Episode 9

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Published on:

22nd Aug 2025

9: Indoor Enrichment for Dogs: Fun Activities

In this episode of Tales and Tones, host Mariska discusses how to keep dogs entertained indoors, especially during extreme weather conditions. She shares personal anecdotes about responsible pet ownership and the importance of picking up after dogs. The episode highlights various indoor enrichment activities, including games like hide and seek, the toilet roll challenge, and tug of war, as well as the significance of rotating enrichment toys to keep dogs mentally stimulated. Mariska also shares heartwarming stories about dogs making a difference in their communities, emphasizing the bond between pets and their owners.

Bonus tip: You can always take you pet to the local pet shop or hardware store if they are dog friendly or a wonderful indoor snuffle too.

Takeaways:

  • Indoor enrichment is crucial for dogs during extreme weather.
  • Responsible pet ownership includes cleaning up after your dog.
  • Engaging games can keep dogs happy and stimulated indoors.
  • Enrichment activities should be tailored to each dog's preferences.
  • Rotating puzzle toys helps maintain a dog's interest and challenge.
  • Tug of war is a great way to release energy indoors.
  • Trick training can strengthen the bond between dog and owner.
  • Heartwarming dog stories remind us of the impact pets can have.
  • Finding fun activities is more important than perfection in pet care.
  • Community engagement is vital for responsible pet ownership.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

Fetch or Forget, Earth Rated Natural Rubber Treat Toy

Where Tails meet hearts, Kelby & Nixie (That Nepa Newfie)

Paw-lebrity of the Week, Some Frenchie Named Apollo


Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00]- Introduction to Indoor Dog Enrichment

[03:29]- The Importance of Picking Up After Your Dog

[04:15]- Keeping Dogs Happy Indoors

[06:11]- Fun Indoor Games for Dogs

[17:23]- Enrichment Toys and Puzzle Rotation

[20:17]- Fetch or Forget, Earth Rated Natural Rubber Treat Toy

[23:03]- Tug and Chase Play

[26:55]- Trick Training Sessions

[27:53]- Where Tails meet hearts, Kelby & Nixie (That Nepa Newfie)

[29:37]- Paw-lebrity of the Week, Some Frenchie Named Apollo

[31:07]- Recap and Conclusion

*I mistakenly called Artemis a boy in this episode. Straight to doggy hell with me. Artemis, you’re a queen 👑—apologies and virtual treats incoming!

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About the Podcast

Tails and Tones
Helpful tips, heartwarming tails, and honest reviews for the busy pet parent.
Helpful tips, heart-warming tails, and honest reviews for the busy dog parent.



Being a dog mom is the best—but let’s be real, it can also be confusing, messy, and a little lonely sometimes. That’s why Tails & Tones exists.



Every Friday, host Mariska (fellow dog parent and dog-obsessed human) delivers short, soulful episodes filled with practical dog care tips, honest product reviews, heart-warming stories, and real-life advice for intentional, busy dog parents like you.



Listen on your favorite podcast app—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or anywhere you tune in. You can also subscribe at https://tailsandtones.com/listen



If something in the show speaks to you—or you know a fellow dog parent who’d love it—please share it and leave a review on https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/tails-and-tones-6086657



Got questions or just want to say hi? I’m always around on Instagram @tailsandtones



Where every tail tells a story, and every tone speaks from the heart.



Podcast launch date 4 July



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About your host

Profile picture for Mariska Nell

Mariska Nell

Mariska Nell is a podcast host, pet advocate, sustainability expert, and proud dog mom to her rescue French Bulldog, Piper—also known as the real boss of the house. With a background in design and environmental science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design focused on the pet industry, Mariska brings heart, humor, and purpose to everything she creates.

She’s the founder and host of Tails and Tones, a soulful podcast for intentional pet parents, where she shares insights, stories, and reviews that help make pet care a little easier and a lot more joyful. She also hosts Mama Earth Talk, where she dives into sustainability topics with changemakers from around the world.

Whether she’s recording episodes, consulting on pet-focused sustainability projects, or out on a walk with Piper, Mariska is passionate about creating a better world—for pets, their people, and the planet.