Keeping Dogs Mentally Stimulated During the Summer Holidays

The summer holidays can be an exciting time for families, but they can also bring big changes for dogs. Children may be at home more, visitors may come and go, routines can shift, and warmer weather may mean shorter or quieter walks.

For many dogs, mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Keeping their brain busy can help reduce boredom, frustration and restlessness. It can be especially useful on hot days when long walks or energetic games are not always safe.

Why mental stimulation matters

Dogs are naturally curious. They like to sniff, explore, solve problems, chew, search and interact with the world around them.

When dogs do not have enough to do, they may find their own entertainment. This can sometimes lead to behaviours such as barking, chewing, digging, stealing items, pestering for attention or struggling to settle.

Mental enrichment gives dogs a positive outlet for their energy. It can also help build confidence, support training and encourage calmer behaviour at home.

Use mealtimes as enrichment

One of the easiest ways to add mental stimulation is to make mealtimes more interesting.

Instead of feeding from a bowl every time, you could use a puzzle feeder, slow feeder, snuffle mat, treat ball or food-dispensing toy. You can also scatter part of your dog’s meal in the garden or hide small portions around a safe room for them to find.

This encourages natural sniffing and searching behaviour and can make a simple meal last much longer.

Always choose toys that are suitable for your dog’s size, chewing style and diet, and supervise them with anything new.

Try scent games

Scent work is a brilliant way to tire dogs out mentally without needing lots of physical exercise.

Start simply by asking your dog to wait while you hide a treat in plain sight, then encourage them to “find it”. As they get the idea, you can make the hiding places a little trickier.

You can play scent games indoors, in the garden, or in a shaded outdoor space. This is a great option during warmer weather because it can be done calmly and at your dog’s pace.

Keep training short and positive

Short training sessions are a good way to keep your dog’s brain engaged. Five minutes of practising cues such as sit, stay, recall, loose lead walking or settling on a mat can be very useful.

You can also teach simple tricks, such as giving a paw, spinning, touching your hand, going to bed, or tidying toys into a box.

Keep sessions fun, reward-based and short. Ending while your dog is still enjoying themselves is better than carrying on until they lose interest.

Offer safe chewing and licking activities

Chewing and licking can help some dogs relax. Suitable chews, lick mats or food-filled toys can be useful during busy family moments, such as mealtimes, visitors arriving, or children playing noisily.

Always choose safe, appropriate options for your dog and supervise them. Avoid very hard chews that could damage teeth, and speak to your vet if your dog has dental problems, dietary restrictions or a sensitive stomach.

Create calm spaces

During the summer holidays, some dogs can become overstimulated by extra noise, visitors or changes at home.

Make sure your dog has a quiet place where they can rest undisturbed. This might be a crate, bed, mat or separate room. Children and visitors should be encouraged to leave your dog alone when they are resting, eating or choosing to move away.

Rest is just as important as activity. A dog who has enough downtime is often better able to cope with busy days.

Adjust activity in hot weather

Mental stimulation is especially useful during hot weather, when long walks may not be suitable.

Walk early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler, keep exercise gentle during hot spells, and avoid energetic games in the heat. Indoors, choose calmer activities such as scent games, puzzle feeders, training or chewing.

Never leave your dog in a parked car, conservatory or poorly ventilated room, even for a short time.

Need help?

If your dog seems restless, bored, anxious, destructive, unsettled by visitors, or is struggling with changes to their routine, we are happy to help.

Small changes to daily enrichment, exercise and rest can make a big difference to your dog’s wellbeing.

Get in touch with us today, or book an appointment, we'll be happy to give you advice tailored to your dog.

Quick tips

• Use puzzle feeders, snuffle mats or treat toys.

• Try simple scent games indoors or in the garden.

• Keep training sessions short and positive.

• Offer safe chewing or licking activities.

• Make sure your dog has a quiet place to rest.

• Walk early or late during hot weather.

• Ask your vet for advice if behaviour changes suddenly.