Written by Jo-Mari Steinhöbel
When summer gets unbearably hot, daily walks aren’t always safe or comfortable for you and your dog. Luckily, keeping them busy and mentally enriched indoors is just as rewarding. Enrichment games encourage natural instincts like exploring, sniffing and problem-solving.
1. Muffin tin and ball game
An easy DIY game that takes five minutes to set up. By placing treats in a muffin tin with balls covering the treats, your dog will have to use critical thinking to uncover each treat. This encourages their problem-solving and foraging skills.
2. Treat towel challenge
Simply spread some treats on a towel and roll or loosely tie it. Your pup will then use their sense of smell and focus to find and uncover the treats. Scent-based activities are mentally stimulating and help relieve boredom.
3. Snuffle mat
A snuffle mat can be bought or made at home. By searching for the food hidden within the fabric strips, the snuffle mat encourages natural foraging behaviour. Sniffing games like these promote relaxation and mental wellbeing.
4. Puzzle feeder toys
A puzzle toy will require your dog to slide or lift compartments to access food. This feeding enrichment enhances learning and can slow down fast eaters.
5. DIY dig box
Fill a shallow box with dog-safe items like paper or strips of material and hide some treats inside. This allows your dog to safely explore and dig, satisfying their natural instincts while staying indoors.
Dogs naturally love the outdoors, but mental enrichment games will go a long way in keeping your dog happy, occupied and cool indoors during heat waves. Have fun!
For more tips on handling extremely hot weather when you have a pet, read up on heatstroke here.
