Dogs, cats and other pets can get bored just like we do. When I’m bored I stay on the couch all day to binge watch on streaming services while snacking Keeping our minds and bodies active is important for our health, and science shows this is true for pets, too.
Earlier this year I became a guide dog puppy raiser and got Junie, who is now 8 months old. I’m raising her to be a guide dog and while she does well when she’s working and training, she is still a puppy. I began to notice Junie’s boredom when she started chewing household items not meant for play, such as shoes and furniture, and displayed excessive digging in the yard along with repetitive, seemingly aimless pacing. These signs all pointed to a lack of activity and stimulation, prompting me to get her some enrichment toys like making Kong ice blocks as advised by a local resource from the Canberra Vet Hospital, whose article on 'Dog Enrichment Tips' offers some valuable tips.
There are many ways you can add some stimulation into your pet’s world that don’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Check out these easy and green pet-parent projects you can try this winter.
Make a snuffle mat
Snuffle mats are another affordable and low-effort enrichment tool that can bring excitement to your dog's routine. These mats, which are essentially a fabric puzzle, stimulate your dog's natural foraging instincts. They're designed for you to hide treats or kibble among their layers, encouraging your pet to sniff and search for their reward. This not only serves to slow down fast eaters but also provides a fun mental workout that can help alleviate boredom.
Snuffle mats are widely available from local pet businesses or pet stores, but they can also be handmade for a more eco-friendly alternative. Check out this guide from Four Paws Australia on 'How to Make a Snuffle Mat', a simple project that could lead to hours of entertainment for your furry friend.
Play the spin-out treat game
Dogs and cats will probably be curious with their keen sense of smell alerting them to the treats hidden within the game. In the Spin-Out Treat Game, your pet will need to spin a bottle so treats can fall out. As they interact with the spinning elements, their initial attempts might be more forceful, pawing or nudging the game in their eagerness to access the treats. However, with time, they will learn to use a more measured approach, nudging the panels gently to reveal their reward. The complexity of the game ensures they remain mentally stimulated, engaging their problem-solving skills.
The game not only satiates their foraging instinct but also fosters patience and dexterity, making it a fantastic enrichment too. Just make sure never to leave your pet alone with plastic bottles to avoid any over-zealous chewers from trying to GET ALL THE TREATS.
Take a walk!
Ok, your kitty may or may not be into this one, but it’s a great way to enrich your pup while de-stressing you both. Walking provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation for both you and your pup. In addition to the cardiovascular benefits and muscle toning that a good walk offers, it also exposes your dog to a variety of stimuli - new scents, sights, and sounds that pique their natural curiosity and encourage exploration. This combination of physical activity and mental engagement can reduce problematic behaviors driven by boredom or excess energy, while also strengthening the bond between you and your canine companion.
Being eco-friendly in all areas of my life is important. Acknowledging the impact of our everyday actions on the environment is crucial, and I constantly seek to reduce my carbon footprint by choosing sustainable alternatives. This not only involves big lifestyle changes, but also small ones like the DIY pet enrichment tools mentioned above. I believe every small step contributes significantly to the larger goal of protecting our planet.
Which of these little projects are you going to try? Let me know by commenting below or sending an email, I'd love to hear from you!
0 Comments