Dog Games, Puzzles and Mood Music for #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge Day 5

Well y’all, we have made it to the last of the #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge! If you have been following along, then you know by now, it isn’t hard to incorporate the 6 categories of enrichment for our dogs into our lives. We have been having so much fun participating and hope you have too. Miss Molly especially loves all the dog games! But wait! It’s not over yet! We still have today and we have some pawtastic events planned!

For our last day of the #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge, we have a shredded grocery bag puzzle, a PVC pipe puzzle, and a knotted fabric puzzle. We also have dog games such as the Red Light/Green Light game, Hide and Seek, and Round Robin! There is also a walk and some mood music. It will be a day of fun activities!

Dog Games, Puzzles and Mood Music!

Shredded Grocery Bag Puzzle

In an open cardboard box, tear a paper grocery bag into small strips. Mix in kibble and breakfast is served.

PVC Pipe Puzzle

Cut a PVC pipe to about 12 inches, drill some random holes (large enough for your kibble), put end pieces on both ends, and you’re done!

Red Light / Green Light Game

This is a great game for training your pup with cues. (you may remember doing this type of game as a kid, actually!)

Step 1: Start with your dog on a leash; take only one step and then instruct your dog to “sit”. Make sure this first “sit” has your dog between yourself and a wall, to teach him to sit next to you. Then begin to gradually lengthening each interval of movement time as you go between “sit” moments. Always reward your dog when they sit, so they start offering sits rather than only doing them for the reward.

Step 2: If you have kids at home, this could be a lot of fun to do with them. With your dog on a leash or with his leash dragging, Call “Green Light” and have them walk. Start with one child next to you holding a treat either in a closed fist or in a bait bag. Before the dog starts to get excited, call “Red Light” and have the kids stand quietly with hands at their sides. Your dog should sit at this point, then give them a treat.

Step 3: Once this step is going well, you can step to the sidelines and let the child take the dog. Call “Green Light” for forward movement, and “Red Light” for the child to stop and the dog to sit.

Step 4: Eventually, your dog will be able to do this playing off-leash. You can implement in more excitement in your behavior (like waving your arms or whooping) to make it even more fun for your pup (and the kids).

Hide and Seek

All you need is your dog’s favorite toy or treats. Have your dog sit and stay in one room while you hide in another. Once you’re settled, call your canine. When he finds you, reward him with the toy or treat.

Round Robin

Rally three or four people to play and take turns calling your dog’s name from different places in the room and throughout the house. Each time he comes, reward him with lots of praise. When your pooch has become an expert at the game indoors, take him outside where you can spread out even further from each other and increase the challenge.

Knotted Fabric Puzzle

This is an easy puzzle to make from objects around the house and perfect if you have a roller chew toy (the rubber toys that resemble what could be the frame of soccer ball)

● Take an old t-shirt you no longer want and cut it into strips.
● Tie the strips into knots then begin stuffing them into the toy.
● Hide a treat in there to give your pup a little extra incentive to really dig into the toy, pulling out the knotted fabric.
● You can repeat this as many times as you want really, do it til they’re worn out!

Notes:

• Be sure to rotate toys so the same ones aren’t available for play each day.
• If your dog is prone to chewing and swallowing things, do not leave them alone for any of these activities.
• Praise and encourage your dogs as they try new puzzles. They may not figure them out on the first go-round. However, being present and helping them make it more fun for both of you.
• Training sessions should only last 10 minutes or as long as your dog is still engaged and having fun. All training should be a positive experience with plenty of rewards.
• As you add treats into these activities, be sure to reduce your dog’s intake of regular meals to balance daily calories.
• If your dog is more advanced and these activities are too easy, please share activities you do with your dog so everyone can learn new tricks!

How did your 5 days go?

Share in the comments below, and post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter using the hashtag #PAW5EnrichedLifeChallenge to show off your progress!

If you would like to revisit the activities to keep up the fun, you can find each day’s activities here: Day 1 here, Day 2 here, Day 3 here and Day 4 here.

The fun part is, you can make your own daily menu’s and keep the fun going! Keeping your dog stimulated and happy with enrichment activities such as puzzles and dog games will help keep them happy and healthy. You will also reap the benefits of a deeper bond with your pup! Miss Molly sends paw waves and woofs to say have fun and enjoy!

Connect socially with Paw5

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram