Dog enrichment is essential to keeping your dog physically and mentally healthy as they age. What is dog enrichment, you ask? It is a set of activities that centers around your dog’s instinctual needs. By providing constructive activities for your dog to channel their natural impulses, you help stimulate positive behavior and combat unwanted habits. Our professional dog handlers are here to provide five great ideas for dog enrichment activities.
1. Interactive Puzzle Toys
Did you know that 15 minutes of mental stimulation is equivalent to 30 minutes of physical activity for your dog? Puzzle toys keep dogs physically and mentally active while they work toward a goal, like unlocking a treat or finding the source of a squeak. These puzzle toys can help improve your dog’s cognitive skills by boosting mental stimulation. This added mental stimulation can also help with destructive behaviors by shifting your dog’s energy toward problem-solving activities.
2. Scent Work Games
Scent work games revolve around having your dog locate various items based on smell. While humans have around six million smell receptors in their noses, the average dog has just over 200 million, meaning this comes naturally to your dog. Nose work activities are fun for your dog and mentally exhausting, making them great for burning excess energy. An easy way to get started is by taking high-value treats you know your dog loves and hiding a couple in the grass.
3. Dog Enrichment DIY Snuffle Mats
If you want to combine the benefits of scent work and interactive puzzle toys into a fun DIY project, a snuffle mat is perfect for your pup and you. A snuffle mat is a flat board with pieces of cloth and fabric woven through, allowing you to hide pieces of food for your dog to find. To make a snuffle mat at home, take a rubber sink mat or any sturdy mat with holes. Cut strips of fabric (old t-shirts or fleece work well) about an inch or two wide and eight to 10 inches long; thread the fabric strips through the holes and tie them securely in place until the whole board is covered.
4. Doggie Day Care
Playtime with other dogs is an excellent form of enrichment, offering both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Social interactions with fellow dogs help to develop better communication skills and reduce feelings of isolation. Doggie day care allows your dog to engage in safe, supervised play with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. At The Hydrant Hotel, we offer a comprehensive doggie day care service where your furry friend can spend the day socializing, playing, and burning off energy in a fun and controlled environment. Whether your dog is naturally social or needs encouragement, day care is a great way to ensure they get the stimulation they need.
5. Frozen Treats and Chew Toys
Frozen treats and chew toys are great ways to keep your dog engaged and cool, especially during warmer months. Chew toys help satisfy your dog’s instinct to gnaw, promoting dental health and reducing anxiety. Frozen treats, like yogurt or peanut butter popsicles, provide a refreshing break and added stimulation. For added convenience, The Hydrant offers a variety of frozen treats for sale, perfect for at-home enjoyment or to keep our boarding guests happy during their stay.
If you’re looking for doggy day care near Riverhead, NY, The Hydrant is the perfect choice. As the #1 luxury pet hotel, we offer a fun, engaging, and safe environment for your dog to socialize and play. Whether for the day or an extended stay, your dog will enjoy plenty of enrichment and attention.
Learn more about our doggy day care, or contact us to get started!
