PetHealth

1 SNIFF AND SEEK 2 4 5 One thing your kids and pets can do SNUFFLE MATS PUP POPS SCREEN TIME 3 INTERVAL TRAINING

A revamped, dog-friendly version of Hide and Seek – except this one involves treats. Recruit your children to choose your dog’s favourite snack (preferably a chewy, small treat that won’t make a mess of hiding places) and tuck it away for your dog to find. Hiding more than one treat around the house will stimulate your dog’s brain, smell. Sniff and Seek is perfect for rainy days and the cold winter months when you and your pet are stuck indoors. It helps your dog exercise both physically and mentally, reducing boredom and and showcase their incredible sense of

A good way of turning mealtime into mental stimulation, snuffle mats satisfy your pet’s instinct to sniff out food and forage, even when they’re eating inside during the winter. Coming in all shapes and sizes, snuffle mats are generally made of a rubber base with woven fleece strips and flaps attached. You – or your helpful child assistants – simply hide some dog treats or dry food under and in between the fleece sections. Then your pup gets to use their senses, forage and play while looking for their food. Snuffle mats are available at most pet shops and department stores, but for some extra family fun, you and the kids can get crafty and create your own. Boredom busted.

It’s always a great idea for your kids and your dog to get active and bond over exercise. Interval training is an awesome way for kids to take on a stronger role with training too, leading to more respect and trust between them and your pet. Ask your kids to help put together These could take place inside during winter or outside in the warmer months, and include weaving through agility poles or jumping over obstacles – all rewarded with a small treat or lots of encouragement. The intensity of these intervals can help to keep your dog active, 3 sets of 5 minute training exercises for your dog.

If your dog is obsessed with being under your feet in the kitchen, they might be trying to tell you that they’re feeling bored. Why not whip up a treat they’ll love and one that will keep them occupied. Pup Pops are easy to make and will help get your kids active in the kitchen. Pup Pops are made by freezing dry dog food in water, and then popping out the cubes for your dog to eat and play with. They’re a treat they’ll love all year round, but perfect for when the weather gets warmer. You can take your treat game to a new level by freezing dog-friendly fruit in water, or even concoct and freeze smoothie mixture for a fresh and tasty dessert.

together when it’s too miserable outside to play is relax and take in some entertainment. Ask the kids to find some programs specifically for dogs. YouTube offers a variety of videos that have animals or sensory objects in them, which dogs can watch to feel relaxed. Or, if the kids want to find something that suits both canines and humans, let them settle in on the couch for a dog-themed movie marathon. Airbud , Red Dog , Bolt … have we missed any?

helping them build trust with your kids.

while giving them quality time with the family.