Monday – Friday Enrichment Activities
Got a dog that is begging for attention while you are trying to work from home? Here are five enrichment activities to keep your dog mentally stimulated every day of the work-week.
MONDAY – Hide-and-seek
Spread some boxes around a room, hide treats in a few of them and let your dog sniff out the treats. Increase the difficulty by loosely closing the boxes, requiring your dog to figure out how to get inside.
TUESDAY – Muffin Tin Dog Brain Game
Put small training treats or pieces of kibble in a muffin tin and place tennis balls on top. Your dog then must figure out how to remove the balls to get the treats.
WEDNESDAY – The Kong
Starting at under $4, the Kong is the classic treat toy for dogs. Long lasting and multi-purpose, you can
- Loosely fill a Kong with dry dog kibble and your dog will be rewarded simply for rolling it across the floor and gobbling up the treats
- Wedge biscuits into the hole to make your dog work for the reward
- For the ultimate challenge, fill it up with kibble, cover the hole with peanut butter and freeze it. A delicious treat that takes awhile to consume.
THURSDAY – Hidden Treats
Take an empty cereal box – or any other paper-box – add a few treats, tape it shut and give it to your dog. However, be prepared to pick up the shredded remains when you get home as your pup will tear it to pieces.
FRIDAY – Boredom Buster
Save up paper rolls and place them in a large tin can, drop a few treats in each roll and let your dog have fun trying to figure out how to get the goodies out.
Before you start working
Make time for a walk in the morning, it is good for both you and your pup! Don’t forget to incorporate basic obedience commands, practice heel, sit, and place, during your walk. This early morning energy release and brief mental training will have a lasting impact throughout the day.
A word of caution
Always think safety-first when giving your dog a new toy. Know your dog and make sure he doesn’t swallow anything harmful. If you have multiple dogs, give each private space when handing them toys or treats to keep dogs safe.
