Summertime Enrichment Games & Booty Training for Hot Summer Days

Story & Photos by Jeremy Brown and Jenny Cain of The Complete Canine

Enrichment is an important aspect to consider when we have pets, especially during the extreme heat of summer in the desert. Providing engaging activities helps burn energy, stimulates the brain positively, and ensures pets have fun. Just as zoos and museums use positive reinforcement and enrichment techniques to keep even the wildest animals occupied and happy, we can do the same for our furry family members. Let’s explore some effective ways to enrich their lives during the intense heat!

Kongs, canine puzzles, and interactive toys can make mealtime or playtime more engaging for your dog. Stuffing Kongs with frozen canned dog food or other types of food encourages dogs to work for their meals instead of just eating from a bowl. A great resource for Kong stuffing recipes is Kongcompany.com. It’s fun to come up with creative ideas based on what your dog enjoys. Just keep in mind that Kongs freeze better with water-based items, while peanut butter does not freeze and is easier to remove from the toy. Puzzles can challenge smarter pups and stimulate their brains. My favorite brand is Outward Hound, as they worked with trainers to develop puzzles that are durable and engaging. Additionally, Kong Wobblers and toys that roll around, dispensing treats or food, can be fantastic options. Other toys worth considering include Licky Mats, Woof Popsicles, Starmark Everlasting Treat Wheelers, West Paw products, and snuffle mats.

Using their nose can burn more energy than simply walking. One exercise I love is hiding treats around the house or yard. Start by teaching your dog to find a treat, and eventually, they can locate their breakfast, which helps them burn even more energy. The “Find It” game is easy to teach and a lot of fun.

I like to place a treat on the ground and point to it while saying “Find it.” Repeat this several times, gradually making it more challenging by placing the treat out of sight or further away. On hot days, I place treats throughout the yard or house and encourage my dog to find them. Watching them scramble to hunt down the treats is not only entertaining for them but also a joy to watch. Exploring areas with interesting scents, like grassy fields or walking paths, burns more energy than just walking. I prefer taking my dog to places with safe and appealing smells, such as dog-friendly parks. The more dog-friendly the environment is, the more information they can gather through sniffing.

As summer approaches, I like to evaluate my dogs’ strengths and identify areas where they can improve. Training engages them physically and mentally, burning more energy than a simple walk. Many behaviorists suggest that 15 minutes of training can be equivalent to a 30- to 45-minute walk.

One fun way to burn energy is by practicing “come when called” drills in the backyard. These drills are not only enjoyable for the dogs but also enhance their responsiveness when we need them most. I also enjoy playing hide-and-seek, where the dogs must find the humans moving from one room to another. Another effective activity during the summer is the “place” or “on your bed” command, which helps channel their energy productively.

It’s important to remember that any form of training is stimulating and contributes to both mental and physical activity. A great book for inspiration during the summer is “101 Dog Tricks” by Kyra Sundance. We often explore this book to find fun and engaging activities for our dogs.

Summer in the desert can be challenging for our canine companions, but there are plenty of enjoyable ways to help them expend energy. We’d love to hear about the activities you do with your furry family members at www.facebook.com/thetucsondogmag

If you’re feeling a bit cooped up, there are many dog-friendly stores in Tucson. However, crossing an asphalt parking lot can be dangerous for toe beans! Not everyone has a small dog they can easily carry, so now is the perfect time to start introducing shoes. You may have seen or even tried putting shoes on your dog for the first time. They often walk in a funny way, and while they look cute and silly, this behavior is because they lose their sense of where their paws are in relation to the ground (proprioception). Shoes should be introduced gradually and with plenty of positive reinforcement to help your dog adjust.

To start, show your pup the shoes and reward them with some tasty treats. Repeat this exercise several times over the next few days so that your dog associates the shoes with positive experiences. Next, take one shoe and gently place one of your dog’s paws into it. If needed, you can break this step down further by only placing the paw partway into the shoe. During this process, make sure to give your pup treats or let them lick some delicious peanut butter to keep them motivated and relaxed. Once your dog is comfortable with one paw in the shoe, continue working with the other paws at a pace that your pup is comfortable with. It’s perfectly fine to break this training into multiple sessions. Rushing the process may cause your pup to resist wearing the shoes.

After introducing your dog to each shoe individually, choose one paw to put a shoe on and leave it on. Engage your dog in some movement by going for a walk, playing their favorite game, or tossing treats down the hall for them to fetch. You could also incorporate training drills to distract them from the shoe. Over multiple sessions, repeat this process with each paw.

Once your dog has adjusted to wearing a single shoe on one paw, you can introduce a second shoe. Start by putting one shoe on a front paw and another on the opposite back paw (diagonal). Continue the same process of movement and play! Alternate which front and back paws have the shoes over several sessions. After they are comfortable with two shoes, gradually introduce the third and then the fourth shoe.

Keep in mind that every dog adapts to shoes at their own pace. It’s essential to proceed slowly and at your dog’s comfort level. If you think you’re going too slow, then slow down!

When it comes to selecting shoes, consider these brands that offer good quality options: Ruffwear, which allows you to order different sizes for front and back paws, has a thicker sole suitable for extended time on hot pavement or hiking. Keep in mind that the thicker sole might require a longer adjustment period for your dog. Another good option is Lavasox, which makes booties specifically designed for heat protection. They are softer and more flexible, making it easier for your dog to get used to them. Whatever brand you choose, following the suggested process will help ensure your dog is comfortable, happy, and protected from hot pavement while wearing their shoes!