We're not even halfway through winter, and many of us—and our pups—are already feeling a little stir-crazy. Cold weather and shorter days can make it harder to get outside and burn off energy. My go-to solution? Extra mental stimulation! Keeping your dog’s brain engaged is a fantastic way to keep them happy indoors.
Mental stimulation is essentially a workout for your dog's brain. Just like humans need activities to stay sharp, dogs thrive on mental challenges, no matter their age. This can be as simple as practicing existing training, learning a new trick, solving a puzzle toy, using a food or treat dispenser, or even engaging in scent work or a game of hide-and-seek around the house. Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise—without it, dogs can get bored, and a bored dog often finds trouble!
So, how do you know if your dog is getting enough mental stimulation? Some key signs of boredom or lack of challenge include destructive behavior, ignoring commands, pacing, whining, or excessive barking. As we all know, a tired dog is a happy dog!
Most dogs need at least 20-30 minutes of focused mental stimulation daily, though high-energy breeds may require even more. When the weather is nice, your dog likely gets much of this through walks, training, outdoor exploration, car rides, and adventures with you.
Here are some of my favorite ways to add mental stimulation during the winter months—beyond the traditional frozen Kong and training sessions!
Switching your dog’s meals from a regular bowl to a snuffle mat is a simple yet effective way to add mental stimulation to their routine. A snuffle mat is a fabric mat with layers of fleece or felt strips where you can hide kibble or treats, encouraging your dog to use their nose to sniff them out. It taps into their natural foraging instincts, slows down fast eaters, and keeps them entertained while working for their food.
One product I absolutely love for my own pack, clients, and fosters is the Woof Pupscile! I actually prefer it over the classic Kong—not only because it’s easier to clean, but also for the variety of options it offers. The Pupscile refills are suitable for all life stages and dietary needs, and there’s even a refill tray (which I personally prefer) that allows you to make your own recipes—perfect for picky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs.
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Puzzle toys are another great way to provide mental enrichment, and I’ve especially enjoyed this one because it allows you to adjust difficulty levels. It can even hold almost an entire meal for a smaller breed once they’ve figured it out. Plus, the interchangeable tops keep your pup engaged by offering new challenges as they work for their food.
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