer overnight. ? Great article with plenty of activity ideas. A good game I like to start with is called the ?which hand? game. Your dogs walk is (usually) the only time they get to go out and explore each day. For Laika it?s her ; it?s the one toy she never gets bored with (I think it?s because it makes a cool squishy sound every time she bites down on it). (not recommended for dogs with arthritis or mobility issues) When first starting out I recommend keeping the sessions short to avoid injury and overexertion. Nose work & scent games offer your dog a fun way to use their natural talents. Keep in mind this rotation doesn?t mean those toys are the only things your dog will be able to play with that week ? it?s just for toys that you?re comfortable giving your dog access to at all times. Then one day I happened to try something different ? instead of just adding more physical exercise to her routine I added in a few short such as ?find the treats? and hide and seek. Recommended Reading. I use a blanket, some dog toys, and a few little orange hazard cones I picked up at the local thrift store. ? My favorite indoor activities for dogs. (will be much longer depending on how much you fill it up, and how much of a pro your dog is using food dispensing toys) Not sure what to use for Kong stuffing? I prefer using peanut butter or sodium free broth for the ?base,? and then adding in some healthy treats such as chopped up carrots or apple slices. Giving them the opportunity to sniff around not only provides them with plenty of mental stimulation, it?s providing them with information about what?s going on in the neighborhood. Here?s a Kong stuffing cheat sheet via DIY Obstacle Course If you?ve ever watched canine agility trials you know one thing for sure ? those dogs are getting a great mental and physical workout. You can make walks more meaningful & enriching to your dog just by giving them a few extra minutes to sniff around. And to keep it fun for your dog (and to avoid frustration) remember to let them catch the lure from time to time. Once they?re hidden release your dog and tell them to ?go find it? (or ?find the treats? if you prefer). They provide great physical exercise, and they?re quite mentally stimulating. Resources & Recommended Reading ? One of my favorite facebook groups that?s filled with awesome canine enrichment advice and activities. Pick up that stuffed toy that?s been sitting on the ground for a few days and invite them for a quick game of tug. They?re mentally stimulating, and they?ll keep your dog busy and engaged for a long time.) Make Your Dog?s Toys Interactive If your dog is bored with their toys start thinking about ways you can make them more interactive. Here?s how to keep your dog from getting bored with their toys. Know Your Dog?s Toy Preferences Not all toys are created equal when it comes to entertaining our dogs. But after 20 minutes? We?ll she?s up and ready to go again. The only downside is that they?re seasonal. Encourage them to chase it, and encourage them by using praise. In other words create your own obstacle course for your dog. Some dogs love anything that bounces, while others prefer stuffed animals. A designated digging area will allow your dog to dig in a controlled environment. It never happened, and I?m embarrassed that it took me so long to catch on. They?re great for keeping your dog mentally stimulated, and they help your dog hone in on their natural sniffing abilities. And since they?re interactive they?ll keep your dog focused on a specific task, giving them plenty of mental stimulation. Does Your Dog Get Bored With Their Toys? Does your dog get bored with toys after awhile? How do you keep them interested? Does your dog have any favorite toys that they never get bored with? Please share with your friends ? This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I?ll earn a commission. I recommend Kongs because they?re dishwasher safe (easy to clean) and pretty tough. And they?re great for those of us who have a hard time keeping up with our high energy dogs ? it?s an activity where your dog does all the hard work. In the wild their ancestors had to hunt and scavenge for their meals. (the article is tailored towards dogs in shelters, but they?re great for any dog) Please share with your friends ? This post contains affiliate links; if you make a purchase I?ll earn a commission. Add in some canine enrichment games as well. You can with some pvc pipe, some bungee cord and a dog toy. They help your dog hone in on their natural talents, and they?re an easy way to keep your dog entertained. Teaching your dog something new, such as jumping over a pole or weaving through an obstacle is quite a mental workout for them. If your dog enjoys the towel game they?ll also enjoy a snuffle mat. There?s plenty of DIY options as well; you can make your own out of an old , , or . The trouble is that excitement doesn?t last. If your dog has a favorite toy feel free to leave that one in rotation at all times. I played ?puppy in the middle? with a friend to get her interested in the ball we were tossing around. So what I do is rotate her toys every week (you can do every couple of days if you prefer). Mental stimulation enriches our dogs lives by giving them something meaningful and challenging to do. Using a food dispensing toy mimics those instincts, and gives your dog an opportunity to use their natural abilities
270b36, 4670cb, 51599a, 532d68, 984be4, e79eb7, sitemap