Use the natural world
- Take your dog on a walk in a new place and allow them to sniff whatever they want, for as long as they want!
- Take your dog out to new places-novelty is mentally stimulating! Breweries and restaurants, Home Depot, a new park, farmers market, etc. Bonus points if they get to sniff and meet new people (if your dog desires)!
- Toss kibble or treats in the grass and allow your dog to use their nose to find the food. You can do this during meal time!
At home diy
- Fun box: Put toys, newspaper or towels in a box, layered with treats or kibble. Allow your dog to use their nose and dig through the box to find the food. To increase difficulty, you can close the box (if cardboard) before giving it to your dog, or hide food inside a piece of the crumpled up newspaper or towel inside the box. This encourages your dog to use problem solving skills to open the box, and to “legally” shred things to find food-a natural instinct!
- Rolled up towel: Place a treat or some kibble in a towel, roll it up and set it on the ground. Allow your dog to figure out how to unroll it. To increase difficulty, tie the towel in a knot. For super chewers, freeze the towel with the food in it. Monitor to ensure your dog does not consume the towel.
- Muffin tin: Place a treat or some kibble in each section, then place a tennis ball or a small toy on top. Allow your dog to figure out they have to nudge or pick up the item to get the food.
- For chewers: soak a large carrot in chicken broth, then freeze it.
- For shredders: wrap treat or kibble in many layers of newspaper, allow dog to “legally” shred to unwrap the food!
Food Puzzles
Not looking to spend too much time on making enrichment? No problem, there are plenty of food puzzles on the market for purchase. My personal recommendations are below, but there are plenty of other options out there!
- This snuffle mat encourages your dog to use their nose to find their food. Just sprinkle kibble or treats onto the mat! To increase difficulty, you can roll the mat up or tie it in a knot.
- This food puzzle encourages problem solving skills. Just roll the ball to get the food out!
- This food puzzle also encourages problem solving skills, your dog must nudge it to get the food out.
- Licky mats and kongs are great frozen, or room temp! You can use wet food, yogurt, peanut butter, cottage cheese, apple sauce, etc.