08/27/2026
10 Ways to Stimulate Your Dog When the Weather Takes a Turn for the Worse
1. Teach a new trick: Teach simple new commands or fun tricks like “spin,” “shake,” “roll over,” or “sit pretty” for ten minutes a day. Teaching a dog a new trick stimulates them by engaging their brain in active problem-solving, which burns mental energy and satisfies their natural urge to work. Figuring out what action earns a reward requires intense concentration and impulse control for your dog and then, earning the reward - like treats or praise - releases dopamine!
2. Delayed fetch: Having your dog place for an elongated duration as you throw the ball or toy and then having to wait to be released to go fetch helps them practice impulse control. And this impulse control work helps stimulate your dog as it forces their brain to switch from automatic, instinctual reactions to active, cognitive processing.
3. Hide and seek: Whether you hide a treat or a toy in another room or under another object and have your dog go find it, the act of engaging your dog’s primal hunting instincts and forcing active problem-solving provides a powerful mental workout. Plus, sniffing requires immense brainpower. Tracking a scent through the house forces your dog to process complex sensory information rather than just reacting physically.
4. Work for treats: Using a classic Kong toy stuffed with treats or a treat dispensing Bob-a-lot or something similar where your dog has to work for his or her treats gives them a sense of purpose as it’s a physical task to complete. The licking and slow feeding aspects also help your dog by releasing calming chemicals in their brain and burning off nervous energy.
5. Puzzle toys: Using a puzzle toy like a snuffle mat engages your dog’s brain as he or she first requires mental focus to figure out how to tilt, roll, or lick the toy and then once they’ve figured it out, it helps them build confidence and teaches your dog how to learn new skills.
6. Chew toys: 15 to 20 minutes of enrichment focused chews (high quality stinky chews) is more stimulating to dogs than hours of flavorless rawhides and nonedible chews. Plus, you’re working on place or crate duration at the
