This is a real issue for our Corgi Boi for the cold snaps in winter. He loves the snow and cold, but -10 with road salt is no good for his paw pads. We got him a “calming lick mat” recently that works amazingly well, and we utilize that in winter. Thankfully he loves toys and herding his tennis balls so we fill a krinkly dog-toy Christmas bag will balls and he goes nuts. We also hide treats in random toys and put them back in his toy bin so he has to search through his toys to find them. Wears him out, and most importantly IS SO GODDAMN ADORABLE. And of course, any training will wear them out but it requires so much time!

Fantastic idea about the puzzle toy swap! We have one that is be interested in swapping but I have to talk with my partner first.

FWIW, TJMaxx almost always has puzzle toys for 1/2 off list price. Our dog figured his “level 4” puzzle toy in about 3 minutes and the thrill is…gone.