As the weather changes and the days get shorter, it can be tough to keep your dog entertained indoors. Fortunately, there are many ways to provide your dog with indoor enrichment to keep them happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated.
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What is Dog Indoor Enrichment?
First, it’s important to understand what indoor enrichment means. Indoor enrichment refers to activities and toys that provide mental and physical stimulation for your dog when they are inside. It’s essential for your dog’s well-being, as it can help prevent boredom, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote good behaviour.
Dog Indoor Enrichment Ideas
Here are some ideas for indoor enrichment:
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are a great way to stimulate your dog’s mind. You can fill them with treats or kibble to provide a fun and challenging experience. There are many different types of puzzle toys available, from simple to complex, so you can choose the one that best suits your dog’s skill level.
You might also like these related blog posts:
- The Ultimate Guide to Dog Puzzle Toys
- Choosing the Right Dog Puzzle: A Comprehensive Guide
- How Puzzle Toys can help fulfil Your Dog’s Innate Needs
- How Dogs Strategise and Problem-Solve with Dog Puzzles and Enrichment Toys
- Full Guide to Nina Ottosson | Outward Hound Dog Puzzles
Here are some of our favourite Dog Puzzle Feeders (you will be linked to the Amazon product page and can find there additional information, reviews, availability, prizes etc. Please note, these are Affiliate links).
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MY INTELLIGENT PETS Sudoku Medium Genie Colour -
MY INTELLIGENT PETS Travel Dog – Portable 2-in-1 Intelligent Dog Puzzle -
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Lickin’ Layers Interactive Dog Puzzle Game and Slow Feeder -
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble Interactive Treat Ball Dog Puzzle Dog Enrichment Dog Toy, Level 1 Beginner
Hide-and-Seek
Hide-and-seek is an excellent way to engage your dog’s sense of smell and encourage them to use their problem-solving skills. Start by hiding treats or toys around the house and encouraging your dog to find them.
Interactive Toys
Interactive toys, such as tug toys or fetch toys, are a great way to bond with your dog and provide them with physical exercise. Choose toys that are durable and safe for your dog to play with.
You might also like these related blog posts:
- 3 Reasons You Should Play Tug With Your Dog
- How To Introduce Your Dog To Tug
- How To Teach Your Dog To Play Tug Of War Safely: A 7-Step Guide
- Tugging Myths Debunked
- Top 5 Tug Questions Answered By Our Play Expert
- Four Games You And Your Dog Can Play With A Tuggy
- How To Teach your dog the ‘Leave it’ Cue
- How to teach your dog impulse control (with games)
Here are some of our favourite Dog Toys (you will be linked to the Amazon product page (or Tug-E-Nuff, as a dog trainer I am a partner and you can save with my code BULLYCO) and can find there additional information, reviews, availability, prizes etc. Please note, these are Affiliate links).
Indoor Agility Course
Set up an indoor agility course with household items such as chairs, brooms, and blankets. This is a great way to challenge your dog’s physical abilities and provide them with a fun and stimulating activity. Please make sure any exercise is safe and appropriate for your dog (avoid slippery floors etc).
Training
Use indoor time as an opportunity to work on training with your dog. Teach them new tricks or practice basic obedience commands to keep their mind engaged.
You might also like these related blog posts:
- “Do No Harm” Dog Training® by Linda Michaels
- Aversive Dog Training Tools: What Aversives Do and Alternatives
- Easy tricks to teach your dog: How to teach your dog to ‘Sit Pretty’
Remember, the key to indoor enrichment is variety. Rotate toys and activities regularly to keep things interesting for your dog. Providing your dog with indoor enrichment is an essential part of their well-being, and it’s a fun and rewarding way to spend time with your furry friend. As is Rest and Calmness! Remember that dogs also need a lot of down time and sleep or at least rest a lot during the day. So, Resting and Passive Calming Activities should be on your list too!
You might also like these blog posts:
- Understanding Dog Needs with the Hierarchy of Dog Needs by Linda Michaels
- The Importance of Decompression for Dogs: What it is and How to Implement it
- 5 Signs Your Dog Needs Decompression and How to Provide It
- Decompression Walks for Dogs – Why, What, How? All you need to know
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