It can sometimes be tricky to leave your dog alone at home. If they get bored they can start chewing on furniture, shoes, cushions and other items in the house. Dogs need more than just food and a nice place to sleep. They need to be able to use their brains, explore and have suitable activities to do.
An easy thing you can do with your dog is to give them some enrichment activities to do before you leave them. This can help them burn off some brain power, get some positive attention and can help make them feel more at ease whilst you are out.
You do not need to spend any money on special toys. There are many ways to utilise items around the house, some of their usual food and a bit of preparation to create some great enrichment activities.
Here are 5 easy options.
Why Enrichment Before Leaving
Your dog may chew on things around the house for a variety of reasons. Puppies often use their mouths to explore their environment. Adult dogs may chew because they simply enjoy it, they are bored or there is nothing suitable to do.
Some dogs can become very anxious when their owner leaves. They may become restless, start barking, scratching doors or chewing.
Enrichment can help your dog to display natural behaviours like sniffing, searching, licking and problem solving.
Benefits include:
However, it may not guarantee they won’t chew. If they are chewing due to separation anxiety you may need to provide additional training and professional advice.
5 Enrichment Activities To Try
These activities are easy, affordable and suitable for many dogs. You can start with an easy version and tailor them to your dogs age, confidence and experience.
1. Treat Hunt
One of the easiest way to provide your dog with some mental stimulation.
Dogs love using their nose to explore interesting scents. This activity will encourage them to find some small food rewards.
Items needed:
- A few pieces of their usual kibble.
- Small dog treats.
- A clear and safe area of your home.
Instructions:
- Ask your dog to wait in another room or ask someone to gently keep them distracted.
- Place a few pieces of kibble in easy to find spots around the room.
- Allow your dog into the room and encourage them to find the food.
- Let them sniff and search for the food.
- Once they know what to do you can hide the food a little more.
To start with keep it simple. Place the food next to furniture or on an open mat.
This activity will encourage them to use their nose and focus on a rewarding activity. It is an easy way to make part of their usual food more interesting.
Always supervise them and ensure they cannot access anything unsafe, electrical wiring or unsuitable food.
2. Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat is a great enrichment tool. It encourages your dog to sniff and search for hidden food in the fabric.
Rather than eating all their kibble they will have to use their nose to find individual pieces. It can be a simple activity to do indoors.
Items needed:
- A safe snuffle mat for your dog.
- Their usual dry kibble or suitable small treats.
Instructions:
- Sprinkle a small amount of kibble onto the mat.
- Hide some pieces of kibble in between the fabric.
- Place the mat on a flat non slip surface.
- Encourage your dog to sniff and find the food.
- Let them take their time.
If this is the first time your dog has used a snuffle mat start by placing the food in easy to see and sniff areas. Once they understand how to use it you can make it a little harder.
This will encourage them to sniff and search for food. It can also make mealtimes more interesting for dogs who eat quickly.
Always supervise your dog whilst they use the mat. If they start to chew or pull at the fabric remove the mat.
3. Short Training Session
Another great way to engage your dogs brain.
Training doesn’t have to be complicated. Practicing known commands or teaching them a simple new trick can provide them with a positive activity and quality time with you.
Items needed:
- Small training treats or kibble.
- A quiet area.
- 5-10 mins.
Instructions:
- Pick 2 or 3 commands they know.
- Practice simple commands such as sit, down, stay or touch.
- Reward them for doing the correct commands.
- Keep the sessions short.
- Finish with an easy command they enjoy.
You can also teach them simple tricks such as giving a paw, turning around or using their nose to touch your hand.
Don’t make it too difficult. If they become frustrated or lose interest take a break and try again later.
This will encourage them to focus, listen and use their brain. It will also provide them with a positive interaction.
Try to keep it calm at the end.
4. Towel Treat Puzzle
Sometimes you don’t need to purchase a puzzle toy. You can use a clean towel to create a simple treat search.
This will encourage them to sniff and search the folds in the fabric for hidden kibble.
Items needed:
- A clean old towel.
- A small amount of dry kibble or suitable treats.
Instructions:
- Lay the towel flat on the floor.
- Sprinkle a few pieces of kibble across the towel.
- Fold or loosely roll the towel up to hide some of the food.
- Let your dog sniff and search the folds.
- Encourage them to find the kibble.
Start with loose folds so they can easily find the food. Don’t make tight knots as this could frustrate them.
This will encourage them to use their nose and figure out how to get to the food. It is an affordable way to add some variety to your indoor enrichment.
Always supervise. Some dogs may start to chew or rip the towels. If they start to swallow the fabric remove the mat straight away. Never leave them with a towel puzzle.
