Easy enrichment for your dog
Read on to discover what enrichment is, why your dog needs it, and how to get started!
This dog is replicating scavenging for food outside by hunting for kibble inside, in a snuffle mat.
What is enrichment?
When we go to the zoo and see chimps playing with toys, panthers finding and tearing apart meat, or otters diving for and opening shellfish, they’re engaging in enrichment activities.
Enrichment refers to activities that give your dog outlets for her natural behaviors, including:
Sniffing
Chewing
Digging
Sourcing food
Using their jaws and paws on objects
Why dogs need it
Enrichment activities burn off physical and mental energy and are stress- relievers and boredom busters for dogs. Studies show that enrichment activities, along with adequate exercise, can prevent a host of unwanted behaviors in our dogs.
These are suitable for dogs of all ages and especially benefit senior dogs who may have reduced mobility.
Audition a few different types of items ... your dog will have favorites. You can even swap toys with friends or in a local “buy nothing” group!
Pro secret: Dogs can get all their meals via enrichment activities
Let your dog’s meals work for you
Dogs are hardwired to find food whenever possible — give them a food toy while you:
Put away groceries
Prepare dinner
Are in an online meeting
Exercise or take a shower
Relax after a long day
Change or bathe the baby
Help children with homework
If you’re expecting a baby
Create an enrichment toy “wish list” or registry and have friends help you stock up before the baby arrives.
Have friends set you up with a subscription from BarkBox, BullyBox, Dogby, or another high-quality enrichment toy delivery service.
Enrichment you have around the house *
Scatter dry food indoors or outdoors for a kibble hunt (especially challenging for your dog in the snow)
Wrap dry food in towels and let your dog unroll them
“Treasure boxes:” Put dry food and aromatic treats in an empty cardboard box and tape it shut; make it extra challenging by adding balls, crumpled newspaper, or empty toilet rolls to give your dog more to root through
Put kibble or treats in a muffin tin and cover with balls
Pop the kibble into a cardboard egg carton — tape shut for a challenge
* Homemade toys are best for dogs who are not likely to eat shredded paper or fabric.
Children love to help prepare enrichment items. Adults should give the item to the dog; always actively supervise children and dogs.
Digging, walks, and playtime as enrichment
Digging is an immensely enriching activity for dogs and — yes! — should be encouraged.
You can Create a digging pit with a kiddie pool, find a place in your yard your dog can dig, or even purchase an indoor digging pit toy.
Sniffing, tugging, fetching and digging are activities that most dogs love.
My all-time favorite enrichment tool is a long leash (15’ or 20’) for sniff walks. Let your dog drag the leash while she safely wanders, follows her nose, and explores. Bring kibble for her to find!
Give your dog a place to dig by creating an area in your yard or filling a small kiddie pool with sand or dirt, burying toys and food in there, and encouraging your dog to find them
Tug is easy to play with old knotted together t-shirts or sturdy towels. Growling is part of the tug game (note: tug is a game with rules, and children should not tug with a dog)
Does your dog fetch but not drop the ball? Have a stash of ball to exchange during playtime
Items pro dog trainers love
If you’d like to purchase some enrichment items, there are countless enrichment toys available online and at pet supply stores. Some of our favorites are:
Stuffable food toys such as Kongs and Toppls — scan the QR code for my super-easy Kong stuffing method
Treat-dispensing toys such as Kong Wobblers, Tricky Treat balls, Starmark Bob-a-Lot, and Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Rocks
Snuffle mats
Silicone lick mats
Nina Ottoson’s puzzle feeders
Indoor digging pits