Here are some ideas for enrichment activities that you can do with your Cavoodle:
Scatter feeding: This activity involves scattering your Cavoodle's kibble in a designated area, rather than placing it in a bowl. This allows your Cavoodle to use its sense of smell to locate and scavenge for each piece of food, replicating the natural hunting behaviour of wild dogs. You can try different variations of this activity, such as hiding the food in a towel or spreading it around your yard.
Sniffing walk: A sniffing walk is simply a normal walk, but with extra time dedicated to allowing your Cavoodle to explore and sniff its surroundings. Dogs gather a vast amount of information through their sense of smell, and this activity allows them to de-stress and learn about the world around them.
Hide-and-seek: This classic game is a fun way for your Cavoodle to use its sense of smell to locate you. Have your Cavoodle sit and stay, then quickly hide somewhere in the house. Call out to your Cavoodle and let them try to find you. Bringing along a few treats can help your Cavoodle lock onto your scent and serve as a reward once they locate you.
Training and obedience sessions: Engaging in regular training and obedience sessions with your Cavoodle is a great way to provide mental stimulation and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Consider enrolling in an obedience class or working with a professional trainer to teach your Cavoodle new commands and tricks.
Playtime and interactive games: Playing games with your Cavoodle, such as fetch or tug-of-war, not only provides physical exercise but also helps to stimulate their mind. There are also interactive toys available that allow your Cavoodle to play independently, such as puzzle toys that require them to figure out how to access treats hidden inside.
Exploration and hiking: Taking your Cavoodle on hikes or walks in new and interesting locations allows them to explore and discover new sights and smells. This can be an especially enriching activity for Cavoodles who live in urban environments and may not have as many opportunities to experience the outdoors.
Socialization and playdates: Interacting with other dogs and people can be a great source of mental and social stimulation for your Cavoodle. Consider setting up playdates with other dogs or visiting dog parks to allow your Cavoodle to socialize and play with others.
Scent work: Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell and can be trained to use their nose to locate specific scents. This type of activity not only provides mental stimulation but also allows your Cavoodle to use its natural abilities. Consider enrolling in a scent work class or training your Cavoodle at home using a specific scent, such as an essential oil.
There are many other activities that you can do with your Cavoodle to provide them with mental and physical stimulation. Consider purchasing puzzles and toys specifically designed for dogs, or get creative and make your own DIY enrichment activities. The most important thing is to ensure that your Cavoodle has plenty of outlets for their energy and doesn't become bored. Not only will this prevent destructive behaviours, but it will also contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of your Cavoodle.