5. Lick Mat
A lick mat can be a great option. It contains different textures for soft food to stick to. Your dog can then lick the mat and work through the food.
Many dogs enjoy licking. Using a suitable lick mat can make a small snack more interesting.
Items needed:
- A safe lick mat for your dog.
- Plain pumpkin puree.
- Plain unsweetened yoghurt (if suitable).
- Their usual wet food.
Instructions:
- Choose a clean lick mat.
- Spread a thin layer of suitable food across the mat.
- Place it on a stable and easy to clean area.
- Let your dog enjoy the activity. Always supervise.
- Wash the mat thoroughly.
You can use one item or mix suitable foods they tolerate. Avoid anything with xylitol, added sugar or anything that may be harmful. If they have any dietary requirements choose an option that is approved.
This will provide them with an interesting food related activity. It will encourage them to work through a small snack.
Never automatically leave them with a lick mat. Some dogs may chew silicone or rubber mats. Only leave them with one if you have confirmed it is safe for your individual dog.
An Easy Routine
You don’t need to do all 5 activities each time you leave. Pick 1 or 2 they enjoy and create a calm routine.
Here is an example:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 15-20 mins before leaving | Short walk/play (if appropriate) |
| 10 mins before leaving | Treat hunt/snuffle mat |
| 5 mins before leaving | Calm time in a comfortable area |
| Before leaving | Fresh water. |
Adjust the timings to suit your dog. Some may become calmer after a short walk whilst others may need a more calm transition.
Don’t make it too long and exciting. This can make them more hyper.
Tips For Stopping Your Dog Chewing
Enrichment can help reduce boredom but there are other factors to consider. Here are some tips:
- Store tempting items. Keep shoes, remotes, cushions, cables and anything else they may chew out of reach.
- Provide suitable chew toys. Provide them with dog safe toys that are suitable for their size and chewing habits.
- Provide a comfortable area. Ensure they have a quiet area to rest, with water and a comfortable bed.
- Use baby gates. If possible provide them with a safe dog proofed room or area with gates.
- Have a routine. Providing them with regular meals, exercise, rest and enrichment can make their day more predictable.
- Avoid punishment. Scolding them when you find they have chewed something won’t teach them what to do. Focus on preventing the issue.
If they are regularly destroying things, hurting themselves or becoming very anxious when you leave talk to your vet. A qualified behaviourist can help identify why and create a suitable plan.
Common Mistakes
Even simple enrichment activities can go wrong. Avoid these common mistakes:
If they can’t find the food they may become frustrated. Start with easy activities and build up.
The food they eat during enrichment still counts towards their daily intake. Try to use part of their usual food and keep extra treats to a minimum.
Something that is safe to play with whilst you are there may not be suitable. Avoid leaving anything they could easily break, swallow or get stuck with.
Some dogs can become more excited playing fast games. Finish with a calm activity.
They may be showing signs of being anxious. Chewing, barking, scratching and pacing may all be signs. Don’t assume providing more toys will help.
FAQs
1. What is the best enrichment to do before leaving?
A treat hunt or snuffle mat can be a great place to start. They will encourage them to sniff and search. Choose something they enjoy and supervise.
2. How long should I do enrichment for?
There isn’t a set time. Some dogs may only need a short activity of 5-10 mins. Watch how they react and avoid making them tired or over stimulated.
3. Will enrichment stop my dog from chewing furniture?
Not necessarily. Whilst it can provide mental stimulation and reduce boredom there can be many reasons why they are chewing. Teething (puppies), they may just need to chew, they may be stressed or suffering from separation anxiety.
4. Can I leave my dog with a puzzle toy?
Only if it is specifically suitable for unsupervised play and you know they can’t break it, swallow pieces or hurt themselves. Introduce new toys during supervised play.
5. What should I do if my dog only chews when I leave?
Try to video them whilst you are away. See if they are pacing, barking, drooling, scratching doors or trying to escape. If you think they are suffering from separation anxiety contact your vet.
6. Should I exercise my dog?
Suitable exercise can be beneficial. Dogs need regular exercise. A suitable walk or gentle play followed by a calm enrichment activity can be part of a balanced routine.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to do anything complicated or costly to prepare your dog. Simple activities such as treat hunting, snuffle mat, short training, towel puzzle and lick mat can make the time before you leave more interesting.
Choose one they enjoy and create a routine to suit their needs. Always supervise whilst they play, choose safe toys and ensure your home is free from tempting items.
Most importantly consider why they are chewing. If they are becoming anxious every time you leave enrichment may not be enough. With a safe environment, suitable activities and the right support you can help them develop healthier habits whilst at home.
Happy Paws, Happier Homes!
