Tired of your dog destroying gifts, getting into mischief, or bouncing off the walls?
Holiday excitement affects dogs just as much as humans, and sometimes that extra energy shows up as chewing, barking, counter-surfing, or chaos.

The good news?
Mental enrichment is the gift that keeps on giving.
When your dog’s brain is engaged, their body relaxes — and calm becomes the default.

Let’s give your dog the tools they need to thrive this holiday season.

DIY Enrichment: Easy, Affordable, Enrichment You Can Make at Home

You don’t need expensive toys to keep your dog mentally satisfied. Here are simple options you can set up today:

🧩 Snuffle Mats

Hide kibble or treats in the fabric strips and let your dog forage — a natural calming behavior.

🎁 Food Puzzles

Use muffin tins, silicone molds, or empty boxes. Scatter food, cover with toys, and let your dog problem-solve.

🧻 Treat Games

• Wrap kibble in a towel to create a “burrito roll.”
• Stuff toilet paper rolls and fold the ends.
• Hide treats under paper cups for a shell game.

Dogs don’t need perfection — they just need engagement.

Balancing Energy: Mental vs. Physical Exercise

During the holidays, schedules change. Walks get shorter, the weather gets colder, and routines shift — but dogs still need a way to burn energy.

Mental exercise = faster, longer-lasting fatigue

A 10-minute enrichment session often equals a 30-minute walk in terms of mental satisfaction.
Use enrichment to:

• compensate for shorter walks
• provide stimulation during busy days
• set a calm tone before guests arrive

A tired brain is a calm brain.

Redirecting Excitement: Preventing Misbehavior Before It Starts

Most unwanted holiday behaviors stem from:

✔️ boredom
✔️ lack of structure
✔️ extra excitement
✔️ unpredictable routines

Enrichment keeps your dog busy doing the right things so they don’t invent their own activities — like shredding wrapping paper or raiding the snack table.

Use enrichment:

• before guests arrive
• while cooking
• during gift opening
• anytime your dog needs a “job”

This proactive approach prevents chaos and boosts confidence.

Holiday-Friendly Activities: Bring the Fun Indoors

When it’s cold outside or your schedule is tight, indoor enrichment saves the day.

🎄 Interactive Toys

Lick mats, Kongs, Toppls, wobblers — fill them with holiday-themed flavors like pumpkin, turkey broth, or mashed sweet potato.

🐾 Scent Games

• Hide treats around the living room
• Create a “scent box” with crumpled paper
• Use a favorite toy for a short indoor search

🧘 Calm Games

• Slow feeding activities
• Pattern games
• Mat training with chews

These activities channel excitement into focus, independence, and calm behavior.

🎁 Want help creating a personalized enrichment plan?
Schedule a session and let’s build an enrichment routine tailored to your dog’s needs.