Ice treasure block for dogs: how to play
Freeze toys and treats in a tub of water or broth. Your dog licks and paws the block to free them. A cool game for hot days.
- Time
- 20 min
- Energy
- Low
- Space
- Outdoors
You'll need
- ice-cream tub or bowl
- water or low-salt, onion-free broth
- treats, chunks of carrot, a rubber toy
Set up
Prep the night before. Play outside or on a towel.
How to play
Put treats and a toy in the tub, cover with water, and freeze.
Run warm water over the outside to pop the block out.
Put it on grass or in a tray and let your dog lick and paw.
Stay nearby. Pick up the toy once freed.
Clear melted mess after.
House rules
- Outside or on a towel.
- Toy goes away after.
- Make it easier
- A small, thin block, or a frozen lick mat.
- Make it harder
- Freeze in layers so treats are at different depths.
Signs it's having fun
Busy licking, pawing, and pouncing on freed treats.
Stop if you see
Biting hard at the ice, or guarding the block.
Safety
Safety- Use low-salt broth with no onion or garlic.
- Big ice chunks can crack teeth in hard chewers; let it soften a bit first.
- Ice doesn't treat heatstroke. Signs of heatstroke: call your vet now.
- Feed apart from other dogs.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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