The sun shining, the birds chirping; it’s a gorgeous day to get outside with your dog and enjoy the fun that’s just waiting to happen! Speaking of fun, I’m sure you’ve been waiting to try loads of new summer activities together, and we’re here to make sure you have the best summer!
In this post, we’re sharing our top 3 summer dog enrichment games starting with a super delicious treat!
Dog Popsicle Lick Mat Recipe
The first summer enrichment activity is to make a tasty dog popsicle lick mat recipe! Lick mats are a great way to provide mental stimulation for dogs while also helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
For this recipe, you’ll only need a few things:
- Dog lick mat of your choice
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1-2 teaspoons Crumps’ Naturals Beef or Chicken Sprinkles (or both, why not!)
Step 1: Grab a bowl and add your ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Step 2: In the same bowl add in your 1-2 teaspoons of your Crumps’ Naturals beef or chicken sprinkles. If you’re using both flavors, only use 1 teaspoon of each to not go over the max serving size of 2 teaspoons per day.
Step 3: With a knife, spread your beef or chicken yogurt mixture onto your dog lick mat.
Step 4: Freeze for 2-3 hours or overnight and give to your dog!
Bobbing For Treats
Growing up, we all have seen the classic fall activity, bobbing for apples, right? Well, to turn this into a fun summer activity, we’re switching out the metal pail for a dog pool and the apples for tasty dog treats!
What you’ll need:
- Dog pool (in the size you need for your dog!)
- Crumps’ Naturals Mini Trainers (any flavor!)
Step 1: Grab your dog pool and fill it about halfway with water
Step 2: Toss only a handful of treats initially into the pool to see how your dog reacts. If your dog loves it, toss in a few more and watch them enjoy bobbing for their treats!
At Home Dog Agility Fun
Another way to provide enrichment for your pups, is to switch up the fun activities you do together at home! One activity that not only provides mental stimulation but also physical is agility! Now, don’t worry, we’re keeping it simple by only working with jumps, but we do have a few tips to keep your dog safe and happy!
What you’ll need:
- 1-2 sets of agility jumps (can be found online or you can DIY your own)
- Crumps’ Naturals Chicken Collagen Jerky, Chicken Bites or Beef Tendersticks (we want a tasty high-value treat)
Step 1: To ensure you’re setting the jump at the correct and safe height, you first need to measure your dog. With a measuring tape, start from the floor and go to the top of your dog’s withers, or shoulders.
The correct jump heights are below, to match your dog’s measurements courtesy of Affordable Agility:
- For dogs 10" and under at the withers: 8" jump height
- Over 10" and under 14" at the withers: 12" jump height
- Over 14" and under 18" at the withers: 16" jump height
- Over 18" and under 22" at the withers: 20" jump height
- Over 22" at the withers: 24" jump height
If you’re unsure of the jump height or if your dog struggles to get over the height set, it’s always safest to lower it!
Step 2: Once you’ve figured out the best height, start with the pole lower than the height you plan to use and walk with your dog over the pole to get them used to it (if they’ve never seen one before). Immediately reward with a tasty Collagen Jerky & Chicken Bite!
Step 3: After your dog has gotten used to the pole, have them trot over it a few times, rewarding after each. Then, raise the jump to the measured height (or height you’ve chosen if lower), and practice putting your dog in a sit command a few feet away from the jump and encouraging them to “come” to you as they jump over the obstacle! Immediately reward!
P.S. We love using our Collagen Jerky, Chicken Bites and Beef Tendersticks as our high-value treat when teaching our dogs something new. This treat is saved specifically for new activities and gets our them extra excited when they see it!
Which Summer dog enrichment idea are you trying first? We’re honestly thinking about doing them all in one day! I mean why not, right? More sunlight equals more time outside to spend with our favorite furry family members!
