Here’s 7 Fun Farm-themed Ways to Keep your Dog Enriched!

1. “Barnyard Fetch”

Create a farm-inspired version of fetch by using your toy from this month’s box. You could set up mini hay bales or obstacles around the yard to make it more interactive, mimicking the open spaces of a farm where a dog can run and chase.

• Pro tip: Make the game more challenging by adding a few hidden “treat stations” behind the obstacles, encouraging sniffing and running.

2. “Find the Chicken” – Farmyard Snuffle Game

Turn a snuffle mat into a farmyard-themed search-and-find game! Scatter your treats from your box within the mat or hidden under their toy. It’s a great way to mentally stimulate your dog, similar to how farm dogs search for hidden objects or food.

• What you need: A snuffle mat or a DIY version using a blanket, plus small plush animals or treats shaped like chickens and other farm animals.

3. “Sheepdog Training” – Herding Challenge

If you have a dog with a herding instinct (like a Border Collie), you can create a fun herding simulation at home. Use soft stuffed sheep toys or even lightweight balls. Set up a small area in your yard and have your dog practice “herding” the sheep into a designated spot like a pen or a circle.

• Beginner version: Use large balls or toys that are easy to nudge and move around.

4. “Corn Maze Adventure”

If you have enough space, set up a mini ‘corn maze’ in your garden using obstacles or even DIY cardboard corn stalks. Guide your dog through the “corn maze” as they search for treats or favorite toys hidden at the end of the trail.

• Indoor alternative: Use furniture and blankets to create a small maze indoors.

5. “Duck Pond Retrieval”

If your dog enjoys water, recreate a farmyard duck pond retrieval game! Toss floating toys (such as rubber ducks) into a shallow bowl and let your dog practice their retrieval skills. It’s a great way to encourage swimming or playing with water-loving dogs.

• Tip: For dogs who are hesitant around water, start with shallow water and reward them with treats for simply getting their paws wet.

6. “Chicken Coop Hide-and-Seek”

Play a game of hide-and-seek with your dog around “farmyard” objects like mini chicken coops, barns, or small obstacles. Hide behind large objects like trees or inside makeshift cardboard barns and let your dog use their sense of smell to find you.

7. “Farm-Themed Treat Puzzle”

Create a farm-themed DIY puzzle toy. You can cut out shapes like cows, pigs, and chickens from cardboard, and hide treats under these animal figures. Encourage your dog to use their nose or paws to discover and retrieve the treats, simulating foraging on a farm.