Cooking during the holidays can feel like a marathon — sizzling pans, open ovens, full counters, and a dog who suddenly wants to “help.” If your pup circles the kitchen like a sous-chef on a mission, you’re not alone! With a few simple enrichment ideas, you can keep your dog calm, busy, and safely out of the way while you cook this season.
🐾 Why Dogs Get Busy During Meal Prep
The kitchen is full of irresistible smells, new sounds, and dropped crumbs — basically a dog’s dream. With a little direction, though, your pup can learn that cooking time means chill time, not chaos.
🍯 1. Lick Mats for Instant Calm
A lick mat is one of the easiest ways to keep your dog content while you cook.
- Spread pumpkin purée, plain yogurt, or peanut butter (dog-safe, of course).
- Freeze it for a longer-lasting distraction.
- Place the mat on the floor away from the stove to create a safe “relax zone.”
Licking naturally soothes dogs and encourages a calm mindset, making it perfect for busy cooking hours.
🍗 2. Scatter Feeding for Curiosity & Sniffing
Scatter feeding turns your kitchen or dining area into a low-effort enrichment zone.
- Sprinkle a handful of dry treats or kibble across the floor in a safe, open area.
- Let your dog sniff, search, and explore at their own pace.
- Sniffing burns energy and reduces anxiety — ideal during high-traffic moments.
For even more fun, use Big Head Barkery mini treats for a scent-filled treasure hunt.
🧺 3. The Settle Cue: Your Cooking Superpower
Teaching a solid settle cue can help your dog relax on a bed or mat while you work.
How to teach it:
- Choose a mat or bed placed away from the hot zones.
- Cue “settle” as your dog lies down.
- Reward with a steady stream of small treats while they remain relaxed.
- Gradually increase duration and distractions.
Soon, your pup will know that when you head to the kitchen, their job is to settle and chill.
🦴 4. Long-Lasting Chews for Holiday Prep Time
For dogs who need a little more engagement, long-lasting chews are your best friend. Pairing a chew with a cozy mat can keep even high-energy pups content for 15–30 minutes.
Check out our Boredom-Buster Bundles — a mix of chews and long-lasting treats designed specifically for moments when you need your hands (and counter space) free.
❤️ A Peaceful Kitchen = A Happy Dog
With lick mats, scatter games, the settle cue, and long-lasting chews, you can transform cooking time from chaotic to calm. These simple enrichment ideas keep your dog safely entertained, reduce pacing and begging, and give you room to cook without worry.