You’ve snagged The Busy Blanket—nice choice! Now, watch these video tips to help your pup become a sniffing superstar and get the most out of their new favorite foraging game.
No worries! Just like with any new toy or activity, there can be a bit of a learning curve. But with a little patience and positive reinforcement, your furry friend will be a Busy Blanket pro in no time. Here’s more tips on how you can help them succeed with their new foraging game.
First things first—patience is key. Every dog learns at their own pace. Some might dive right in, while others need a bit more encouragement. Remember, it’s all about making the experience fun and stress-free for your pup.
Praise and treats are your best friends here. When your dog shows interest in The Busy Blanket, reward them with a treat and some enthusiastic praise. Positive reinforcement will help them associate the blanket with good things.
Ease your dog into it by allowing them to watch you place a treat on the blanket. Then leave a treat near a pocket opening, where they can see it. Then leave a treat just inside of the pocket, near the opening, partially exposed. This builds their confidence and helps them understand that the blanket is a treasure trove of goodies.
Once your pup gets the hang of finding the treats near the openings, start hiding them a bit deeper. Move at a pace that’s comfortable for your dog, gradually increasing the difficulty as they become more skilled at sniffing out the treats. Once they get the hang of it, you can even start hiding 2 treats per pocket, one in each corner, to keep them sniffing even longer. If your pup starts to tear at the blanket, rewind. Go back to step 3 and repeat until they get the hang of it again. Repeat as many times as needed with lots of love and patience. When they are ready, move back to step 4.
Keep things interesting by varying the types of treats you use. Our dehydrated beef liver tiny dog treats are perfect for this—they’re healthy, delicious, and just the right size for hiding. Plus, your dog will love the variety!
If your pup gets frustrated, keep training sessions short and sweet. You want your dog to stay engaged and excited, not overwhelmed. Five to ten minutes at a time is perfect for building their skills and keeping the experience positive.
Incorporate The Busy Blanket into your daily routine. Consistency helps your dog know what to expect and look forward to their sniffing sessions. Whether it’s part of their playtime, training, or a fun way to feed them meals, routine is your ally.
Every dog is unique, so pay attention to how your pup interacts with The Busy Blanket and adjust your approach as needed. Some dogs might need more time with treats partially exposed, while others might be ready for more challenging hiding spots sooner.
Remember, this is a journey for both you and your dog. Celebrate the small victories along the way. Did your pup find a treat hidden in a deeper pocket for the first time? That’s a win!
Most importantly, enjoy the time you spend with your dog. The Busy Blanket isn’t just about the treats—it’s about enhancing your pup’s life through enrichment and mental stimulation. And hey, it’s a fantastic way for you to bond with your furry best friend.
These slow-dehydrated beef liver bites are the perfect match for The Busy Blanket. Hand-cut into perfectly-sized, tiny morsels–they’re made to keep your pup locked into the hunt without the calorie overload. Giving you more bang for your treat buck.
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