Physical exercise is incredibly important. But mental stimulation is arguably just as important, if not more so. It is thought that 1 hour of physical exercise is equivalent to 10 minutes of mental training. It is a great way to tire out your furry friend, as well as leaving them feeling fulfilled and happy.
There are plenty of ways to mentally challenge your pooch, from a sniffy walk in a new park to some of the more fancy toys explicitly designed for brain games.
Busy? Get Your Hands Paws On The Answers Quickly…
- Benefits Of Canine Enrichment Games
- How To Make A Frozen Muffin Tin Game For Dogs
- Quick Video On How To Make A Frozen Muffin Tin For Dogs
- Printable PDF Guide
Benefits Of Canine Enrichment Games:
- Tires your dog out – A tired dog tends to be easier to train and better behaved
- Increase brain capacity – Playing games keeps your dogs brain sharp
- Rewarding for your dog – Being rewarded with treats or toys is great for dogs, it keeps them happy and mentally healthy
- Lowers stress and anxiety – Increasing physical and mental exercise is excellent for decreasing mental stress for your dog
- Increases the bond between you and your dog – Introducing new and fun games is exciting for your dog, by helping and playing these games, you will improve and build your relationship
We love finding games our dogs enjoy, and they’re perfect when you can only do a short walk or as an additional enrichment activity.
This is a great one for dogs who are anxious as the licking motion relieves stress.
It works well on a warm day, but do not use ice to cool them down as it can have the opposite effect.
It’s a super easy activity to set up. We use whatever dog-safe leftovers we have in the house. Try different things and see what your dog likes.
HOW TO MAKE A FROZEN MUFFIN TIN GAME FOR DOGS
Equipment:
- Muffin tin
- Treats (we used dog safe fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese, kibble, and treats)
- Water
Directions:
1. Place the treats in each section of the tin.
2. Pour water over the treats. We left a bit of the treat uncovered.
3. Place the tray in the freezer for 5+ hours. The longer it is in the freezer, the harder it will be for the dog.
4. Allow to defrost slightly until it is no longer sticky. This will avoid any tongues, noses, or paws getting stuck!
5. Play!
QUICK VIDEO ON HOW TO MAKE A FROZEN MUFFIN TIN FOR DOGS
Disclaimer: Always supervise your dog when using enrichment toys. Make sure the ice is defrosted slightly so their tongue, nose, and paws do not stick. If your dog is a vicious chewer, be mindful that ice can damage their teeth. Ice should not be given to a dog on a hot day to cool them down as it can have the opposite effect.
Not ready to make the snuffle mat? Looking to share the instructions with friends?
Print the guide here and save and share!
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Disclaimer: Each dog is different, and every circumstance is different. All efforts have been made to provide accurate information. However, it is not provided by a qualified Veterinarian, Veterinarian Surgeon, or Behaviorist. The information provided is purely educational. The information should not be used as an alternative or substitute for medical care. If you have any health or medical concerns, contact a qualified Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinarian immediately.
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