TL;DR

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska discusses how to keep dogs entertained indoors, especially during extreme weather conditions. She shares personal anecdotes about responsible pet ownership and the importance of picking up after dogs. The episode highlights various indoor enrichment activities, including games like hide and seek, the toilet roll challenge, and tug of war, as well as the significance of rotating enrichment toys to keep dogs mentally stimulated. Mariska also shares heartwarming stories about dogs making a difference in their communities, emphasizing the bond between pets and their owners.

Bonus tip: you can always take your pet to the local pet shop or hardware store if they are dog friendly, a wonderful indoor snuffle too.

During This Episode:

• Introduction to indoor dog enrichment
• The importance of picking up after your dog
• Keeping dogs happy indoors during extreme weather
• Fun indoor games for dogs
• Enrichment toys and puzzle rotation
• Fetch or Forget: a review of the Earth Rated Natural Rubber Treat Toy
• Tug and chase play
• Trick training sessions
• Where Tails Meet Hearts: Kelby and Nixie
• Paw-lebrity of the Week: Some Frenchie Named Apollo
• A recap and conclusion

Takeaways:

• Indoor enrichment is crucial for dogs during extreme weather. Heat, cold, or rain shouldn't mean your dog goes without mental and physical stimulation.
• Responsible pet ownership includes cleaning up after your dog. Leaving mess behind in shared spaces risks those places becoming off-limits to all dogs in the future.
• Engaging games can keep dogs happy and stimulated indoors. You don't need a big backyard or a long walk to give your dog a fulfilling day.
• Enrichment activities should be tailored to each dog's preferences. What thrills one dog, like a snuffle mat, might bore or frustrate another, so it's worth experimenting.
• Rotating puzzle toys helps maintain a dog's interest and challenge. Dogs get faster with practice, so a toy that took 15 minutes to solve may only take one minute after enough repetition.
• Tug of war is a great way to release energy indoors, especially on carpet rather than slippery tile, to protect joints from injuries like luxating patella.
• Trick training can strengthen the bond between dog and owner. Short, five-to-ten-minute sessions add mental stimulation and communication beyond just food-foraging games.
• Heartwarming dog stories remind us of the impact pets can have. Stories like Kelby and Nixie's highlight the resilience and capability of dogs.
• Finding fun activities is more important than perfection in pet care. Trying different games and seeing what your dog responds to matters more than doing it "right."
• Community engagement is vital for responsible pet ownership, whether that's sharing enrichment ideas or simply modeling good etiquette in shared spaces.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

Fetch or Forget, Earth Rated Natural Rubber Treat Toy

Where Tails meet hearts, Kelby & Nixie (That Nepa Newfie)

Paw-lebrity of the Week, Some Frenchie Named Apollo

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00]- Introduction to Indoor Dog Enrichment

[03:29]- The Importance of Picking Up After Your Dog

[04:15]- Keeping Dogs Happy Indoors

[06:11]- Fun Indoor Games for Dogs

[17:23]- Enrichment Toys and Puzzle Rotation

[20:17]- Fetch or Forget, Earth Rated Natural Rubber Treat Toy

[23:03]- Tug and Chase Play

[26:55]- Trick Training Sessions

[27:53]- Where Tails meet hearts, Kelby & Nixie (That Nepa Newfie)

[29:37]- Paw-lebrity of the Week, Some Frenchie Named Apollo

[31:07]- Recap and Conclusion

*I mistakenly called Artemis a boy in this episode. Straight to doggy hell with me. Artemis, you’re a queen 👑apologies and virtual treats incoming!

FAQ

How can I keep my dog entertained indoors when it's too hot or cold to walk?

Try rotating enrichment games like a hide-and-seek treasure hunt using their regular food, the toilet roll challenge, puzzle toy rotation, tug and chase play on carpet, and short trick-training sessions to keep them mentally and physically engaged without going outside.

What is indoor enrichment for dogs?

Indoor enrichment refers to mentally and physically stimulating activities done inside the home, designed to keep a dog engaged when regular walks aren't possible due to weather or other constraints.

Is tug of war safe for dogs indoors?

Yes and No, when played on a non-slip surface like carpet rather than tile, tug and chase games are a safe way to burn off energy indoors. Avoid encouraging quick, sharp turns, which can contribute to joint issues. If played on a regular and very intense it can cause issues. If you are concerned contact your vet.

Why does my dog get bored of puzzle toys quickly?

Dogs get faster at solving puzzle toys with repeated practice, so rotating between a few different toys helps keep them appropriately challenged.

Is it safe to leave my dog alone with a toilet roll enrichment game?

It's best to supervise this activity closely, since some dogs may try to eat the tubes once the treats are gone, so pack the game away once your dog shifts from searching to chewing.

What if my dog can't go on a walk at all today?

Consider taking them somewhere dog-friendly like a local pet shop or hardware store, which can double as a wonderful indoor snuffle outing when a proper walk isn't possible or do an indoor sniffari.

Do I need to buy special toys for indoor enrichment?

Not necessarily. Games like hide and seek, the toilet roll challenge, and tug of war can all be done with things you likely already have at home.

How does trick training help with enrichment?

Trick training gives dogs mental stimulation while strengthening the bond and communication between dog and owner, making it a valuable addition to any indoor enrichment routine.

About the Author: Mariska Nell

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.