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Summer Enrichment Tips from A’Lord Miniature Schnauzer
Summer is in full swing, and here in Alabama, we take advantage of every good weather day we can get. At A’Lord Miniature Schnauzer, we believe in making the most of every moment with our dogs—whether it’s sunny, rainy, or somewhere in between.  Dog encourages us to hit the trails even on the dreariest days. It’s just one of the many enrichment activities.
So, what exactly is enrichment? Whether you have a playful dog or a smart, spirited Miniature Schnauzer, dogs have natural behaviors they need to express—chewing, running, chasing, digging, sniffing, barking, and more. Enrichment means giving your dog opportunities to express these behaviors, which is essential for their physical and emotional well-being. Plus, it strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
From playful puppies to senior companions, all dogs benefit from enrichment. The types of activities they enjoy vary depending on age, breed, play style, and health. For aging dogs, enrichment can even help stimulate their brain and slow cognitive decline.
At A’Lord Miniature Schnauzer, we encourage every Schnauzer family to find simple, affordable ways to bring enrichment into daily routines. Here are some ideas we love:
Sniffing
Long-leash walks in nature are a great way to let your dog explore and sniff. If your on a hike use a 30-foot lead, your schnauzer will choose his/her pace, direction, and what to investigate. Long leads give freedom while maintaining safety—especially in shared public spaces. Even if you have a Miniature Schnauzer with excellent recall, a long lead is a great option for controlled freedom.
For older dogs or those with mobility issues, regular leash walks can still be enriching. Let them sniff at their own pace, choose where to go, and explore new paths.
Foraging
Make mealtime more fun by letting your dog work for their food! Research shows dogs enjoy food more when they earn it. Try:
• Snuffle mats to hide kibble or treats.
• Scatter feeding—hide food in the house or yard and let your dog hunt.
• Puzzle toys—store-bought or DIY with muffin tins, cardboard boxes, or paper towel tubes. Be creative but supervise to ensure safe play.
Chewing and Licking
Chewing and licking are soothing for many dogs. Miniature Schnauzers in particular enjoy having a job to do, so give them stuffed Kongs, LickiMats, or long-lasting chews. Fill them with safe ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin puree, or wet food. Freeze them to make the fun last even longer.
Learning
Training is one of the best enrichment tools around. Miniature Schnauzers are especially intelligent and love a mental challenge. Positive reinforcement training can include basic manners or fun tricks, and it’s great for building attention and problem-solving skills at any age.
All these forms of enrichment can enhance your dog’s well-being and help prevent unwanted behaviors like inappropriate chewing or barking. Whether you’re raising a spirited Miniature Schnauzer puppy from A’Lord or enjoying life with a senior dog, incorporating daily enrichment is a rewarding way to connect.
We hope you and your Schnauzer (or any beloved dog) have a blast trying these ideas this summer!