6 Indoor Dog Enrichment Ideas

Written By: Clinton LeClerc

Dog Enrichment Ideas for Winter and Beyond…

As we dig our shovels deeper into winter, many of us are finding ourselves overwhelmed with the extra energy our dogs cannot safely burn on a subzero walk. Enrichment toys and games are becoming more and more popular, but the options can become overwhelming– the price tags, even more so. So, what can dog owners do when Jack Frost has issued a ban on zoomies, hiking, and sniffaris? 

Cardboard Tubes: 

stock photo of 2 cardboard tubes used for dog enrichment

Just finished a roll? Don’t toss that tube! Instead: 

  • Push one end in on itself to create a seal
  • Drop treats or kibble inside
  • Seal the other end

 

Cardboard Boxes: 

stock photo of an open cardboard box to be used for dog enrichment

‘Tis the season for home deliveries! 

  • Drop treats or kibble inside box
  • Want to make it more complicated? Fill the box with cardboard treat tubes (see above)!
  • Don’t have any cardboard tubes on hand? Ball up some junk mail and throw that in on top of the treats, instead!
  • Seal the top 

 

Plastic Clamshell Box: 

stock photo of a plastic clamshell box filled with raspberries to be used for dog enrichment

You probably know where we’re going with this

  • Remove any moisture pads
  • Drop treats or kibble inside
  • Close the top

 

 

flyer with information on hiring a professional dog walker

Old Towel: 

stock photo of rolled up towels stacked used for dog enrichment

Go dig them out of your Goodwill donation bag, there’s still life left!

  • Scatter treats or kibble evenly across flat towel
  • Roll towel up from the bottom of the long end carefully
  • Tie towel into a loose knot

 

Plastic Bottle: 

stock photo of a plastic 2liter bottle used for dog enrichment

You will need a utility knife. Please use with caution. 

  • Cut small holes in random areas along the bottle. 
  • The more holes there are, the easier it is. 
  • The larger the holes are, the easier it is. 
  • Drop treats into the bottle
  • Seal the cap 

 

Metal Bowl:

black and white stock photo of an empty metal bowl on counter used for dog enrichment

This one is for the peanut butter lovers!

  • Spread peanut butter (plain yogurt, cottage cheese, unsweetened applesauce, or other lickable goodies!) along the inner or outer edges of a metal baking bowl in a thin coating
  • Sprinkle treats or kibble atop the spread. You may have to gently push to keep them in place
  • Freeze for 2+ hours

 

Bonus ideas! Check out this and this video from certified trainer Clinton!

Looking for more dog enrichment ideas? Check out this playlist! 

Need extra help? Consider a consultation with VSA Certified Dog Trainer, Clinton LeClerc Book Here

The image is a purple rectangle with a matching ribbon going across the top. There is a silhouette of a person standing and pointing to two dogs sitting on either side of them. White text above reads "Victoria Stilwell Academy Certified Dog Trainer". This is the official graduation badge for a certified positive dog trainer from the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Certified dog trainer Clinton specializes in loose leash train, puppies, reactivity, and more. A purple silhouette of a human hand and dog. The hand is offering orange bone-shaped treats, and the dog is wearing an orange handkerchief. Purple text above reads "Humane" and below "Training Alliance". This is the official emblem of the national positive dog training alliance Humane Training Alliance. Certified dog trainer Clinton specializes in loose leash train, puppies, reactivity, and more.