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Keeping your dog in shape is an important part of dog wellness, but it’s also crucial to provide mental stimulation and enrichment for your dog.
“Dogs have greater powers of reasoning and intelligence than we usually give them credit for.” –Whole Dog Journal
Any vet will tell you that all dogs (and cats!) need enrichment. Every pet parent knows what it’s like when their four-legged friend seems on edge or appears to be crawling up the walls—even after exercise. In these cases, their dogs need some enrichment. A walk doesn’t always cut it.
Dog Enrichment: What and Why
Dogs are meant to live active lives, rather than sleep until their owners come home. Many studies, especially those conducted by zoos, have shown that enriching an animal’s environment improves the psychological and physical well-being of animals.
The co-authors of Beyond Squeaky Toys break down enrichment for animals into six different categories. Read on for simple, practical ways to provide enrichment for your dog each day. Note that all dogs are individuals, so not all of these activities will appeal equally to all dogs. Smaller dogs, for instance, might do better with a pop-up tunnel indoors; some dogs love bubbles while others are indifferent about them; some dogs are not food-motivated. The key is to experiment and find out what works for you and your dog.
6 Types of Enrichment for Dogs
Social enrichment
This provides opportunities for a pet to spend time with other animals and people in new, different environments. Examples include:
- Trips to the beach. Dogs enjoy romping on the beach and splashing in the water even more than you do, if you can believe that.
- Going shopping. Take your dog to the local pet shop, it’s a great environment that’s safe and pet-friendly.
- Going to the office. If your office allows it, take the little fella to work a few times a week.
Cognitive enrichment
This provides opportunities for thinking and problem-solving. Examples include:
- Puzzle toys. These are understandably super-popular and there are so many types to choose from. They’re fantastic for dogs that are constantly antsy and need a job between meals.
- Nosework. Another sport we’re big fans of. All dogs can excel at this easy-to-learn and fun search and scenting activity.
- Hide and seek. Ask your dog to stay, and then run and hide from your pet before calling them. This also builds a strong recall! Treat generously when your dog finds you.
Physical enrichment
This enhances the animal’s living space by changing or adding complexity to the environment.
- Provide a bury/dig pit. This is simple. Buy a dog paddling pool and fill it up with sand. You can even hide toys for your dogs to dig up.
- Blanket forts and tents. Children enjoy this as well!
- Pop-up tunnel. Similar to what’s used in agility training, these can be purchased online. Your pooch will love tearing through them in the back garden.
Sensory enrichment
This is enrichment that stimulates any of the five senses. Nosework is another good example.
- Bubbles, bubbles, and bubbles! You can even buy bacon-flavoured bubbles for dogs. No joke.
- Herbs and spices. Mint and cinnamon are not toxic and can be added to pet toys to encourage sniffing.
- New animal scents. If you or your friends have access to other dogs, cats or farm animals, give them an old towel or rag have him or her rub it all over the new animal. Then, when your dog isn’t around, place the cloth out of sight somewhere in the garden, beneath a bush or behind a tree. Only do this outside as dogs will often pee on another animal’s scent as a way of reclaiming territory.
- Wind chimes can be fun toys that offer new sounds to cats and dogs.
Feeding enrichment
This will make mealtimes more challenging and interesting. It includes how food is presented.
- Treats under a blanket. Simple—just hide them out of sight!
- A puzzle feeder can slow down gulpers and stimulate the mind.
- Ice treats. Try freezing small toys in giant ice cubes and see how long it takes before they can get access to them! Pro tip: do this on a surface you can clean easily.
- Muffin tin ball feeder. Cheapest nosework game you’ll find. Literally, put tennis balls in the muffin tin and hide food under some of the balls.
- Hand feeding is a great way to bond with your dog, especially when you first meet.
Toy enrichment
Objects that can be manipulated in some way—explored via feet, tail, and mouths! (Always take age into consideration).
- Remote and wind-up toys. Allow your dog to watch the toy, but don’t let them put it in their mouth!
- Lure and fishing pole toy. Attach a long piece of wool or string to a fishing pole (or stick) and while supervised, let your dog tug until they get bored.
- Stuff old clothing with anything smelly, like grass clippings.
The bottom line
Enrichment does more than just alleviate boredom. Shelters have discovered that enrichment can make dogs more adoptable. It can also help your dog live a longer, happier life, and improve your bond. What’s not to love? Enrichment doesn’t take a lot of time or money. Many of these tips are low maintenance and take just a few minutes, but will go a long way with your dogs. Try a few, see which sticks, and then weave it into your dog’s routine. If you can’t be around to provide the mental and physical enrichment your dog needs for whatever reason, you can find a loving sitter who offers dog boarding on Rover.com.
