In addition to physical exercise, our dogs also need mental exercise in order to be well adjusted family dogs.  They often spend most of their time in one environment (our home), and when they’re out in public, we expect them to be calm and well behaved pets by our side.  

Enrichment provides mental stimulation and can prevent boredom and help to correct behavior problems in dogs.  If dogs don’t get the opportunity to channel their energy into an organized activity, they may create their own “fun” (which is not always appreciated by the humans in their lives!).  Enrichment for dogs doesn’t require a lot of time or expense- see below for some easy and fun challenges for your dog!

Nose Work:

Nose work is a fun activity that allows your dog to use their natural ability to hunt.  Nose work games are easy to play, can be done indoors, and dogs absolutely love them.  Nose work games also help your dog hone in on their natural talents- sniffing things out!

A Beginning Nose Work Challenge

• Put your dog into a “stay” or “down” position

• While he’s watching you, walk to the other end of the room and place a favorite treat or his favorite toy somewhere where he can find it

• Give the cue to release and tell your dog to “find it”

• After a few repetitions, they will learn what you are expecting them to do

• Gradually build up distance and new areas throughout the home and yard

• Once your dog understands how to “find it”, you can place the treats or toys out of sight and have them use their nose to search it out

“Which Hand?” Game

• While your dog is watching, place a small piece of food or treat in one of your hands and close your fists

• Present your dog with both hands and ask him ”which hand?”  This is also a great activity to help teach your dog patience and impulse control while waiting for you to start the game

• Praise him when he lightly nudges, puts his nose on your hand, or paws at the correct hand (praise whatever behavior you prefer to reinforce)

• If he chooses the wrong hand, open your hand to show him where the treat is, then close your fists and try again.

• When he gets it right give him a ton of praise and reward him with the treat.

• You can increase the difficulty of this activity by putting treats under cups or paper plates on the floor and shuffling them before asking your dog to find the treat

The Box Game

• Find a few cardboard boxes (any size will work) and super yummy (and highly scented) treats.  

• While the dog isn’t looking, put a treat in one of the boxes

• As he finds the treat, offer praise and a few bonus treats

• Put a fresh treat in the same box and rearrange the boxes

• Encourage your dog to find the treat box again

• Step it up a notch: put the treat in different boxes, put different treats in each box to see which treats your dog loves the best, or keep your dog out of sight while you place the treats and then bring them into the room to “search”

Snuffle Mats:

Another way to engage your dog mentally is to provide nose work using a Snuffle Mat.  

Snuffle Mats can be purchased from many pet stores as well as online retailers, but they’re easy to make at home!  Snuffle Mats are engaging to dogs because they have to figure out how to get the food out of the folds of the fleece material in the mat.  If your dog is not always focused on their food during mealtimes, putting their meals in the Snuffle Mat can be more engaging and help them to eat faster.  Snuffle Mats are also useful for dogs who eat too quickly, as it forces them to slow down and eat piece by piece. Snuffle Mats are not just for mealtimes- yummy (or healthy) treats can be hidden in the folds for times when your dog seems bored or you need to distract them (they’re great for vet trips!).

Directions on how to make your own Snuffle Mat:

https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/blog/diy-make-your-dog-or-cat-a-snuffle-matt/

They are a great service project for youth or community groups, and our foster dogs would love any that you would like to make and donate!