No Products in the Cart
It's no secret that most small dogs head for the heating blanket when temperatures drop in northern climates, but that doesn't mean that their brains go on vacation. Owners routinely report an increase in energy and "zoomies" during the months where outdoor time is limited, but you can use these indoor enrichment activities to keep your dog's energy under wraps all winter long! Sometimes people tell me "my dog doesn't like toys!" but check out out this article if you struggle with that!
Enrichment (a.k.a. slow feeder) Bowls:
A slow feeder dog bowl is probably the easiest ways to add variety to your dog's life, these maze filled bowls make it harder to access all the food, engaging their brain and providing mental stimulation- all without increasing their calories at all! A happy bonus is that a slow feeding dog bowl helps with digestion and reduces the stress around eating too quickly. We have an article on the benefits of using a slow feed dog bowl here.
Snuffle Mats:
These are another great lazy dog owner hack, and who doesn't love those on busy winter days?
You can throw kibble in the mat, or crumble your dog's favorite treats over the mat. If your dog doesn't seem interested, make the treats bigger and place them on top of the mat, and try using the mat before dinnertime.
Check out this dense snuffle mat we love- it's made with high quality fleece and a tough rubber backing. It's a great option for dogs new to enrichment because the dense fleece can keep bigger treats on top for easy access, but it also makes it easy for you to bury treats deeply for dogs who are aces at enrichment!
Lick Mats:
Dog lick mats can be filled with anything your pup loves- some of them are deep enough to be filled with small treats, but most pups love spreadables like peanut butter, banana, broth, cottage cheese, or parmesan cheese!
You can use dog lick mats with large areas open at a regular spacing to make it easy and repetitive for your dog- which can be very relaxing for anxious dogs- or irregularly spaced and shaped areas which will keep your dogs busy for hours and hours. Both are super options for anxious or nervous dogs, but if your dog is newer to enrichment toys, pick a dog lick mat with larger, more regular spacing.
DIY Options:
Canine enrichment can be done with things you find around the house- try an egg carton and put treats in some of the wells- and then put small tennis balls on top ("eggs"), close the box up (or leave it open to make it easier) and give it to your dog!
Or, a used paper towel (or toilet paper) roll-add some treats or kibble and fold the ends for an easy and inexpensive enrichment toy.
An old towel can be rolled up with treats inside the rolls- give it to your dog so they can unroll!
If you have a basket for your dog toys, hide your dog's favorite toy or treat at the bottom of the basket- and let them find it!
Hiding treats around the house before you leave can also be fun scavenger hunt for your pup!
Check out this article on creating a cardboard box game or this article on a dog indoor obstacle course!
Bits and Paws Subscription Box:
Want an all-in-one inclusive option? Check out subscription box tailored for small dogs, the toys are made especially for small dogs (no gigantic toys in this box!) and come with natural, small batch treats that your dog is sure to love! Plus, every box comes with instructions on how to best use the enrichment toys and incrementally make the enrichment toys more difficult as your tiny dog gains more confidence with them.
_____________________
This winter give your small dogs the benefit of canine enrichment activities to keep their brains busy. By giving them easy indoor activities you can reduce their pent up energy and give them a positive place to refocus their energy!
