Dogs love physical exercise, but mental stimulation is also really important for them. Mental stimulation helps them learn, lowers their stress levels, keeps them from being bored and improves their overall health. It also helps to tire them out, as it keeps their brain active and allows them to release pent-up energy. Providing your pet with enrichment toys gives them something to do in between walks and playtime, and encourages independent play, away from their owners.
Lick mats
Lick mats are great for dogs - it allows them to work for their food, while giving them something that takes up time and focus. They come with a number of benefits, including better oral health, reduction in stress and anxiety, releases pleasure endorphins in your dogs brain, and encourages production of saliva which helps break down food.
We recommend using tasty foods that dogs love, such as peanut butter, natural yogurt, blueberries and even wet food, and freezing it to help them last longer.
Puzzle toys
Puzzle toys help to slow down eating during mealtimes, reduce anxiety, promote brain health and reduce boredom for your dog. They’re a great way to slow down a dogs eating, help them feel full more quickly, and manage their weight if that’s something of concern. All this while providing your pet with an interactive puzzle toy, which they’ll love playing with!
Snuffle mats
Scent work is an amazing way to tire out your dogs mind. It can help burn off extra energy and is a rewarding activity, as when they find the treats, they’re able to eat them up! Snuffle mats are usually mats with strips of fabric attached to them, so you can hide your dogs favourite treats and even kibble for them to sniff out!
Kongs
Kongs allow your dog to lick and chew to get to the tasty treat inside. This is another toy we recommend freezing for longevity, and one that comes with many benefits. This rubber chew toy helps promote clean teeth, control plaque and remove food particles - giving dogs a healthy way to past the time.
So if you’re looking for a way to tire your dog out on a rainy day, or just give them something to do while you’re working or cleaning, try out some of the listed enrichment activities - and let us know if you’ve found the perfect one for your pet!