Best Pomsky Dog Enrichment and Play Activities
Pomsky Dogs are an active and energetic dog breed. Pomskies are the happiest when they receive a lot of attention and can channel their energy into fun games and activities. This post includes the benefits of enrichment activities for pomsky dogs, how to choose activities based on your dog’s innate behaviors, and pomsky dog enrichment activities and toys.
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Benefits of Dog Enrichment Activities
Dog enrichment activities give your pomsky opportunities to engage their mind and body. It is important that pomsky dogs have enough mental stimulation to help them develop new skills and prevent them from being bored. When a pomsky dog is bored, they may engage in destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging, or they might be vocal such as whining or barking.
Choosing Activities Based on Pomsky Dog Innate Behaviors
Pomsky dogs are the most satisfied and well-behaved when their needs are met, including allowing them to engage in their innate behaviors. Some of these behaviors include digging, chasing, sniffing, hunting and licking. Set up opportunities for your dog to take part in these activities with specific toys and activities.
Pomsky Dog Enrichment
Training Sessions
Regular training sessions keep your dog’s mind sharp and strengthen your bond with them. Training involves socialization by having your pomsky listen and respond, and they are rewarded with treats and positive praise when they listen. It is recommended to incorporate short training sessions into your daily routines. For example, you can have your pomsky sit every time before you put their harness on or place a treat in front of your dog and have them sit and wait to be released before eating the treat.
Puzzle Toys
There are a variety of puzzle toys that challenge your dog to slide, rotate and lift pieces to reveal treats. Puzzle toys provide great mental stimulation for your dog and they use their problem solving skills to get a treat out by moving pieces in the puzzle. This fulfills your dog’s need to hunt for food as their ancestors did outdoors.
There are also puzzle balls, such as the IQ Treat ball, which will require your pomsky to push, spin and chase the ball to release treats.
Snuffle Mats and Lick Mats
Both snuffle mats and lick mats extend the time it takes your dog to eat their treats. Snuffle Mats satisfy your pomsky’s need to sniff and dig to find treats. Lick Mats satisfy your dog’s need to lick, and they can reduce stress for dogs who are anxious. Prepare a lick mat with peanut butter and your dog’s favorite treats, then leave it for them while you go to work. This will distract your pomsky when you leave and may reduce their separation anxiety while you are away.
Long Lasting Treats
Pomskies are often highly motivated by treats and you can extend the time it takes for them to eat the treats. The Pupsicle treat toy for dogs keeps your pomsky entertained for 20 minutes and challenges them to get the treat out of the durable rubber toy. Other toys like the Kong Stuff-a-Ball requires your dog to roll the ball around or pick it up and drop it until treats fall out. The Kong Goodie Ribbon will challenge your pomsky to reach treats pushed into each opening.
Playing Fetch and Tug
Give your pomsky opportunities to hunt and chase by playing fetch. You can play fetch with a ball or toys with different fabric textures, such as the KONG Floppy Knots toys. Pomskies also enjoy playing tug with toys so you can alternate between throwing the toy for your dog to fetch and pulling on the toy while they bite on the other side. Some great tug and fetch toys for pomskies include the Kong Wubba, Kong Floppy Knots, Lamb Chop or Barkbox Fluff Free toys.
Hiding Games
Challenge your pomsky to use their nose to sniff out treats by playing hiding games. Have someone hold your pomsky back or put them in a room while you place small treats around your home for your dog to find. You could also hide treats in Plastic Easter Eggs for your pomsky to pop open.
If you don’t want to hide treats, you can play hide and seek with your pomsky by going to a different room in the home and calling your pomsky’s name so they can come find you. Reward your pomsky with a treat so they come find you each time. This is a great way to practice the recall command.
Walking in New Areas
Keep your pomsky physically and mentally stimulated by going on daily walks. Change your walk route so your pomsky can explore the sights and smells of new areas. Pause and let your pomsky sniff, as this helps them learn about their environment and can have a relaxing effect for your dog, as it releases dopamine in their brain.
Socializing with New People or Dogs
While going for a walk, say hi to other people who are out walking and let your pomsky stop and sniff other dogs you encounter. First, check with the other owner to ask if it is okay for your dogs to say hi, and watch your pomsky’s body language to ensure they are calm and not feeling stressed or threatened by the other dog. When you give your pomsky opportunities to socialize with other dogs and people, it is a way of training them to stay calm, avoid jumping and learn to trust other adults and dogs.
Summary
Pomskies thrive when they have environments with a variety of toys and enrichment activities to prevent them from being bored and challenge them physically and mentally. There are a variety of enrichment activities that you can incorporate into your daily routine such as short training sessions, puzzle toys and going for walks on a different path.
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, The Pomsky Dog Blog LLC earns commission from qualifying purchases.