Chill Vibes Only: 4 Fun (and Stealthily Calming) Activities for Your Pup
When most of us think about "tiring out" our dogs, we picture high-speed games of fetch, long jogs, or chaotic wrestling matches at the dog park. And hey, those are great! But sometimes, high-energy play can actually leave a dog more revved up and "wired" rather than relaxed.
If you’ve got a pup who struggles to find their "off" switch, it’s time to trade the cardio for some brain work. Here are 4 unconventional, calming activities that will tire your dog out mentally without sending their adrenaline through the roof.
1. The "Sniffari" (A.K.A. The Slowest Walk Ever)
We usually walk dogs to get from Point A to Point B, but for a dog, the "news" is in the grass. Letting your dog lead the way and sniff every single blade of grass for as long as they want is called a Sniffari.
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Why it works: Sniffing actually lowers a dog’s heart rate. Research suggests that 20 minutes of intense sniffing is just as tiring for a dog’s brain as an hour of running!
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The Goal: Put the leash on, head outside, and let your dog be the boss. If they want to stand in one spot for five minutes? Let ‘em. It’s like they’re reading a very long, very interesting novel with their nose.
2. The "Recycle Bin" Party
Got a bunch of empty cereal boxes, toilet paper rolls, or packing paper? Don’t toss them yet! You can create a "destruction box."
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How to do it: Take a large cardboard box and fill it with safe "trash" (paper, smaller boxes). Hide some treats, like a broken-up Sea Biskitz Calming Treat, inside the various layers.
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Why it’s calming: Tearing and shredding is a natural instinct for dogs. By giving them a safe outlet to "destroy" things, you’re helping them release pent-up frustration in a focused, quiet way. Plus, finding those Sea Biskitz bits at the bottom is the ultimate "jackpot" reward!
3. The Muffin Tin Mystery
You don’t need fancy, expensive puzzle toys to give your dog a mental workout. Just head to your kitchen.
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The Setup: Grab a muffin tin and place a few treats in the holes. Then, cover every hole with a tennis ball (or any toy that fits).
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The Game: Your dog has to figure out how to nudge, lift, or paw the balls out of the way to get to the snacks. It’s a great "intro to puzzles" game that builds confidence without being over-stimulating.
4. Reggae & Chill (Seriously!)
Believe it or not, dogs have a music preference! A famous study by the Scottish SPCA found that while classical music is okay, Reggae and Soft Rock actually resulted in the lowest stress levels in dogs.
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The Activity: On a rainy day when the zoomies are hitting, put on some Bob Marley, dim the lights, and give your pup a long-lasting chew or a lick mat.
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The Sea Biskitz Hack: If you’re using a lick mat, try crumbling a Sea Biskitz treat into some plain yogurt or peanut butter. The act of licking releases endorphins (the "feel-good" hormones) in their brain, and the calming ingredients in the treats help lock in those relaxation vibes.
Why "Calm Fun" Matters
By incorporating these low-impact, high-brain-power activities, you’re teaching your dog how to be "busy" without being "stressed." It’s the perfect way to wind down after a long day or prep them for a potentially stressful event like a thunderstorm.
Wishing you calm seas and wagging tails,
The Sea Biskitz Pack
