Dog enrichment and mental stimulation is essential for every dog, especially high-energy puppies. A session of enrichment will use up the dogs mental energy much faster than exercise. Dog enrichment doesn’t need to be extravagant or hard to organize. Here are a few clever ways to keep their pups happy, healthy, and entertained.
KONGS
These mental stimulation food toys are very popular. Fill the toy with anything from peanut butter to yogurt and put it in the freezer. Some dog owners get creative with their recipes and add things like dry kibble, sardines, bully sticks, and mashed bananas. Dogs spend long periods of time with the frozen treat, and they have to use their bodies and minds to get every last lick. You can purchase the Classic Kong here.
Find links to Kongs here https://topgundogtraining.com/blog/f/dog-enrichment-ideas
NOSE WORK
Nose work games can be played almost anywhere and with any kind of treat-containing equipment. The basis of the game is to hide treats and let your pup use their nose to sniff them out. Some dog owners put food in Kongs and hide them in the yard. You can also use homemade pouches, plastic containers, and even Easter eggs. Some of the containers can be easy for your dog to open, but it adds another dynamic to the game if they have to bring their found treasure back to you for their reward. Find more Kong products here.
Find links to Kongs here https://topgundogtraining.com/blog/f/dog-enrichment-ideas
DOG PUZZLE TOYS
Puzzles are a great way to interact with your dog stimulate your pup's brain and have a blast at the same time! Hide treats in the nooks and under the sliding discs of puzzles, and let your dog look for the goodies by trying to pull the discs to the side with his paw or nose. Your pup will love the reward for a job well done, and you'll love watching him put on that doggy thinking cap! I recommend the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Dog Toy or the Trixie Mad Scientist Turn Around Activity Strategy Game Dog Toy, Level 2.
Find links to the puzzles here https://topgundogtraining.com/blog/f/dog-enrichment-ideas
BUBBLES
Chasing and popping bubbles can keep curious dogs active for several minutes at a time. They’ll have fun jumping up to get the bubbles before they float away, and the satisfaction of popping a bubble will keep them focused on the game. Bubble machines spray dozens of bubbles a second, or you can use the old-school wand method to join in on your dog’s entertainment.
Resources
10 Clever Canine Enrichment Ideas You Can Easily Do At Home
Social Links:
Website https://topgundogtraining.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/topgundogtraining
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topgundogtraining
Twitter: https://twitter.com/topgundogtrain
#dogenrichment #dogtraining #puppytraining
