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Winter is here! While Dexter (RIP) loved the crisp air and cozy days, the colder months can sometimes make it harder to keep our dogs mentally stimulated. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Today, I want to share some of my favorite winter enrichment activities to keep your dog busy, engaged, and happy.
As you know, I’m a big believer in making sure our dogs get the mental stimulation they need to live happy and fulfilled lives. Stewart, my 7-month-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, is no exception. He’s a curious little guy with boundless energy, so I’m always looking for creative ways to keep him entertained when we’re stuck indoors.
Why Mental Enrichment is Essential for Dogs in Winter
When the temperatures drop, it’s tempting to curl up with a blanket and call it a day. But our dogs still need activities that challenge their minds. Canine enrichment isn’t just about “keeping dogs busy.” It’s about giving your dog a way to use their brains, feel accomplished, and, let’s face it, stay out of trouble!
Here are some fun and easy winter activities to try with your dog.
1. DIY Snuffle Mats and Hide-and-Seek Games
One of my go-to activities for Stewart is a DIY snuffle mat. If you’re unfamiliar, a snuffle mat is basically a treasure hunt for treats! You can buy one or make your own using fleece strips and a rubber mat.
Scatter some treats or kibble, if you use kibble, in the mat and let your dog “snuffle” around to find them. This was one of Dexter’s favorites and it kept him focused for a good chunk of time. The snuffle mat is a great enrichment game for senior dogs!
You can also hide treats around the house and encourage your dog to find them. Start easy, and as your dog gets the hang of it, make the hiding spots more challenging.
Make a snuffle mat today!
2. Frozen Food Puzzles
Yes, frozen dog puzzles are a fun and effective winter activity for mental stimulation. Fill a durable dog food toy or lick mat with your dog’s favorite raw food, wet food or homemade “mush mix”. Add some healthy dog treats for extra challenge, then freeze it overnight.
Stewart is still learning about frozen interactive dog toys. This means, after it’s frozen, I allow it to thaw a bit, then give it to Stewart. This ensures it’s not too difficult and he enjoys it. The point of dog enrichment is for your dog to enjoy the activity, not find it frustrating.
3. Indoor Obstacle Courses
You don’t need fancy equipment to create an indoor obstacle course. Use chairs for tunnels, cushions for balancing, and a broomstick for a low hurdle. Guide your dog through the course with treats or toys.
Dexter absolutely lit up when we did this together. It’s not only great mental stimulation but also a fun bonding experience for both of us. And for senior dogs, it’s great for their mobility!
Indoor dog obstacle course ideas!
4. Paper Bag Game
Grab some brown paper sandwich bags, cut a few holes in them, and toss in some treats. Place the bags around the living room for your dog to find, dig around in, and even tear up. It’s a simple but fun way to engage their brain and satisfy their natural instincts to search and explore. Just make sure to supervise your dog during the game to ensure they don’t actually eat the paper!
Watch this canine enrichment game in action!
5. Nose Work Games
Place your dog in another room, grab a few shallow boxes, and toss treats inside. Let your dog out of the room, say “find it” as they enter and start searching. When they find the treats in the box, toss another one inside to keep them engaged. Once your dog gets the hang of it, spread out the boxes, but only hide treats in one of them. Tell your dog to “find it,” and when they do, add some bonus treats inside the box to keep the game exciting.
Learn how to play nose work at home!
6. Training Sessions with a Twist
Winter is the perfect time to teach your dog new tricks or reinforce their existing skills. It’s even better when you add a creative twist! Instead of sticking to the basics, challenge your dog with combined tricks or interactive props to make training sessions more exciting. For example, you can put tricks together into fun sequences, like stepping over a broomstick, weaving through your legs, and spinning in a circle. Or try something more performance-style, such as walking through a hula hoop, circling around you, and finishing with a bow. You can also build on their problem-solving skills by teaching them to “find” a specific toy by name or to put their toys back into a basket. Check out my entire tricks video playlist on Raising Your Pets Naturally and Cavalier Tips and Fun!
7. Cup Game
The cup game is a simple yet mentally stimulating activity for dogs, perfect for a cozy day indoors. Grab some plastic cups and place a treat under one of them. Shuffle the cups around and let your dog figure out which cup hides the treat. Once they get the hang of it, you can make the game more challenging by adding more cups or shuffling them faster.
Or, just let your dog knock the cups around for the rewards. It’s not about perfection, it’s all about engaging their mind and having fun. It’s a great way to entertain your dog on cold winter days while building his problem-solving skills.
Learn how to do the cup game.
8. 101 Things to Do with a Box
This classic dog enrichment game is all about creativity and confidence building. Simply place a cardboard box or any random item in the room and reward your dog for any interaction with it. Whether they sniff it, paw at it, step inside, or push it around, every behavior is worth marking and rewarding.
As your dog gets more comfortable with the game, you can encourage more complex interactions like putting their paw inside the box or nudging it across the floor. It’s a fantastic way to let your dog’s imagination run wild while keeping them engaged on those chilly winter days. Stewart is learning and loving this new game! And I always enjoy watching his problem-solving skills in action.
Learn how to teach your dog the 101 things to do with a box.
9. Toilet Roll Treat Game
This simple yet creative game combines problem-solving and scent work to keep your dog engaged. Start by taking an empty toilet paper roll and punching a few small holes in it. Place some treats inside, fold one end to partially seal it, and the other is open to help the treats escape. Give it to your dog to explore. The holes will let the scent of the treats escape, encouraging your dog to investigate and knock it around.
To make it more exciting, place one treat-filled roll and a few empty rolls inside a cardboard box. Let your dog sniff and paw through the rolls to find the one with the treats. It’s a fantastic way to challenge their nose and their brain! Be sure to supervise the activity to ensure your dog doesn’t eat any cardboard.
Playing with paper games!
10. Interactive Toys and Puzzles
Interactive dog toys and dog food puzzle games are fantastic tools for keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged during the colder months. These toys challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills and provide an excellent outlet for their energy when outdoor playtime is limited. From treat-dispensing balls to advanced puzzle boards with sliding panels and hidden compartments, there’s something for every dog’s skill level and interest.
For beginners, start with a simple treat ball that dispenses small treats as your dog rolls it around. Lick mats are also a great beginning interactive dog toy. More experienced pups might enjoy a multi-step puzzle where they have to lift, slide, or flip pieces to reveal the treats hidden inside. Some toys even allow you to adjust the difficulty level as your dog masters the game, keeping it fresh and exciting.
When selecting an interactive dog toy, consider your dog’s size, play style, and problem-solving ability. Always supervise their play, especially with new toys, to ensure safety and prevent frustration. Interactive dog toys are not just fun, they’re also a wonderful way to strengthen your bond and give your dog a sense of accomplishment.
Tips for introducing your dog to frozen treat toys.
Final Thoughts
Remember, canine enrichment is just as important as physical exercise, especially during the winter months. Our dogs rely on us to provide them with activities that keep their minds sharp and their spirits high.
Try a few of these ideas, and let me know which ones your dog loves the most! And don’t forget, your time and attention are the greatest gifts you can give your dog. These activities are about more than just keeping your dog busy in the winter; they’re about building a deeper bond with your dog.
Stay warm and have fun!
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