April is Active Dog Month

Active Dog Checklist: Ways to add some activity to your dog's life.

I don’t know what it is about April?

Active Dog Month always seems to turn into surgery recovery month for us, but we’re going to get out and get as much activity in before his appointment. 

Is your dog active enough?

Healthy adult dogs need between 30 minutes and 2 hours of active exercise. But remember that being “active” can be more than just a walk or a run.

Are your dog walks "active"? Are they fast, slow, structured, or sniffy?

Mix it up!

Do you feel sorry for pups that are only allowed to walk at heel and never get the opportunity to sniff?

It's kind of like going window shopping and never getting to go inside the stores…

It’s ok if the majority of your active dog walks are “sniffy walks”. There’s just too much information in all the dog pee, not to mention entertainment value in following the bunny trails or other interesting scents. Don't rush your dog past what they find interest in! 

Non- Walking Activities for your Active Dog

• Lick Mat
• Snuffle Mat
• Towel Twist
• Box Hunt
• Scent Search

How often do you use enrichment toys or feeders like a lick mat or snuffle mat?

Want to DIY your own snuffle mat? Check this out: Link to Instructions

They are other inexpensive ways to provide activity that engages their brain, and are safe for puppies and senior dogs too. 

Towel Twist: don’t have a snuffle mat? no problem! First, find a hand towel (or bath towel for larger dogs), then lay it flat and sprinkle with kibble and treats. Next, grab it in the center and slowly twist it until it spirals up and gives your pup an easy snuffle mat. If your pup needs more of a challenge, roll it instead of twisting it!

Looking for inexpensive enrichment activities to do indoors?

There are quite a few - these are two of our favorites!

Box Hunt: Pile them up and toss some treats and kibble into them for a fun game of “find-it”. Then add paper packing materials to make it more challenging - make sure to supervise your pup to limit frustration 

Scent Search: This one is great if you can’t use kibble and treats as part of the enrichment games - as long as your pup is happy getting encouraged and praised. 

Cat toys that have a little pocket in them designed for catnip are ideal for scented toys. Use catnip or some other pet friendly scent (like cinnamon) folded into a paper towel and inserted into the pocket. 

Try and find a mild scent that is unique to your home to make a scented toy for your active dog. 

Hide these in more obvious places and encourage your dog to find them, progressing slowly into more challenging locations as they catch on to finding the toy by scent.