Fun Enrichment Ideas to beat the Heat with Your Dog This Summer

Phoenicians know how hot our summers can get. It's essential to keep our pets as cool as possible. Sadly, it means that they can’t outside as much, especially not after you’re off of work! Fortunately, there are plenty of creative ways to keep your pooch occupied indoors. Here are a few enrichment ideas that you can do inside with your dog to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated these hot summer days.

1. Teach them a New Trick

One of the best ways to engage your pup inside is to teach them tricks. Dogs love to learn and be mentally stimulated, and they'd love nothing more than the chance to work on something new with you. It can be something simple, such as sit, stay, or come. Or something more challenging, such as roll over or scratch. Teaching your dog something new will give them the stimulation they need and the satisfaction of connecting with you. Need help finding a trainer to help you and your pup learn new tricks? Join our Facebook to find resources!

2. Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are designed to engage your dog's senses and keep them mentally stimulated. These toys come in different shapes, sizes, and complexities, and they’re also great puzzle solvers. These toys have compartments that hide treats or small toys, and your dog must figure out how to move the toy to access the rewards. By using interactive toys, not only will you keep your dog mentally stimulated, but you’ll also provide them with a source of entertainment. We LOVE Outward Hound puzzles!

3. Create a Home Agility Course

If your dog loves to move and jump, creating a home agility course is a fantastic way for them to use their agility skills in a fun and exciting way. You can use pillows, chairs, boxes or anything that creates an obstacle to climb or jump over. This activity will not only make your dog physically engaged but also mentally keep them invested.

4. Create a Snuffling Zone

Snuffling zones engage your dog's sense of smell and allow them to search for hidden things like treats inside boxes, containers, or around the house. You can put food, treats, or toys inside, and teach your dog to “find it.” Snuffling will make your dog's nose work harder, and it will keep them busy for an extended amount of time.

5. Go out for a Morning Snifarri

This is by far our favorite way to give our pup enrichment. Try getting up at sunrise and taking your pup out for a sniffari while the morning is still cool. Take your pup to a local outdoor shopping center (there are so many smells!!) or local trail and let your pup lead the way. Allow your pup to take their time sniffing, marking, and exploring, this will help mentally stimulate them and make them tired.

The summer months can be a challenging time for Phoenician dog guardians and their pets, with high temperatures and a limited time outside. Keeping your pup engaged is crucial, and fortunately, there are many things you can do to help. By utilizing these five enrichment activities, you can teach your dog new tricks, keep their senses stimulated, and help them maintain a healthy level of activity, both physically and mentally engaged. Give your pup these fun enrichment activities and keep your pup cool, happy, and occupied.