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10 Unconventional Ways to Exercise Your Dog thumbnail

10 Unconventional Ways to Exercise Your Dog

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Every dog is a unique and wonderful creature, but they all have something in common: They need to exercise. No matter what breed or how old your dog is, exercise is a vital part of keeping them healthy and happy. If you're bored with long, leashed walks or just looking for unique ways to help your furbaby let out their seemingly boundless energy, look no further. We've compiled a list of 10 unconventional - but totally effective and, most importantly, fun - ways to exercise your pup.

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Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

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Dog Agility: Complete Guide to the Dog Sport thumbnail

Dog Agility: Complete Guide to the Dog Sport

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

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Introduction to Dog Nosework thumbnail

Introduction to Dog Nosework

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Ever notice how much your canine pal uses their nose? Maybe you’ve seen them point their head downward and follow an invisible scent trail on the ground during walks, or perhaps the occasional aim upward to catch a whiff of something that’s probably a lot farther away that we realize. A dog’s sense of smell helps keep them safe, active, and mentally stimulated, and for that reason, dog nosework training can be a great activity for any canine companion to enjoy.

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Nosework: Enrichment for Every Dog thumbnail

Nosework: Enrichment for Every Dog

Five Ways Truffle Hunting Helps Reactive Dogs and Their Owners thumbnail

Five Ways Truffle Hunting Helps Reactive Dogs and Their Owners

Variety is the Spice of Life: Canine Exercise Recommendations from the Latest Research thumbnail

Variety is the Spice of Life: Canine Exercise Recommendations from the Latest Research

Lure Coursing: Complete Guide thumbnail

Lure Coursing: Complete Guide

Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started thumbnail

Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started

The Pocket Guide to Flyball for Dogs thumbnail

The Pocket Guide to Flyball for Dogs

10 Unconventional Ways to Exercise Your Dog thumbnail

10 Unconventional Ways to Exercise Your Dog

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Every dog is a unique and wonderful creature, but they all have something in common: They need to exercise. No matter what breed or how old your dog is, exercise is a vital part of keeping them healthy and happy. If you're bored with long, leashed walks or just looking for unique ways to help your furbaby let out their seemingly boundless energy, look no further. We've compiled a list of 10 unconventional - but totally effective and, most importantly, fun - ways to exercise your pup.

Read more

Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs thumbnail

Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Read more

Dog Agility: Complete Guide to the Dog Sport thumbnail

Dog Agility: Complete Guide to the Dog Sport

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Read more

Introduction to Dog Nosework thumbnail

Introduction to Dog Nosework

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Ever notice how much your canine pal uses their nose? Maybe you’ve seen them point their head downward and follow an invisible scent trail on the ground during walks, or perhaps the occasional aim upward to catch a whiff of something that’s probably a lot farther away that we realize. A dog’s sense of smell helps keep them safe, active, and mentally stimulated, and for that reason, dog nosework training can be a great activity for any canine companion to enjoy.

Read more

Nosework: Enrichment for Every Dog thumbnail

Nosework: Enrichment for Every Dog

By: EricaWells
Erica  is a Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) through the National Association of Canine Scent Work. She teaches Agility and K9 Nose work classes, both sports she participates and competes in with her rescued Brittany Spaniel, Mimi and newest monster, Gator.

Five Ways Truffle Hunting Helps Reactive Dogs and Their Owners thumbnail

Five Ways Truffle Hunting Helps Reactive Dogs and Their Owners

By: Kristin Rosenbach
Owner - Wagnificent K9 Truffle Dogs, LLC
Freelance Truffle Hunter & Teacher
Reiki Master Teacher

Variety is the Spice of Life: Canine Exercise Recommendations from the Latest Research thumbnail

Variety is the Spice of Life: Canine Exercise Recommendations from the Latest Research

By: Danette Johnston
Owner - Dog's Day Out, Ballard, WA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Licensed AKC CGC Evaluator
NW Coordinator, Doggone Safe

Lure Coursing: Complete Guide thumbnail

Lure Coursing: Complete Guide

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started thumbnail

Bikejoring: What is It & How to Get Started

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

The Pocket Guide to Flyball for Dogs thumbnail

The Pocket Guide to Flyball for Dogs

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs thumbnail

Comprehensive Guide to Skijoring With Dogs

Adventure is out there, and our dogs make it better.

