Smoky outside? 3 DIY inside games
tl;dr: When air quality is too bad to go outside, meet your dog’s needs with easy, inside enrichment games inside. This can be as simple as tossing treats in a paper mailer.
Hey friends,
Air quality outside today is nasty. :(
When Trixie and our kiddo Wren are both bored, Wren may try to get Trixie to jump on him. Which may be fun for a hot second and then too scary for one or both.
Watching movies and playing monster truck with the little one. Playing games with Trixie.
When both kid and dog get their needs met, they stay safe and loving together even stuck in a small space all day.
When it’s smoky, here are 3 free enrichment activities for your dog.
1. Two Bowls Game
Put down two bowls or container lids. Then:
Put a tiny treat down in Bowl 1.
Wait for dog to eat the treat
Put a tiny treat in Bowl 2.
Repeat.
Check out this demo with Trixie:
If your dog is flying between bowls, move the bowls 2 inches further apart.
If your dog hesitates, make it easier: put the bowls closer together.
2. Sniffing treat targets
This game gives your dog a chance to use their sniffer!
Set out 5 to 10 small bowls or container tops. Put them around 1 to 2 feet from each other in a random pattern.
Put a treat on each.
If your dog is right next to you as you are setting up, your pup may get the treat as soon as you put it down. That’s okay! If your dog enjoys it, that’s what counts.
If you want your dog to have more chance to use their sniffer, put the treats on all the targets out of reach of the dog, then put all the target down at once.
3. Treats in a bag
Take a piece of recycling — paper bag, paper mailer, cardboard box.
Toss in a bunch of treats.
Give to your dog.
Shredding and digging are normal dog behaviors and this is a great outlet.
Pro tip: If an open paper bag is super easy for your dog, make it a tiny bit more challenging: roll the bag or toss in a few container tops or small towels.
I’m Ilya — dad to both a kid and a dog. I started Compassionate Dude Dog Training because I’ve lived these exact challenges. If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to meet everyone’s needs at once, you’re not alone. I’d love to help.
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