Did you know that your dog is just a captive animal? Dogs are animals with wild ancestors that live alongside us in a very human world. Now, if you asked Manzo how he felt about living with me and being forced to sleep on a super comfy bed I am certain he would not complain. Life for these animals can be difficult especially so when their opportunities shrink. If you live with a dog who struggles with reactivity (not sure? Read our blog here) then you know what I’m talking about. You are likely avoiding the beautiful, longer hikes. You are avoiding having friends over and you are probably trying your best to keep your dog away from their triggers. (read more on avoidance for reactivity here) As their world grows smaller in an attempt to decrease their stress their quality of life can suffer, and so can your shoes!
Dogs whose needs aren’t being met will often find creative ways to solve that very problem.
I can’t go for a long hike and sniff for crumbs in the grass. Perfect, I’ll hunt for snacks on the counter instead or chew your shoes.
I can’t run around with reckless energy and be free? Okay then, I’ll race around with the couch pillows while you’re at work.
Problem solved.
Let’s take some time for any dog struggling with reactivity, sensitivity, or even dogs who need rest for other reasons to make sure their needs are being met. Here are 5 DIY dog enrichment ideas you can do to get started.
5 DIY Dog Enrichment Games
1. Sniffari (or a sniffing safari)
You have likely heard of this before, going someplace novel with your pup and just following their nose. It can’t be understated just how valuable this opportunity for “sightseeing” can be for more sensitive dogs. Before you venture out with your dog please consider your location. I want your dog to relax and feel safe while they are exploring their surroundings. Choose a location where you’ll be sure not to encounter any of your dog’s triggers. You could rent a sniffspot (click here to get $5 off your first visit!) or you could ask a friend or family member if you can use their yard. Every town has those secret spots that you don’t tell anyone about so go exploring (without your dog first) and find a good location. Once there I like to use a harness and long leash and allow my dog to move about freely while I remain attached to their leave, only intervening for safety's sake. Let your dog’s nose lead the way, follow them where they’d like to go (within reason), and let them sniff their picks for as long as they would like. Set a timer and when you’re all done that's when the treats can come out to help them back to the car.
A Sniffari encourages sniffing and foraging behaviors, builds independence and resilience, and gives your dog physical exercise and new sensory stimulation. It’s an enrichment jackpot!
2. Forage Bin
You’ve likely heard us recommend this a million times over but again, it’s just such a good one you can’t skip it! There are hundreds of ways you can create this. You could use your dog’s toy bin, you can buy them a ball pit, or you can save your dog-safe recycling and an empty box from your last dog food shipment, and bam- you have a state-of-the-art foraging bin! Layer in the goods by sprinkling their food or some treats to get them interested in working through the material, hunting for their food.
A forage box provides a safe outlet for foraging and digging, both species-typical behaviors. It gives your dog an opportunity to problem-solve independently which will build their confidence and resilience. It’s also extremely easy to do!
3. Nose Work Games
Some of our favorite nose work games include placing a few empty boxes in a room away from your dog. Only one of them has food in it. Let your dog into the room to hunt for their prize! You can also place treats inside of toilet paper tubes or plastic cups and hide them around the house, then tell your dog to “find it!” Watch as they race around looking for the goodies. Those with less enthusiasm for problem-solving can still enjoy this activity. Sprinkle some treats on an old towel and roll it into a messy ball. Give it to them to sniff through hunting for each morsel.
Sensitive dogs often struggle with the ability to relax after something really exciting or arousing happens. Sniffing is one of the best ways to help them through this. Incorporate nose work games into your dog’s daily enrichment to help keep them relaxed more often.
4. Tug of War
I know I know. There is a lot of information out there about how playing tug with your dog can create aggression. Here is the thing, if your dog bites you when you play with toys then please skip this exercise. If your dog loves playing tug but occasionally gets out of hand, then this is for you! With all games that deal with arousal, there needs to be rules. First, we want to make sure your dog knows how to Drop It on cue. Second, ask them to sit before you begin. By incorporating these rules we’ll actually start to help our dogs self-regulate. When your dog sees a trigger and gets worked up where does that energy go? When your dog plays tug and gets worked up, where does that energy go? By teaching your dog to sit and pause for just a moment while playing tug you’ll be flexing the muscle of self-regulation which transfers to any similar situations in their life.
Tug of war is a great interactive game to play with your dog. It’s a wonderful form of physical exercise and mental stimulation making this a great enrichment activity for any dog.
5. Flirt Pole
This is one of our favorite ways to physically exercise dogs who are in good shape. This one isn’t safe for younger dogs or older dogs with arthritis. A flirt pole is like a giant teaser toy for a dog. They can run and chase the toy, catch it, and prance around before going again. As with tug though this one can get dogs worked up so we want to make sure that there are rules to the game so that it’s not just safe but it also helps to build your dog’s impulse control. (click here to see this one in action)
A flirt pole is a great form of physical exercise and mental stimulation. It also provides a nice opportunity for problem-solving as your dog hunts and chases the toy.
Which one will you try with your dog? Our dogs have all enjoyed these enrichment activities and more. We love bringing new things into their world, it’s just fun! Is there something we should add to this list? Comment below and share with us.
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