Winter enrichment ideas to keep your dog happy indoors

When it’s too wet or cold to play outside, enrichment becomes your secret weapon. Enrichment isn’t just about keeping your dog busy - it’s about giving them mental stimulation and problem-solving challenges. And in winter, when walks are shorter or less frequent, it’s especially important to help your pup stay content indoors.
Frozen treats
The freezer is your friend. Lick mats and enrichment toys can be loaded with dog-safe ingredients like yoghurt, mashed pumpkin, peanut butter, or soaked kibble. Freeze them and let your dog enjoy a slow activity that not only occupies their time but also encourages calm behaviour.
Scent games
Scent games into your dog’s natural instincts and burns more energy than you'd expect. Try hiding treats in cardboard boxes, wrapping a snack in a tea towel knot, or scattering food through a snuffle mat. You can even play “find it” with their favourite toy. These games work in small spaces and are ideal for rainy days too.
Puzzle toys and rotation
Puzzle feeders or interactive toys challenge your dog’s brain and give them a rewarding task to complete. If your dog tends to get bored quickly, try a toy rotation system - keep a few toys out at a time and swap them weekly to maintain novelty. It’s a simple way to make old toys feel new and exciting again.
So when the weather is cold turn your home into an enrichment zone!