The Best Dog Enrichment Toys thumbnail

The Best Dog Enrichment Toys

test * All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Canicross: Guide to Trail Racing With Your Dog thumbnail

Canicross: Guide to Trail Racing With Your Dog

One of the countless benefits of being a dog parent is having a built-in exercise buddy who is always ready to explore the outdoors and have fun with you. Of course, casual walking, jogging, and hiking are great ways to do so. But if you want to take it up a notch or two? Canicross might be just the activity for you!

Comprehensive Guide to Dog Exercise thumbnail

Comprehensive Guide to Dog Exercise

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Best Toys for Herding Dogs thumbnail

Best Toys for Herding Dogs

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Comprehensive Guide to Enrichment Activities for Dogs thumbnail

Comprehensive Guide to Enrichment Activities for Dogs

* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? thumbnail

Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

You’ve been told that your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to stretch their legs, experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and spend time with you! Consistent physical activity will also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.

Best Ways to Exercise Your Dog thumbnail

Best Ways to Exercise Your Dog

It’s no secret that every dog needs regular exercise. Physical activity is important for us humans and our pets — moving our bodies improves strength, coordination, cardiovascular health, and even mental focus over time! If you’re looking to change up your dog’s daily exercise routine, we’ve got you covered.

The Best Mental Exercises for Dogs thumbnail

The Best Mental Exercises for Dogs

Giving our dog’s problem-solving challenges is a great way to productively wear them out and build relevant skills for navigating the world around us. Win-win, right?

What is Dog Sledding and How to Do It thumbnail

What is Dog Sledding and How to Do It

Dog sledding is the stuff of legends — and indeed, of many movies and books. Balto is a household name for his role in transporting medicine to the village of Nome. Disney movies like Eight Below have further popularized (and romanticized) dog sledding teams. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about dog sledding — or even wondered if your dog has what it takes to participate — we’ve got you covered.

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dog enrichment

Cities were not built for dogs. Dogs evolved in an open world without fences and roads where enrichment was constant and quiet, relaxation was also possible. In today's world both of these things are at a premium. But there is a movement to provide for dogs the same kinds of experiences that they evolved for.

The topics covered in this enrichment blog section include socialization, nosework, dog sports and more.

Our blog is dedicated to relevant, high quality articles with modern advice aligned with recognized dog experts. We only advocate force free training methods and will never advocate for aversive methods.

dog enrichment FAQ

What is dog enrichment, and why is it important?

Dog enrichment refers to any activity or item that stimulates your dog mentally or physically, providing them with mental and physical exercise, entertainment, and engagement. Enrichment is essential for a dog's overall well-being, as it can help prevent boredom, reduce stress, and improve behavior.

What are some examples of dog enrichment activities?

There are many ways to provide enrichment for your dog, such as playing interactive games, providing puzzle toys, giving them access to nature, training, socializing, and more. You can also enrich your dog's environment by creating a safe and stimulating space for them to explore and relax in.

Can dog enrichment help with behavior issues like reactivity?

Yes, enrichment can help prevent and reduce behavior issues like reactivity, anxiety, and aggression. By providing your dog with physical and mental stimulation, you can help them channel their energy and reduce their stress levels, which can improve their overall behavior.

What are some common signs of dog reactivity?

Dog reactivity refers to a dog's tendency to react negatively to certain stimuli, such as other dogs, people, or objects. Some common signs of dog reactivity include barking, growling, lunging, or biting when encountering a trigger. Other signs may include raised hackles, a stiff body posture, or an intense stare.

How can I help my reactive dog?

If your dog is reactive, it's important to seek professional help from a veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist. They can help you develop a behavior modification plan that includes positive reinforcement, and counter-conditioning techniques to help your dog overcome their reactivity.

Can enrichment help with dog reactivity?

Yes, providing your dog with enrichment can help reduce their reactivity by providing them with a positive outlet for their energy and reducing their stress levels. Enrichment can also help your dog build confidence and improve their overall behavior.

What are some enrichment activities for reactive dogs?

Enrichment activities for reactive dogs should be designed to provide them with mental and physical stimulation while also helping them feel safe and relaxed. Some examples of enrichment activities for reactive dogs include scent work, puzzle toys, interactive games, training exercises, and slow-paced walks in quiet, peaceful environments.