• Take a Sniffy Walk!  Allow your dog to smell what they want, for as long as they want. 

• Treat treasure hunt!  Hide treats around your home or yard for your dog to find.  
  

• Introduce new scents to your dog.  This could include dog-safe essential oil on a cloth, blankets that came from another animal, or store-bought animal scents (sold for hunting or pest control). 
  

• Play soothing classical music, or dog-specific calming soundtracks to help your dog relax. Studies have shown that calming sounds can positively affect a dog's behavior.

• Play books on tape. This may be something you and your dog can enjoy together, or something to leave playing for your dog when they are alone.
  

• Play animal sounds to engage your dog's ears. This is only recommended as a supervised activity. Search online for a sound-specific app to play with.

• Subscribe to DogTV on YouTube, which is specifically designed to engage your dog’s senses.

• Place a bird feeder outside a window where your dog can watch the activity. 

• Vary your walking route to keep sights, and smells and sounds varied on each outing. 

• Does your dog have a favorite treat?  Rotate treat types and flavors to keep their taste buds guessing.  This prevents a high value treat from becoming boring over time.  

• Some dogs love vegetables (raw or frozen).  Be sure to stick to dog-safe options. 
  

• Stuffed kongs are a great way to occupy our dogs for long periods of time.  Fill them with many different tasty snacks - from peanut butter to bananas to baby food! 

• Try a doggy massage!  Use gentle pressure in circular motions on your dog's neck, shoulders and back.  Avoid using too much pressure or causing discomfort.  
  

• Walking on and rolling or digging in different substrates can be an exciting way to pass the time.  Take a walk on sand, dirt, gravel, concrete, or grass.  If your dog wants to roll around, or start digging, you know they’re having fun! 

• Water and ice can provide fun and interesting tactile experiences for your dog.  Offer a baby pool with some water in it, or a frozen treat to your dog in the summer.  
  

• Playtime with age-appropriate social dogs is a great way to burn off mental/emotional energy, and to learn necessary social skills. Keep play frequent, but short and sweet.

• Parallel walks or group walks can also provide protected social contact between dogs, so long as all dogs are given freedom of movement and enjoy being around each other.

• Playing fetch allows your dog to run, chase, and grab toys.  The added benefit is that it encourages coming back to you and dropping objects on cue.  

• Tug with Rules is a safe game to play between adults and dogs.  When played with rules, your dog learns to collaborate with you, practice dropping on cue and to wait patiently for the game to resume.  For more information, check out our handout “Tug With Rules”. 
  

• A flirt pole is a great alternative for the dog who loves to chase and tug.  It is also a safe option for play between children and dogs.  Flirt poles can be purchased online, or made at home using PVC pipe, bungee cord, and a toy.  

• Foraging games involve encouraging your dog to scavenge for food. Store-bought and DIY food puzzles can be a great way to serve meals. For DIY options, use cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, or simply scatter food around the house or yard.

• Treat Clicker training and other learning games mentally tier out your dog in a healthy way. Teach your dog a new trick, or take up a dog sport such as agility, treibball, or canine freestyle.