Training Tidbit August 2023

Fun For Your Dog

By Wren Schaser

We think a lot about training, safety, providing a good diet, and all the necessities our dog requires, but how often do we consider enrichment opportunities and what is just plain fun for them?

A definition of enrichment — the practice of satisfying a dog’s complex needs.

I have some ideas to share that I’m going to put in the following categories:  

Food-Related Fun.  We know our dogs love to eat!!  

Water-Related Fun — So many options for those pups that love the water.  

Scenting Fun — Scent play is unique because it allows the dog a natural hunting and sniffing outlet that they don’t get from other activities like running, swimming, or more traditional canine sports.

Other Fun Stuff — a general category containing many different types of fun and enrichment.

Before we start with the lists, I want to be clear that not all dogs have the same idea about what is fun.  Really consider your dog here and what is fun for them.  It’s great for your dog to get exposure to some new activities, but try to keep your play time to what’s in the range of fun for your dog.

For example, some dogs naturally love the water and will generally like all the water activities.  Some dogs will naturally not enjoy the water and may be coaxed poolside for the right tasty treat but may never truly enjoy the water.  Keep that in mind when planning activities to enrich your dog’s life.  It’s for them, not for us.

Food Enrichment:

Lick mat
Stuffed kong
Snuffle mat
Homemade treats
Kibble in the grass
Food toy puzzle
A puppucino
Doggy ice cream
Chew bones

Water Enrichment:

Swimming Pool
Wading Pool
Sprinkler
Time at the Lake
Kayaking/SUP
Boating
Time at a Dog Beach
Playing in the rain

Scent Enrichment:

Hide food
Hide toys
Hide odor (essential oils)
Sand pit with hidden toys
Which hand or Which cup
A sniffy walk
Tracking (a scent trail)

Other Enrichment:

Camping
Hiking
Travel
Park time
Toss ball or frisbee
Running
Biking
Obstacle course
Playdate with another dog
Digging in sand
Rotate available toys
Going shopping
Going out to dinner (dog-friendly patio)
Hide and Seek
Massage
Flirt pole
Take a class
Canine sports
Tugging
Interactive toy

Teach something new, even if it is small…Your dog will thank you!
Want some inspiration and guidance, Check Out Our Training Classes!