This is something that we have been promoting since the very beginning: we want our packaging to be reusable, recyclable and dog-enrichment-games-friendly. This is why we prepared some ideas on using our LYO BOX cardboard boxes to play with your dog this holiday season (or any day, actually):
For dogs, working with their noses is a great, mentally stimulating job. Because it uses the dog’s instincts in a calm way, it is suitable for dogs of all ages. Just a few minutes a day will have a big impact on the dog’s well-being.
Some remarks, before you begin:
- If the box is too big for the dog or the lid is disturbing, remove it.
- If at any point you notice that the dog does not understand the game, go back to the previous step.
- Make sure the items in the box are not sharp, breakable or too small for the dog to swallow.
So, what you need:
- LYO BOX box
- LYO DOG treats 🙂
You only need a few minutes a day to see the long-term benefits of dog nose-based enrichment games for your dog.
1.) Entry level:
– Throw a handful of treats into an empty box
– give the box to the dog to find all the treats
– repeat the exercise, but this time close the lid slightly
Once your dog understands the game and starts to enjoy it, you can add other items to increase the difficulty.
2.) Middle level:
– Throw a handful of treats into an empty box
– crumple up scrap paper or newspaper and place it over the treats. You can also shape it into paper balls and stuff a treat into them
– let the dog find the treats
– you can also hide treats in a cardboard toilet roll. Fold the ends of the roll so the treats don’t fall out.
3.) Advanced level:
Now fill the box with different layers of objects (like lasagna!). You can use whatever you like, in random order.
Example layers: treats, crumpled paper, smaller box (filled with treats), torn paper, treats, treat bottle, toys, etc.
You can add (and fill with treats):
– a cardboard egg carton
– an empty bottle
– old socks
– toys
– smaller boxes
– an old towel, folded like a pancake
– a sniffle-ball or sniffle-mat (if it fits into the box)
– an ice cube tray, cookie moulds, etc.
You can use anything you have lying around at home!
We hope that this will be useful for you. This is a great activity also for puppies, senior dogs or injured dogs in time of recovery. Honestly, it also comes in handy in case of bad weather, when my active dogs don´t get to go on such long walks as usually.
Btw, we would love to see a photo or video of you and your dog having fun with our boxes! You can tag us on social media, to make sure we see it 🙂
