Enrichment - Stimulate Your Dog’s Mind, Body, and Senses
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Enrichment Activities
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Experiences
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Bonding
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Dog Bucket List
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For Senior Dog
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Helpers
General
Why is enrichment so important?
Enrichment for your dog is like a daily dose of happiness. It's not just about keeping boredom at bay; it's about stimulating their mind, engaging their senses, and creating a world of fun and learning. Enrichment activities can reduce stress, prevent destructive behavior, and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. They're an essential part of your dog's physical and mental well-being, promoting overall health and happiness. So, whether it's a puzzle toy, a nature hike, or a simple game of hide and seek, enriching your dog's life is a gift that keeps on giving, ensuring their tail wags with joy every day.
Enrichment Activities & Experiences, Bonding
Enrichment Activities
Here are some ideas that stimulate all of your pup’s senses:
Set up a Dog Agility course in your backyard (or inside)
Let your pup play with Puzzle Toys or Sniffing Mat (check out Ollie’s Favorites for inspiration)
Make your dog a deliciously stuffed Kong or Licking Mat (get inspiration from our Kong Recipes section)
Ice cube Tray stuffed with dog-friendly treats and water
Play a Scent Game
Walk with your dog in a new environment
Set up a Ball Pit with hidden treats
Let your dog play in a pile of leaves
Let your dog socialize with new dogs or people (check out our Training section for guidance)
Teach your dog a new trick (get inspiration and guidance in our Members area)
Give your dog a Training session and brush up on the basic obedience commands (you can find inspiration and guidance in our Training section)
Experiences
Strengthen your bond and create unforgettable moments with your furry companion through experiences.
Explore your city (check out our Travel section for inspiration)
Visit a dog park
Teach your dog a new trick (check out our Training section for inspiration)
Get a new toy at your favorite pet store (check out Ollie’s Favorites for inspiration)
Throw a puppy party (check out the Dog-Friendly Celebrations section for inspiration)
Get your dog a puppuccino at Starbucks or your favorite coffee shop
Book your dog a day at the dog spa
Get more ideas from our Dog Bucket List.
Bonding with Your Dog
Deepen the bond with your furry friend through these paws-itively delightful activities:
Give your dog a relaxing doggy massage (guidance in our Wellness section)
Hand-feed your dog
Meditate with your pup (guidance in our Wellness section)
Let your dog pick a toy in your favorite pet store and have a play session when back at home
Get more ideas from our downloadable resource “30 days of bonding with your pup” in our Members area.
Dog Bucket List
Embark on unforgettable adventures with your canine companion through tail-wagging Dog Bucket List experiences. Here are our Top 5:
Top 1: Teach your dog a new trick. You can find ideas and guidance on how to in our Training Section.
Top 2: Take your dog on a ride in a convertible. Don’t forget to travel in style with dog sun glasses (get more ideas in our Fashion Section)
Top 3: Bake your pup home-made dog biscuits. You’ll find a variety of recipes in our Cookies & Treats Section.
Top 4: Give your dog a massage (you’ll find guidance in our Members Area) or book them a spa day in a doggy spa close to you.
Top 5: Teach your dog how to swim. You can find a guidance in our Members Area.
Get the full (downloadable) bucket list with 150+ more ideas in our Members Area. Log in or sign up here.
Exercises for Senior Dogs
While senior dogs may not be as active as they once were, regular low-impact exercise is still important. Short walks and gentle play sessions can help maintain their physical and mental health. Make sure to adapt to your dog’s pace and potential sensory limitations.
Here are examples of good exercises for your senior dog:
Short Walks: take daily walks on a shorter route and make sure to take a lot of stops to rest.
Go for a swim: great exercise as it does not put as much strain on sore joints. Never leave your dog unattended around water, even if they’re a strong swimmer.
Scent games: a good way to get their brain working.
Playing: play your dog’s favorite game - just a little gentler to avoid jumping or twisting.
Socializing: dogs are social creatures and will enjoy hanging out with dogs their own age.
Learn a new Trick: you can teach an old dog a new trick and it’s a great way to keep their mind active.
Helpers
You can find more product ideas in our Ollie's Favorites section.