When the weather outside is frightful, there are many ways to keep your dog active and entertained without leaving your house. Making sure your dog is getting enough entertainment/enrichment is important for all dogs, regardless of their age and size. Keeping your dog busy both physically and mentally can help make your lives together easier and more fun. A dog whose entertainment needs are being met is less likely to display boredom-related behavioral challenges such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. Keeping your dog entertained also can be a great way to bond with your dog and overall make your dog happier.
Feed in treat releasing toys
One of the easiest ways to provide entertainment to your dog is by giving your dog treats by releasing balls, toys, and puzzles. You can use treats in these toys, or you can use your dog’s UnKibble. Without adding many extra calories to your dog’s diet, feed some or all of your dog’s meals in a food/treat-releasing toy. This turns your dog’s mealtime into an entertaining game. Shifting your dog from eating in a bowl to eating in a toy will encourage your dog to eat slower, which can be good for digestion.
Create foraging opportunities
Dogs explore the world through their sense of smell, and a fun way to entertain your dog is to provide foraging opportunities where your dog gets the chance to sniff and explore. An easy way to do this at home is to purchase a snuffle mat to sprinkle your dog’s treats and kibble into. Alternatively, you can create a DIY foraging opportunity with supplies you probably already have around your house. All you need is an old towel; the bigger, the better, and dog treats or kibble. Start with the towel all the way unrolled, and then sprinkle in UnKibble as you roll the towel like a giant cinnamon roll. Then, give it to your dog and let them find the treats as they sniff, forage, and explore. You can also take empty boxes and hide treats or your dog’s kibble inside to create a search and forage game for your dog.
Practicing manners & tricks
Training with your dog is a fun way to burn off mental and physical energy at home. Use treats, toys, and play to make training fun with your dog. Work on your dog’s basic obedience skills or teach something new.
If you’re looking for a way to make obedience training more entertaining for you and your dog, consider working toward the American Kennel Club’s Virtual Home Manners Puppy or Adult title. These titles can be earned from home by recording your dog doing a series of skills that demonstrate they are a well-behaved dog. They are all open to mixed breed and purebred dogs. If you’re wanting to teach your dog some new skills, consider getting involved with Tricks as a sport. Dogs of all mixes and breeds can earn trick titles from home via video from organizations like Do More With Your Dog and the American Kennel Club. Tricks can provide your dog with physical exercise when it’s too cold or wet to spend a lot of time outside. Teaching your dog new skills can also help to improve your relationship with your dog by increasing the bond you share. Working towards trick titles is helpful as it gives you a structure to your training sessions and a goal to work towards.
Give your dog chews
If you’re looking to add more entertainment to your dog’s daily life, a few chews can go a long way. Keep your dog entertained by making sure your dog has access to dog-safe chews. Chewing is a natural activity that dogs like, but it also helps them to feel better. Chewing releases serotonin for dogs, making them calmer and more relaxed as they chew. Chewing can help to relieve stress and occupy a dog when you don’t have time to play or when your dog needs to entertain themselves.
Make time to play
Play provides a lot of entertainment for dogs. It’s essential to make sure your dog has an array of toys to engage with around your house and yard (if you have one). In addition to providing your dog with toys, be sure to engage your dog in interactive play daily. Experiment with different toys and games to see what your dog likes best. Some dogs love to fetch, and others prefer tug or chase-style games. Take note of what activities and games your dog enjoys most, and then find time daily to play with your dog.
Make sure to provide enrichment opportunities in your dog’s daily life. Entertained dogs are less likely to be bored and can live more satisfied and happy lives. Making sure your dog gets enough entertainment can also decrease the likelihood of frustrating behaviors. These activities can help keep your dog’s body and mind active while providing an outlet to let your dog use their instincts to chew and forage. Not only can providing entertainment for your dog improve your dog’s life, but it can also improve your bond with your dog.
