Pet Sensory Activity: Wash the Dog

Pet Theme Sensory Bin

We are absolutely addicted to sensory activities around here, they’re one of our favorite ways to play. I created this incredibly simple pet sensory bin activity for my son and it was smash hit. A little dirt and some bubbles makes for one happy kid!

pet theme sensory play for preschool

Pet Sensory Bin

Sensory play is a wonderful way for kids to explore and learn about the world around them. It’s the perfect way to invite them to learn using their senses, engage in imaginary play, and even learn some life skills along the way.

two buckets (one dirty, one clean) of water with toy pets inside

Pet Sensory Activity Set-Up

For this sensory activity, the set up couldn’t have been easier.

Materials:

  • Two plastic containers
  • Mud
  • Bubble bath
  • Cleaning supplies (towels, sponges, tooth brush, etc)
  • Dog figures (such as Dogs TOOB) or other animal figures

To create your own Wash The Dog sensory activity, first fill one plastic tub with mud. Just add a few scoops of dirt from the playground or backyard and some water to make mud.

Next, place some pet figures in the mud – hiding a few and really making things good and dirty.

Then, fill the other tub with clean water, bubble bath, and a variety of cleaning tools.

pet sensory bin of dirty water with toy pets

Pet Sensory Bin Introduction

Start by introducing the pet theme to your students. Ask them questions like “What does the word ‘pet’ mean?”

Identifying and discussing this vocabulary word is an important part of the introduction process. Ask your students to name some pets they either have or have seen in the world around them.

Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!

Preview in the Shop

Pet Theme Bundle

18 of our most popular pet theme resources, including math, literacy, and dramatic play! Make learning fun with these hands-on resources!

Next, introduce the activity and invite your kids to explore the pet figures, the mud, and the water in the bins. Ask them what they think they should do if their animals are dirty? Then let them have at it and see how it goes.

You’ll be amazed at all of the wonderful imaginary play and conversations that will happen around bathing the animals.

He headed off into a wonderful imaginary play adventure bathing these animals and cleaning them for their day.

cleaning the toy pet with a toothbrush

This activity really captured my son’s imagination. He cleaned each dog and cat with the water then transferred them back to the mud before beginning this game all over again. I love an activity that he can restart on his own with total ease.

scrubbing the toy pet with a toothbrush

The mess from the mud was minimal. Actually, hardly any at all. It wasn’t the nicest day so we did this inside and it was just fine for us. Certainly this would be a wonderful warm weather activity to do outside, too.

mud and soapy water in a plastic bin with toys

This sensory activity was terrific for us. My son loves the opposite play of the clean water vs. the mud, and I loved how engaged and active he was when playing. A perfect pet activity!

 

BIO: Susie is a former kindergarten teacher turned SAHM mom who’s just trying to make it to nap time. She blogs about the simple activities she does with her kids at Busy Toddler. You can join her party on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

More Pet Theme Activities—
Pet Paw Print Art
Pet Cafe Dramatic Play
Pet Supply Scavenger Hunt
Pet Shop Small World

Pet Shop Small World Play
Pet Paw Print Art Activity for Preschool
Pet Theme Supply Scavenger Hunt
Pet Theme Sensory Bin
a collage of 3 different books about pets
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Pet Theme Activities for Preschool
songs about pets for kids

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