Year-Round, Rain or Shine! Keeping your dog happy with enrichment ideas!
- Aidyn Anderson
- May 10
- 3 min read
No matter what the weather’s doing outside, your dog still needs ways to stay active and engaged. Rain, snow, sweltering heat, or frigid temps—being cooped up indoors can make even the calmest pup a little stir-crazy (and probably you too!). So how can you keep your pup’s tail wagging and their mind working, no matter the forecast?
Dog Friendly Activities in Boston
Spending time outdoors is important to your dog’s physical and mental health, though it can be difficult to keep them connected to nature in the city. But, if you’re willing to brave the cold, there are plenty of trails to take them on around the Boston area.
Here are a few examples of dog friendly paths and trails, with links to more information:
Boston Public Gardens & Boston Common
Deer Island Harbor Walk Trail - Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Middlesex Fells Reservation - DCR State Park (off-leash dog area)
Besides trails, there are plenty of other fun options around the city! You can bring your dog shopping with you at Faneuil Hall marketplace, get a drink at Park 9 Dog Bar, or look up seasonal holiday events - like the recent St. Pawtrick’s Day fundraiser at Widowmaker Brewing.
Toys and Puzzles
Even at home, there are still plenty of things you can use to keep your dog’s mind engaged and burn some energy. Treat puzzles and dispensers are great ways to keep them entertained while still offering a challenge. Flirt poles are another great option. They’re a training tool that can be used to teach your dog impulse control with commands like “leave it”, “drop it”, “get it”, “wait”, etc. It’s also an easy way to physically condition and exercise your dog, without exhausting yourself or requiring a large area. Even better, all of these can be DIYed as well as store bought, depending on your preference!
If your dog needs some rest, or to work on settling, kongs are always a fantastic option to keep them content and occupied during crate training or quiet time. You can be creative with whatever you put inside as well, such as using yogurt, canned pumpkin, and fruit instead of just peanut butter. Anything that’s safe for your dog to eat can be used, making them perfect for dogs with allergies or limited diets. If you like to cook, the Kong website also offers more complex stuffing recipes and ideas!
Another fun activity to do with your dog is blow bubbles! Most dogs love popping them just as much as people, but normal bubble solutions can be toxic or irritating. The good news is - pet safe bubbles exist! There are many options for making dog safe bubble solutions, but if you want to buy some - the woman-owned Bubbletastic company, based in Amherst, MA, sells tear-free scented bubbles (like bacon, peanut butter, and puppachino) and bubble machines! Which you can buy here.
Training and Play
Of course, the best thing you can do with your dog is spend time with them. Playing, training, interacting, and bonding with your dog are crucial to their wellbeing and strengthening your relationship.
Indoor games of fetch and tug-o-war are classic, but what else can you do?
A few options include: making treat scavenger hunts for them, either indoors or by burying treats out in the grass, leaves or snow, and challenging them to sniff them all out. Or you can build obstacle courses out of boxes, pillows, and whatever else is around the house - and strengthen your training skills by guiding your dog through the whole course. (Chip the Cockapoo's moms have used a broomstick for a hurdle!) You can also play hide and seek by telling your dog to sit and wait, going to a different part of the house, and calling them to come find you. Don’t forget to reward them with a treat! Additionally, talking buttons are another cool training option that can improve your communication with and understanding of your pet!
Books The Mindful Mutt Recommends:
If you're interested in teaching your dog new tricks beyond the basic commands, books like 101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance offer plenty of unique ideas, though the training advice itself can leave a lot to be desired.
For books on how best to train your dog and get a better understanding of HOW they learn - we recommend Pamala Reid's Excel-erated Learning: Explaining in plain English how dogs learn and how best to teach them
We can't forget the cult-classic of dog trainers, Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor! She is a former dolphin trainer who pioneered clicker training and helped change the dog training industry from punishment to reinforcement. AND she's from Boston!
And of course...
And, for additional socialization and enrichment, you can always bring your dog to The Mindful Mutt for structured daycare, enrichment and weekend playgroups! We'll see you there!
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