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💡 100 Enrichment Ideas
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#IDEA 49. Hang a treat-filled container from a string and let your dog break it open like a piñata.
#IDEA 50. Cut 2 holes on opposite sides of a tennis ball and stuff it with your dog's kibble, before passing a thing rope toy or braided cloth for your dog to have to pull. Tie additional knots for extra difficulty.
#IDEA 51. Grab a cardboard box or plastic bin and throw as many of your dog's toys and balls in there and throw in some snacks and their kibble!
#IDEA 52. Take a brown paper bag and place inside it some of your dog's favourite treats (small pieces) and/or their kibble. Fold it as much as possible before giving it to your dog for him to snuffle or shred the bag to get to each piece!
#IDEA 53. Find a clean, empty plastic water bottle and fill it a third of the way with kibble and a couple of treats. Secure the cap tightly, then wrap the bottle in an old sock to dampen the noise and make it more fun to chew and toss around. If your dog starts trying to chew it too much, turn it into a different game, where they either practice their recall by coming to you when called, and get other treats that way, or by learning that when they do shake it or toss it around, that you reward that instead of chewing it.
#IDEA 54. Take an old t-shirt or towel and cut it into three long strips. Tie the strips together at one end with a knot, then braid the strips tightly and tie another knot at the other end. This creates a durable, homemade tug-of-war toy. You can also hide small treats within the braid to add an extra layer of challenge. If your dog starts to chew on the toy too much, encourage them to focus on pulling instead by rewarding them for engaging in a tugging motion rather than chewing.
#IDEA 55. Gather a few cardboard boxes and create a simple maze or fort for your dog. Cut out entrances and exits in different spots, and make the pathways narrow enough that your dog has to squeeze through. You can place treats or toys inside to encourage exploration. This maze will stimulate your dog's mind and keep them entertained as they navigate through it.
#IDEA 56. Find an old fleece blanket or towel and cut it into strips about 1-2 inches wide. Take a rubber sink mat with holes and start tying the strips through the holes until the entire mat is covered. You can then sprinkle kibble or small treats between the fleece strips, creating a homemade snuffle mat. This encourages your dog to use their nose to find the hidden food, providing mental stimulation. If your dog tends to be rough with it, encourage gentle sniffing and foraging by rewarding calm behaviour.
#IDEA 57. Take a tennis ball and make a small slit on one side using a utility knife. Ensure the slit is big enough to insert treats but small enough that the treats don't fall out too easily. Fill the ball with small treats or kibble. The challenge for the dog is to figure out how to manipulate the ball to get the treats to come out. If your dog becomes frustrated, you can encourage them by partially squeezing the ball to release a treat and show them how it works.
#IDEA 58. Take a muffin tin and place small treats or kibble in some of the cups. Cover each cup with a tennis ball or other small toy. Your dog will have to figure out how to remove the balls or toys to access the treats underneath. This game encourages and can be adjusted in difficulty by using different types of covers or placing the tin in different locations.
#IDEA 59. Take an old towel and lay it flat. Sprinkle some kibble or small treats along the towel, then roll it up tightly, making sure to tuck in the ends to keep the treats from falling out too easily. You can also tie the rolled-up towel in a knot for an extra challenge. Your dog will need to figure out how to unroll or untie the towel to get to the treats, providing both mental stimulation and a fun reward.
#IDEA 60. Take a cardboard tube from a paper towel roll or toilet paper roll and cut small holes along its length. Stuff the tube with small treats or kibble, and seal the ends with paper or tape. Your dog will need to roll, shake, or manipulate the tube to get the treats to fall out through the holes. This simple toy provides mental stimulation and encourages . Supervision is necessary to ensure your dog does not chew or ingest any part of the cardboard.
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