Indoor Enrichment Ideas for you and your pup!

In Erie County, Pennsylvania, we eagerly anticipate massive snowfalls, and this year didn't disappoint! Our first major snowstorm kicked off on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024, and a week later, the snow is still piling up by the foot!

With all this snow and ice, some of our pups, despite our best efforts to encourage them, just aren't made for this chilly weather. So, as pet owners, it's time to get creative and find exciting ways for our furry friends to burn off that energy they usually expend during walks or outdoor play!

In this article, Nat's Pet Care and House Sitting, LLC presents some exciting and simple ideas for you to enjoy while staying indoors. Get the family involved in your pup enrichment time too!

1. Keep away - Get ready for some fun! Grab your pup's favorite toy or ball and watch the excitement unfold. Have your furry friend sit patiently on all fours while you back away with their beloved toy. Hide it under something or place it down, then give them the green light to dash and retrieve it. Once they get the hang of it, hide the toy even farther away and let them sniff it out. Repeat the game and enjoy the thrill of the chase together!

2. Stair ball toss - Get ready for an exciting twist on the classic game of fetch! We're taking it to the stairs to ramp up the intensity and give your pup an awesome workout indoors. Just make sure to skip this one for older dogs or pups with joint concerns. Covered or carpeted stairs are ideal, as they provide better grip for those speedy paws!

3. Hide and seek - Whether it's you and your family hiding throughout the house for your pup to discover, or it's their beloved toy or treats, hide and seek offers an exhilarating alternative to interactive toy play with Kongs and encourages your pup to think differently. Have your pet sit and stay until everyone is concealed. Once ready, give your pup the thrilling "come here" command and let the adventure start!

   
   

4. Food puzzles - Entice your furry friend with homemade food puzzles! Simply soak and freeze kibble for a delightful challenge. Pour warm water or broth over kibble or wet food and let it soak. Once it's nice and soft, add some tasty treats or a topper, then pop it in the freezer. When it's mealtime, your dog will have a blast licking and uncovering hidden treats, keeping them entertained and happily exhausted, just like after a long walk!

   
   

5. Train and command sessions - Pups love playing and thrive on your attention. Dedicate fun 15-minute sessions for training, starting with basic commands and progressing to advanced tricks. Consistency is key, so practice commands multiple times, rewarding them with pets and treats. Make training an adventure!

   
   

6. Doggy Dance Party - Lift everyone's spirits and let your dog join in the family fun. Pick some favorite energetic tunes, dance around, and involve your pup with cuddles and singing. Once you're done, switch to smooth jazz or dog-friendly music on Alexa to help everyone wind down. Many dogs also like DogTV, a free YouTube channel featuring music and programs for dogs.

   
   

   Now that you've got some tips on some indoor enrichment ideas, set some time aside today! Stay warm and safe indoors from your friends at Nat's Pet Care and House Sitting, LLC!