Sometimes it’s just too cold, dark, or rainy to venture out for a walk, but your Floof still needs activity to keep them happy, tired, and calm. But we have good news – just 15 minutes of brain-work can tire dogs out as much as an hour of walking!
Mental enrichment like obedience and trick training or activities that tap into their natural instincts like sniffing, chewing and digging, can be just as tiring as physical exercise, and it’s a great way to keep tails wagging when it’s too wet to head outside.
Try these rainy-day activities with your Floof this winter:
1. LickiMat. Spread peanut butter (100% peanuts only) or yoghurt on your LikiMat, or crack an egg, spread around and microwave it in 30-sec increments until fully cooked through and cool. The repetitive licking is calming and can keep them happily occupied for at least 15-20 minutes.
2. Toilet roll treasure hunt! Pop a few treats inside empty cardboard toilet rolls, fold both ends over, and hide them around the house for your dog to sniff them out and tear them up. It’s simple, cheap and gives their brain a workout.
3. Destruction Boxes! Fill a cardboard box with toys, scrunched-up paper, towels, empty boxes and other clean recyclables. Scatter and hide treats inside and let your dog sniff, dig and shred! It’s a fun way to satisfy those natural foraging and tearing instincts.
Add on 15-minutes of playtime or working on tricks and training to really connect with your Floof while tiring out their brain! While it doesn’t replace their cardio and zoomies, enrichment is an important tool to keep your dog happy, relaxed, and mentally fulfilled when the weather has other ideas. So next time the rain is pouring down, stay inside and let the indoor adventures begin.
Tire out your Floof this winter with daycare fun at Floofsters!
Book your first ½ day daycare trial before August 31st and it’s FREE!
Call 021 082 23904 or email play@floofsters.co.nz to book
