As loving pet owners, we want the best for our furry companions, and sometimes, we want 5 minutes away from them (this is a judgement-free zone). One way to ensure their happiness and well-being.. and yours is by providing mental and physical stimulation through enrichment activities. And guess what? as an additional bonus, it doesn't have to break the bank! In this post, we'll explore some fun and free DIY enrichment ideas specifically tailored for small dogs tried and tested directly by us!
- DIY Puzzle Toys 'Busy Box':
Got some old cardboard boxes lying around? Time to put them to good use! Cut holes in the boxes and hide treats or kibble inside. Your dog will have a blast sniffing and pawing to uncover the hidden treasures. Use high-reward treats like small pieces of cheese or freeze-dried liver to keep your dog engaged and motivated.
Are you swimming in a sea of boxes and packing paper from all those Amazon deliveries? (No judgment here!) Well, here's a fun idea: grab a handful of treats, hide them, and wrap them up in that packing paper. It's like a really challenging version of pass-the-parcel! Stick that parcel in a box, and for an extra level of difficulty, seal the top shut too!
These enrichment activities are perfect for those times when you have to leave the house. After all, wouldn't you rather come home to sweep up some cardboard scraps than deal with chunks missing from your sofa?
If your furry friend struggles with separation anxiety, don't worry. We've got more tips to help in our blog post: "Helping Separation Anxiety in Dogs".
- Snuffle Mats:
Create your own snuffle mat using an old towel or fleece fabric. Simply cut the material into strips and tie them onto a rubber mat or sturdy base. Sprinkle some treats or dry food between the strips, and let your dog sniff and forage to their heart's content. It's a fantastic way to engage their natural foraging instincts while enjoying tasty rewards.
Don't want to cut it up, don't worry, I've got you. Lay the towel / fabric down and scatter some treats evenly across it. Slowly roll up the towel / fabric until you have a roll, then tie some knots in it. Chuck it to the wolves.. or weenies and get some well deserved peace!
- DIY Agility Course:
Who says you need fancy equipment for agility training? Just grab some chairs, brooms, cushions and tables & set up a makeshift obstacle course. Encourage your small dog to weave between the obstacles, jump over low hurdles (or your legs!), and crawl under tables or chairs. Reward their efforts with high-value treats to reinforce positive behaviour and keep them motivated, get involved too build that bond!
This is great for building a bond with your pooch which will help with your training everywhere. Fido's far more likely to listen to you, when he knows that when he does he gets showered in the good stuff!
- Scent Games:
Harness your dog's incredible sense of smell with DIY scent games. Hide small treats or pieces of cheese around the house and encourage your dog to find them using their nose. You can gradually increase the difficulty by hiding treats in more challenging spots or introducing different scents for them to sniff out. The promise of tasty rewards will keep them eager to participate and engaged in the game. This is another great bonding game!
- Homemade Frozen Treats:
On a hot summer day, treat your small dog to some homemade frozen delights. Blend together dog-friendly ingredients like plain yogurt, mashed banana, and a splash of peanut butter. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays or silicone moulds and freeze until solid. Reward your pup with these refreshing treats after completing enrichment activities or as a special reward for good behaviour.
6. Interactive Feeding Toys:
Turn mealtime into a fun and mentally stimulating activity by using interactive feeding toys. You can create your own by repurposing household items like muffin trays or egg cartons. Simply scatter your dog's kibble or treats into the compartments and watch as they use their paws and noses to retrieve their food. This not only slows down their eating pace but also provides mental stimulation as they work to access their meal.
7. Homemade Tug Toys:
Give your small dog a satisfying outlet for their natural tug instincts with homemade tug toys. All you need is an old t-shirt or towel that you no longer need. Cut the fabric into strips and braid them together to create a sturdy tug toy. You can even add knots at each end for extra grip. Tug-of-war games are not only great for bonding with your pup but also help to strengthen their jaw muscles and provide mental stimulation.
In Conclusion:
Keeping your small dog mentally and physically stimulated is essential for their overall well-being. With these simple and budget-friendly DIY enrichment ideas, you can provide hours of entertainment and enrichment for your furry friend without breaking the bank. Get creative, have fun, and watch your dog thrive!
Remember, every dog is unique, so feel free to adapt these ideas to suit your dog's preferences and abilities. Here's to happy tails and wagging tongues! What DIY tips and tricks have you used with your dogs? Let us know in the comments below!