🎃 Don’t Toss Those Pumpkins Yet — Fun Fall Ideas for You and Your Dog
Halloween has come and gone, but don’t be too quick to toss those pumpkins! Fall fun isn’t over yet — and with a little creativity, your leftover pumpkins can become a source of enrichment, healthy treats, and even great training opportunities for your dog.
At Ridgeside K9 Nashville, we love turning everyday items into chances to build skills, confidence, and connection between dogs and their humans. Here are a few of our favorite dog-friendly ways to use pumpkins now that spooky season is behind us.
🐾 1. Make Pumpkin Dog Treats
If your pumpkins haven’t been carved or painted, they can make delicious and healthy snacks for your pup! Pumpkin is loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support digestion and immune health.
Try blending plain pumpkin purée, oats, and peanut butter into simple, dog-safe treats. You can bake them or freeze them for later — both make great high-value rewards during training sessions!
💡 Tip: Always use plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices that can upset your dog’s stomach.
🎯 2. Turn a Pumpkin into a Puzzle Toy
Enrichment is a huge part of a well-balanced dog’s life — and pumpkins make great natural “toys.”
Cut a few holes in a pumpkin and drop in some kibble or treats. Let your dog roll it around to make the treats fall out. This not only engages your dog’s nose and brain, but also builds problem-solving skills and patience — both of which we encourage in our training programs!
🐶 3. Practice Scent Work with Pumpkins
Pumpkins have a strong, earthy scent that’s perfect for hiding treats during scent games.
Place several pumpkins around your yard or home, hide treats inside or behind them, and encourage your dog to “find it.” It’s an easy way to work on focus, impulse control, and engagement — all through play!
🍂 4. Capture a Fall-Themed Photo Session
Before you compost your pumpkins, use them for a fun autumn photoshoot! Stack them with some hay, leaves, or cozy blankets, and let your pup pose for the camera.
Photos like these are great for celebrating your progress in training and showing off your dog’s personality. (Tag us if you post your photos — we’d love to see your fall fun!)
🌱 5. Compost or Donate the Rest
When you’re done, you can compost your pumpkins to give back to the earth, or check if local farms or wildlife rescues accept donations. Just make sure your pumpkins are free of paint, wax, or candles before repurposing.
💡 A Quick Safety Reminder
Avoid using old, rotting, or decorated pumpkins for dog treats or play. Only use fresh, clean pumpkins that haven’t been sitting outside or exposed to mold.
🎃 Final Thoughts
Pumpkins aren’t just for Halloween — they’re a wonderful, seasonal way to have fun with your dog while supporting their health and training goals.
Whether you’re baking treats, building enrichment toys, or working on focus through scent games, each activity strengthens your bond and helps your dog learn in a joyful way.
If you’re ready to take your dog’s training (and fun!) to the next level, contact us today to learn more about our programs. We’re here to help you and your pup grow together — one pumpkin at a time! 🧡
